If you or your child were hurt in a rideshare accident while under the age of 18, we understand how scared and confused you may be feeling. You may be asking if you have any rights, who will pay for medical care, or if someone will help you through this. At our firm, we are here to support you and walk you through the steps. Our team knows this can be a difficult time, especially when a child is involved in an accident through no fault of their own. We want you to know that you are not alone and there are ways to seek justice and support.
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What happens when a minor is injured in a rideshare accident
When someone under the age of 18 is injured in a car accident involving a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, things can feel very overwhelming. There are more rules involved compared to when an adult is hurt. That’s because minors are not allowed to file legal claims on their own. Instead, a parent or legal guardian must act on their behalf. Still, even if the person injured is a child or teen, they may have the right to be compensated for injuries, pain, suffering, and future medical needs.
In Florida, rideshare companies are required by law to carry insurance that covers their drivers and passengers. This means that if the driver working for the rideshare company caused the crash, or even if another driver was at fault, there may still be insurance coverage available to help with medical costs and other damages. These cases can get complicated quickly, which is why it’s important to understand how the process works when a minor is involved.
Understanding who is responsible after the crash
One of the most important steps is finding out who is responsible for the accident. It might be the rideshare driver, another driver on the road, or even more than one person. Sometimes both the rideshare driver and another driver share responsibility. This matters because it affects which insurance company may pay for the injuries.
Rideshare companies in Florida are required to carry at least one million dollars in insurance coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle. If the minor was a passenger at the time of the crash, this coverage may apply. If the minor was walking or riding a bike and was hit by a rideshare vehicle, the coverage may also be available depending on whether the driver was logged into the app or driving for personal reasons. A lawyer can look into these details and figure out the right path forward.
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
How long you have to file a claim for a minor in Florida
Normally in Florida, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. But when a child is hurt, the time period may be longer. Florida law allows a minor to file a claim after turning 18 if a parent or guardian did not file one earlier. This can give more time to take action, but it’s always better to get started as soon as possible. Waiting can make it harder to gather important evidence like witness statements, photos from the crash, or video footage.
If a parent or guardian decides to file a claim right after the accident, they can do so on behalf of the child. This can help cover medical bills, therapy, and even emotional support that the child may need to recover. In some cases, the court may have to approve a settlement to make sure it’s in the best interest of the minor.
What you can recover in a rideshare injury claim
Injury claims for minors can cover many things. Some of the most common are medical bills, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. If the injury is serious and affects the child’s ability to enjoy life or go back to regular activities like school or sports, that can also be included in the claim. In some cases, future medical needs or the cost of long-term care might be part of the claim.
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There is also something called loss of enjoyment of life. This means if a child can no longer do things they used to love, like playing sports, dancing, or simply running around with friends, they can be compensated for that loss too. Every case is different, so the type and amount of recovery depends on how serious the injury is and how it affects the child’s future.
Why these cases are different from regular car accidents
Rideshare accident cases can be more complex than regular car crashes. This is because more than one party may be involved and it can take time to get information from the rideshare company. These companies may try to protect themselves or avoid taking blame. Having someone on your side who knows the system and how to deal with big insurance companies can make a big difference.
Another reason these cases are different is because they involve a child. Courts and insurance companies often take child injury claims more seriously because of the lasting impact an injury can have on a young life. Still, it can take work to prove just how much the injury has changed the child’s life. This is where medical records, school reports, and family testimony can help show the full picture.
What to do after the rideshare accident happens
If your child was hurt in a rideshare crash, it’s important to take a few key steps. First, seek medical care right away, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious. Sometimes pain or injury shows up later. Keep copies of all doctor visits, tests, and treatments. Second, get a copy of the police report and take photos of the scene if you can. If there were witnesses, try to get their names and contact information. Third, talk to a lawyer before speaking to the insurance company.
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You don’t have to go through this alone. Trying to figure out insurance policies and legal rules while caring for an injured child can be too much for any parent. A legal team can take on the hard work so you can focus on your child’s healing.
Why it helps to have someone in your corner
Having someone who understands Florida law and how rideshare companies operate can help you avoid common mistakes. Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement that sounds good but may not cover everything your child needs. A lawyer can review the offer, negotiate for a fair amount, and make sure all future care is considered.
It’s also helpful to have someone speak on your behalf. When you’re dealing with pain, stress, and the emotions of watching your child suffer, it’s hard to keep track of every deadline or legal rule. Letting a legal team take over the details can bring peace of mind and better results.
Let’s talk about your child’s rideshare injury case
If your child was injured in a Florida rideshare accident, you may have the right to seek justice and support. These cases can be complex, but we are here to help guide you each step of the way. You deserve to understand your options and take action to protect your child’s future. Waiting too long can hurt your case, so it’s important to start soon.
At Serrano Law, we care deeply about families and will treat your case with care, compassion, and determination. Reach out to us today to talk about what happened and how we can help you move forward. We are ready to fight for the outcome your family deserves.