Close to half a million people each year are injured or killed in car accidents in Florida. The consequences include property damage, injuries, incapacitation, and fatalities. Rideshare accidents can be just as dangerous. Have you been in an accident while using a rideshare app? At Carey Leisure Carney, we understand how serious & potentially confusing a rideshare accident can be, especially since so many parties are involved. The added confusion can add to the trauma, injury, and stress that comes with an accident.
Our passionate & committed personal injury attorneys are experts in all car-accident-related legal issues and we know exactly how to handle a rideshare accident. When you trust Carey Leisure Carney, you’ll receive one-on-one attention while your case is being resolved.
With over 100+ years of combined hands-on experience, you know we will be able to help. We will always do whatever we can to make sure you get the compensation you deserve and the ability to get back to your life without stress!
What is a Rideshare App?
A rideshare app is a modern-day taxi, where the driver uses their own car to receive and transport passengers through an app payment program. Some common examples of popular rideshare apps include Uber and Lyft.
Here’s how the app operates for its drivers.
Typically, the drivers are treated as independent contractors and, therefore, work for the service on their own schedule and merit. Furthermore, the company will likely not provide any medical benefits or tax deductions for the individual. They will be independent of the company but still work according to their procedure.
Rideshare Independent Contractor Insurance Requirements
For a rideshare app, independent contractors use their own vehicle and therefore are required to have their own, up-to-date insurance plan. The app monitors this and if their insurance is not current, they likely will not be able to accept work inside of the app.
In addition, the app itself may have insurance for additional coverage while the independent contractor is using the app. Each rideshare app should have policies and procedures in place for when accidents happen that can be easily found within the app itself.
An accident during the use of rideshare can lead to many complications and questions as far as who is at fault and who is eligible to receive compensation. Whether you are the driver or the passenger, we will work hard to make sure the case is resolved and that you are compensated accordingly.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Rideshare Accident
When accepting a job with a rideshare app or participating as a passenger, we recommend you read over their policies. This will ensure you are prepared if an accident occurs.
From there, at the scene of the accident, you will need to give a statement to the police and take clear photos of the damage to you, the car, or any personal items.
When it comes to getting into an accident while using a rideshare app, the driver will most likely report to their insurance company. In addition, they will need to report it to the app they are working for. As a passenger in this situation, you will need to do the same thing.
You can trust one of our expert personal injury lawyers to get the job done for any further compensation and resolution.
What to do as a Driver for a Rideshare App if you are involved in an Accident?
As a driver for a Rideshare app, regardless of whether the hours you work to provide your primary source of income, you will suffer lost wages as a result of your accident. As a “gig” employee, meaning you work on your own schedule whenever there is demand in your area, it can be difficult to prove these lost wages without proper documentation. You can trust the experienced Attorneys at Carey Leisure Carney to help you through this process.
Prove Lost Wages After the Rideshare Accident
As a matter of policy, rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft will suspend your account shortly after an accident is reported to investigate. Before this occurs, log in to your Partner Dashboard and download or print your detailed weekly pay summary as soon as possible. This report will provide comprehensive information on your driving patterns with the platform, which is essential for proving lost wages.
For example, if the report indicates that you drove for the rideshare app every Friday and Saturday night from the hours of 8:00 pm- 2:00 am for eight weeks before the accident, and you miss four weekends as a result of your injuries in an accident, this will help provide sufficient evidence to claim lost wages.
Your detailed pay statement will also provide the mileage associated with your income from the rideshare app, which will help to project your accrued expenses based on the IRS Standard Mileage Rate for Business, which is currently 56 cents per business mile driven. Tax records can also provide further evidence of prior expenses related to driving for a rideshare app.
Prevent Lost Wages If You Were Hurt During the Accident
When seeking medical treatment, be sure to mention your employment with the rideshare app to your medical provider, and specifically ask if you can continue working during your treatment. Often, your medical provider will keep you out of work or require modified duties, restricting your ability to maintain your normal driving schedule. If this occurs, request a disability slip before leaving your practitioner’s office as further proof of lost wages.
At Carey Leisure Carney, we understand that it can be overwhelming to handle these issues after an accident. Our Attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience in handling auto accident cases, and we would be honored to represent you for your claim.
Incomparable Service with Carey Leisure Carney
With years of experience, credibility, and the highest quality customer service on your side, you can count on Carey Leisure Carney to take a one-on-one approach for your rideshare accident and treat you with the utmost attention and respect.
Whether you are in Clearwater, Florida, or a surrounding city, we will quickly get you the help you deserve after your accident. We will even help you collect any evidence to assist your case and assess the accident scene based on your statement and photos.
Contact us today at (727) 291-9354 for a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation. Again, we are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve following your rideshare accident.