Uber & Lyft Wrongful Death Claims: What You Need to Know in Florida

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient part of modern life, but when tragedy strikes in the form of a wrongful death, the legal landscape can be daunting. At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, we are dedicated to helping grieving families navigate the complexities of rideshare accident wrongful death claims in Florida. Understanding your rights and the legal processes involved is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. Call us now with any questions at (800) 434-4327.

What Is a Rideshare Wrongful Death Claim?

A rideshare accident wrongful death in Florida occurs when someone dies due to the negligence or recklessness of a rideshare driver, the company, or another involved party. These claims are pursued under Florida’s wrongful death statutes, allowing surviving family members to seek damages for their loss. Common causes include:

• Negligent driving by the rideshare driver
• Faulty vehicle maintenance
• Inadequate background checks by Uber or Lyft
• Reckless actions by third-party drivers

If your loved one’s death occurred under these or similar circumstances, you may have the right to file a claim against the responsible party.

Who Can File a Rideshare Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

In Florida, the right to file a rideshare accident wrongful death claim is limited to specific parties under the state’s wrongful death laws. Typically, this includes:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Other dependents or heirs, as specified by the deceased’s estate

The claim is filed by a personal representative of the deceased’s estate, and any damages recovered are distributed among the eligible survivors.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Florida Rideshare Wrongful Death Case?

Florida law allows survivors to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a rideshare accident wrongful death claim. These damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs incurred before the deceased’s passing, including emergency medical care.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: Reimbursement for final expenses.
• Loss of Income: Compensation for lost wages and benefits the deceased would have provided.
• Loss of Companionship: Non-economic damages for the emotional impact on surviving family members.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the mental anguish experienced by survivors.

Our attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under Florida law.

What Makes Rideshare Cases Complex?

Filing a rideshare accident wrongful death claim in Florida is not as straightforward as other wrongful death cases due to the unique insurance and legal structures surrounding Uber and Lyft. Key complexities include:

• Insurance Policies: Rideshare companies provide $1 million in liability coverage during active rides, but disputes can arise over whether the driver was logged into the app or on a ride.
• Multiple Defendants: Liability may involve the rideshare driver, Uber or Lyft, or a third-party driver.
• Corporate Legal Teams: Uber and Lyft have robust legal defense teams to protect their interests.

These factors make it essential to have an experienced legal team like Paul | Knopf | Bigger to advocate on your behalf.

The Importance of Gathering Evidence

Strong evidence is the cornerstone of a successful rideshare accident wrongful death case in Florida. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Accident Reports: Police documentation of the crash.
• App Data: Information about whether the driver was active on the rideshare platform at the time of the accident.
• Witness Statements: Accounts from those who saw the incident.
• Surveillance Footage: Videos from nearby cameras that may have captured the accident.
• Expert Testimony: Input from accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts.

Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to build a compelling case for your claim.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Florida?

Florida imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims, including those related to rideshare accidents. Under the statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to compensation, making it critical to act quickly.

Why Choose Paul | Knopf | Bigger for Your Rideshare Wrongful Death Claim?

At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, we bring over 20 years of experience to the table, with a proven track record of securing victories against Fortune 500 companies and insurance giants. Our approach is tailored to the unique challenges of rideshare accident wrongful death cases in Florida, and a Florida wrongful death attorney is committed to fighting for justice on your behalf. When you work with us, you can expect:

• Personalized Attention: Every case is handled with care and dedication.
• Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in building a strong case.
• Aggressive Representation: Our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
• No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if you do.

Take Action Today

If you have lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, do not wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Paul | Knopf | Bigger for a free case evaluation. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Call us today at (800) 434-4327, or complete the free case evaluation form on our website. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Sources:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  The NHTSA provides comprehensive statistics and reports on motor vehicle accidents, including fatalities involving rideshare vehicles.
  Source: NHTSA Fatality Statistics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Injury Prevention and Control
  The CDC offers data and insights on injury prevention, including wrongful deaths and motor vehicle safety.
  Source: CDC Motor Vehicle Safety
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
  The FMCSA provides detailed information on commercial vehicle regulations, which can apply to certain rideshare scenarios.
  Source: FMCSA Data and Statistics