Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics in Florida
In today’s world, finding an individual who has never requested a ride with Uber or Lyft at least once in their life would be close to impossible. In the past decade, these rideshare services have gained tremendous popularity across Florida due to their convenience, affordability, and professional service.
However, that is not to say that accidents involving Uber and Lyft do not happen. In fact, thousands of Floridians are involved in Uber/Lyft accidents across the state every year. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Brandon, Florida, or surrounding areas, contact Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., to get immediate legal assistance.
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics in Florida
Unfortunately, there is no data available that would show how many Uber and Lyft accidents occur in Florida annually. Although the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) counts the number of motor vehicle accidents across the state every year, it does not specify how many of those crashes involve rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft.
However, a study cited by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2018 showed that rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft could be responsible for an up to 3% increase in the number of traffic fatalities across the country. According to the FLHSMV, there were more than 340,000 total crashes across the state in 2020. If we apply the 2018 study’s findings to the FLHSMV’s data, it is possible to estimate that roughly about 10,000 of the crashes in Florida involved Uber or Lyft in 2020 alone.
What to Do After an Uber/Lyft Accident in Brandon, Florida
Being involved in an accident involving Uber or Lyft is a stressful situation. Knowing what to do after the accident is critical for your safety and well-being, as well as getting the help you need afterward. Here are a few important steps that you should take after being involved in an accident involving Uber or Lyft.
1. Contact the Police
The first thing you should do after an accident involving Uber or Lyft is to contact the police. The police will be able to document the scene of the accident and can provide a valuable source of information if needed when filing any claims related to your accident.
2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
If you are injured during an accident involving Uber/Lyft, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries appear minor at first, it is still wise to get checked out by a medical professional just in case any additional issues may not have been noticed immediately following the incident.
3. Gather Information from Everyone Involved
In addition to seeking medical attention, make sure you gather information from everyone involved in the accident, including all drivers and passengers present during the incident. This includes asking for names, insurance information, license plate numbers, and other vital details that could be beneficial when filing claims later down the road.
4. Report the Accident to Uber/Lyft
Once you have gathered all the required information from everyone involved, it is time to report the incident to Uber/Lyft as soon as possible. Both companies have dedicated teams whose sole purpose is helping customers who have been involved in accidents with their rideshare services. If possible, try and contact Uber/Lyft directly within 24 hours of your incident so they can begin working on your claim quickly and efficiently.
5. Speak with an Attorney
It is always wise to speak with a qualified attorney about any legal recourse available after being involved in an accident with Uber/Lyft—even if it appears minor at first glance. An experienced lawyer can provide valuable insight into any potential legal issues related to your case while offering advice on how best to proceed if needed when filing claims against either company.
Get the Legal Assistance You Can Rely On in Brandon Florida
If you or someone you love has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Brandon, Florida, or surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., for legal guidance. Our Brandon car accident attorneys can explain your compensation options following your Uber/Lyft accident and will help you protect your rights throughout the claims process. Call 813-305-0682 to schedule a free consultation today.