Do I Need to Go to Court for My Rideshare Accident Injury Case in Florida?

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Florida, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take. You might wonder whether you need to go to court to resolve your injury case and how to navigate the complex legal process. At Serrano Law, we understand the worry and confusion you may be facing. Our team is here to guide you, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Florida

Rideshare accidents present unique challenges because they involve multiple parties, including the rideshare company, the driver, other vehicles, and insurance providers. Florida’s laws regarding rideshare companies require these companies to carry specific insurance policies that can provide coverage for injuries resulting from an accident. However, determining liability and securing fair compensation can be complex, often requiring legal assistance.

The law provides options for those injured in a rideshare accident to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, you might be able to resolve your claim through negotiations with insurance companies, but other cases might require legal action to secure what you are owed.

Will You Need to Go to Court for Your Case

Many people worry about the possibility of going to court after a rideshare accident. While it is a valid concern, most personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents, are settled out of court. Insurance companies typically prefer to negotiate and settle claims rather than engage in a lengthy and costly court process. If your case can be resolved through negotiations, you may not need to appear in court at all.

However, there are instances where going to court may become necessary. This can happen if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies liability for the accident. In such situations, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Even if a lawsuit is filed, many cases are resolved before reaching trial, often through mediation or additional negotiations.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

The Role of an Attorney in Avoiding Court

An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can play a critical role in helping you avoid the courtroom while still achieving a successful outcome for your case. They can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your claim, and present a strong case for your damages. By building a compelling argument and demonstrating the strength of your case, your attorney can often persuade the insurance company to offer a fair settlement without the need for a trial.

If court becomes unavoidable, having legal representation ensures you are prepared. Your attorney will handle the legal proceedings, advocate on your behalf, and work tirelessly to present your case in the best light. While the idea of going to court might be intimidating, having legal guidance can make the process much smoother and less stressful.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

What Factors Influence Whether Your Case Goes to Court

Several factors can influence whether your rideshare accident injury case requires court intervention. The severity of your injuries plays a significant role. Cases involving serious injuries and substantial medical bills often face more resistance from insurance companies, which may lead to court involvement. Disputes over liability can also lead to a trial if the rideshare company or its insurer denies responsibility for the accident.

Another factor is the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Some companies are more cooperative and willing to offer fair settlements, while others may take a more combative approach. The quality of the evidence supporting your claim also matters. Strong evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, can help strengthen your case and make it easier to resolve without court proceedings.

How to Strengthen Your Case Without Going to Court

Taking the right steps after a rideshare accident can significantly impact your ability to resolve your case without going to court. Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is crucial, not only for your health but also to document your injuries. Keeping detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and any other related costs can help establish the extent of your damages.

Reporting the accident to the rideshare company is another important step. Most rideshare companies have processes for handling accidents involving their drivers. Your attorney can guide you through this process and ensure the report is accurate and thorough.

Gathering evidence at the scene, such as photographs, witness contact information, and any other relevant details, can also be invaluable. This evidence can be used to build a strong case, making it more likely that the insurance company will settle without court involvement.

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The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating a rideshare accident injury case can be complicated, especially when dealing with large companies and their insurance providers. These companies often have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts, making it challenging for individuals to secure fair compensation on their own. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can level the playing field, giving you the best chance to achieve a positive outcome.

Your attorney will handle all aspects of your case, from filing necessary paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies. They will also communicate with the rideshare company and other parties involved, ensuring your rights are protected at every step. If court becomes unavoidable, your attorney will represent you and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, taking action as soon as possible is essential. Florida has a time limit for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. Acting promptly ensures your case is filed within this time frame and allows your attorney to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

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Do not let the fear of going to court prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Most cases are resolved without the need for a trial, and having legal representation can help you navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind.

At Serrano Law, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your rideshare accident injury case. Our compassionate team understands the challenges you face and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.