Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Melbourne, FL

Start by calling 911 to report the accident, even for seemingly minor injuries, medical documentation is crucial. Collect photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Get driver, vehicle, witness, and insurance details for both the rideshare and any involved third parties. Use the rideshare app to report the incident promptly. Don’t discuss fault with anyone at the scene. Contact an experienced Melbourne rideshare accident attorney immediately to handle communications with insurers and preserve electronic evidence, such as the driver’s trip status. Douglas R. Beam P.A., with 37+ years representing local injury victims and record-setting verdicts, can ensure all insurance layers (personal, rideshare, commercial) are identified and the claim is filed correctly.

In Florida, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses regardless of fault. If damages exceed that or you lack PIP as a visitor, coverage depends on the Uber or Lyft driver’s app status. If the driver was active, rideshare company contingent liability (up to $1 million) may apply. Their personal insurance may also provide coverage, but these cases are complex. Claim denials are common if evidence or app data is missing. A Melbourne rideshare accident attorney can help coordinate benefits and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Fault is determined by police reports, witness statements, crash data, and app-provided GPS trip logs. Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re found less than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Rideshare claims involve multiple parties and layered insurance, so gathering evidence, like driver phone records, surveillance video, and independent accident reconstruction, is critical. Douglas R. Beam P.A. excels at strategically investigating liability from every angle, ensuring clients receive the maximum possible compensation even in complex, multi-party fault scenarios involving Melbourne’s unique traffic patterns.

Yes, always report any rideshare accident to the police in Melbourne, regardless of severity. A police report is vital evidence for insurance claims, and not having one can severely limit or delay your injury compensation.

You have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a lawsuit in Florida. Missing this strict deadline generally means losing your right to any financial recovery, no matter how strong your case.

Usually, you’ll pursue claims through Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage, not by suing the company directly. Direct lawsuits are rare unless gross negligence or corporate misconduct can be proven, which requires detailed legal analysis.

Common injuries include whiplash, fractures, head trauma, and soft tissue damage. If symptoms worsen or new ones appear days later, seek immediate medical attention and update your claim to reflect ongoing diagnosis and treatment.

Yes, contingent liability coverage applies when a rideshare driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride. Typically covering up to $50,000 per person for injuries. Coverage increases if the ride was accepted or ongoing.

Seasonal congestion and longer emergency response times in Melbourne can worsen injuries and delay care. Thorough medical documentation and local legal expertise are essential for maximizing compensation and proving damages in your rideshare claim.

As a passenger, your rates typically won’t increase for filing a rideshare injury claim, since your own insurer was not responsible for the accident. Claims are paid by available rideshare and driver insurance first.