Palm Beach County Uber, Lyft, Taxi & Limo Accident Lawyer
Palm Beach County is constantly on the move. From residents relying on rideshares for a night out in downtown Delray Beach to tourists taking taxis from Palm Beach International Airport, Uber, Lyft, taxis, and limos are everywhere. Unfortunately, this high volume of commercial and rideshare traffic on busy roads like I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and Okeechobee Boulevard inevitably leads to collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a hired vehicle, the aftermath can be incredibly confusing. Dealing with multiple insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and complex liability rules requires a steady hand. At The Altman Law Firm, led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, we represent injury victims across South Florida, helping them understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
The Complexity of Rideshare and Taxi Accidents
Unlike a standard two-car collision, crashes involving an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or limousine introduce layers of complexity. Rideshare companies operate under a tiered insurance system in Florida, meaning the available coverage changes depending on whether the driver was waiting for a request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. Taxi and limo companies have their own commercial insurance policies and corporate structures designed to protect their bottom line. Navigating these overlapping policies while dealing with physical recovery is overwhelming. We work to identify all potential sources of insurance coverage and hold the appropriate parties accountable.
Common Causes of Hired Vehicle Crashes in Palm Beach County
Drivers for rideshare apps and taxi services are often under pressure to complete as many trips as possible. This can lead to dangerous behaviors on local roads. In Palm Beach County, we frequently see accidents caused by driver fatigue, distracted driving while checking GPS apps, speeding to beat traffic on Glades Road, or making sudden stops to pick up passengers in busy areas like West Palm Beach or Boca Raton. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning that fault can be shared among multiple parties. Thoroughly investigating the crash scene, securing witness statements, and obtaining electronic data from the rideshare app or vehicle are critical steps in building a strong claim.
How The Altman Law Firm Investigates Your Claim
Evidence in commercial and rideshare accidents can disappear quickly. App data may be overwritten, and corporate entities often move fast to protect themselves. Our approach involves a prompt and detailed investigation. We work to preserve crucial evidence, such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and dashcam footage. We also keep a close eye on the Florida statute of limitations, which strictly limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. By handling the legal and investigative heavy lifting, we allow you to focus entirely on your medical treatment and recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Who is liable if I am injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?
If you are injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you are generally covered by the rideshare company's commercial insurance policy, which typically provides substantial coverage during an active ride. However, depending on the circumstances of the crash, the at-fault party could be your driver, the driver of another vehicle, or a combination of both. We can help untangle liability and pursue the appropriate policies.
How does Florida's comparative negligence law affect my accident claim?
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages even if you are found partially at fault for the accident, as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible. Your total recovery would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. In rideshare and taxi cases, fault is often disputed among multiple drivers and corporate entities.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
For most personal injury cases in Florida, including those involving car accidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the crash. If a crash tragically results in a fatality, a wrongful death claim also has a two-year statute of limitations. Failing to file within this timeframe usually bars you from seeking compensation, which is why prompt legal action is important.
What should I do immediately after a taxi or limo accident?
First, seek medical attention for anyone injured and call law enforcement to ensure an official police report is filed. If you are able, take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Gather contact and insurance information from all drivers, and be sure to screenshot your rideshare app if applicable. Finally, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjusters.
If you have been injured in a rideshare or taxi collision, contact The Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options with a dedicated South Florida injury attorney. Call (305) 373-3730.