Common Causes of Car Accidents in Winter Haven
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV),
Polk County experienced over 13,000 motor vehicle accidents in 2023 alone, resulting in more than 10,000 injuries and 157 fatalities. While it’s unclear how many of those crashes involved rideshare vehicles, studies show that rideshare services have contributed to a 2–3% increase in overall traffic fatalities across the U.S.
There are nearly 4,000,000 Uber drivers in the state of Florida, constantly transporting passengers to and from their destinations. Rideshare drivers are no different than any other driver or vehicle on the road. The most common causes of rideshare and other motor vehicle accidents in Winter Haven include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of all auto accidents throughout the United States. Rideshare drivers often face additional distractions, frequently using mobile apps for navigation, accepting rides, and communicating with passengers. Constant interaction with smartphones increases the risk of visual, manual, and cognitive distraction while driving.
Fatigued Driving
Many Uber and Lyft drivers work long shifts and make long drives, often late at night or during early morning hours. Fatigue and drowsiness can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Speeding
Speeding is a factor in a large number of car accidents and a major factor in traffic fatalities. In an effort to complete more trips and increase earnings, some rideshare drivers may speed or drive aggressively. Speeding not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also makes injuries more severe when a crash occurs.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication remains a serious issue. Even though rideshare drivers are vetted before being allowed to drive, there’s always the risk that a driver could be impaired behind the wheel. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 32% of all car accident fatalities involve drivers over the legal limit.
Aggressive Driving
Sudden lane changes, tailgating, and road rage behaviors are dangerous under any circumstances, but when performed by a rideshare driver responsible for passenger safety, they can be particularly hazardous. Passengers expect drivers to safely and reliably transport them to their destination, though reckless driving can put you and other drivers at serious risk.
Inexperience or Lack of Familiarity with Roads
Some rideshare drivers may not be familiar with Winter Haven's roads, traffic patterns, or construction zones. This can result in missed turns, sudden stops, and erratic driving behavior that increases the chance of a crash.
Not all accidents involving an Uber or Lyft are necessarily caused by a rideshare driver. Other drivers on the road who engage in the same dangerous behavior behind the wheel may end up causing an accident and injuring both you and the driver of your vehicle.
Regardless of the cause of your accident, you should never have to suffer or pay because of another driver’s negligence. If you have been hurt in a Winter Haven rideshare accident, Adam Kemp and the team at Kemp Injury Law are prepared to step up to the plate and defend your rights, helping you claim the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Common Injuries in Winter Haven Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents, like any motor vehicle collision, can lead to a wide range of injuries depending on the severity of the impact, the location of the passengers, and whether seat belts or airbags were used. The following are some of the most common and serious injuries that victims of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accidents may suffer:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
One of the most frequently reported injuries in a car accident is whiplash. This injury occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully whipped back and forth, often due to a rear-end collision. Whiplash can stretch or tear muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and limited range of motion. In some cases, victims experience chronic pain and reduced mobility that lasts for months or even years after the accident. Early diagnosis and treatment, including physical therapy and pain management, are key to recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious outcomes of a motor vehicle accident. Even with proper restraints, passengers can suffer a TBI if their head strikes a hard surface such as a door, dashboard, or window during impact. TBIs can range from mild concussions with temporary symptoms to severe injuries causing permanent cognitive or physical disabilities. Victims may experience symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, mood changes, speech difficulties, or impaired motor function. Some may require prolonged hospitalization, rehabilitation, or lifelong care.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The violent force of a collision can easily break bones. Common fractures in rideshare accidents include broken arms, wrists, legs, ribs, and facial bones. These injuries often require immediate emergency care, and in more severe cases, surgery to realign the bone or insert pins, rods, or plates. Healing times vary, but many victims need extensive physical therapy and may temporarily lose their ability to work or perform daily activities. Multiple fractures or compound fractures can significantly delay recovery and increase the risk of long-term complications such as arthritis.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries are particularly dangerous due to the critical role the spine plays in communication between the brain and the body. When the spine is damaged in an accident, through compression, dislocation, or fracture, it can result in intense back pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. In the most severe cases, spinal cord trauma can cause partial or total paralysis, depending on where the injury occurs. These injuries are life-altering, often requiring surgeries, mobility aids, and major home or lifestyle adjustments. Victims also face emotional and psychological challenges, including depression and anxiety.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are not always immediately apparent at the scene of a crash, but they can be fatal if left untreated. These injuries include internal bleeding, punctured lungs, ruptured spleens, lacerated livers, and damage to other vital organs. The blunt force trauma from a seatbelt or impact with a vehicle component can be enough to cause these injuries. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and visible bruising. Internal injuries often require emergency surgery and intensive care to stabilize the patient and prevent life-threatening complications.
Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations
Even minor accidents can result in cuts and bruises, while more severe crashes may lead to deep lacerations and contusions. Broken glass, flying debris, or contact with metal parts of the vehicle can cause these injuries. Lacerations may require stitches and, in some cases, plastic surgery to minimize scarring. Severe bruising can also indicate deeper trauma, such as internal bleeding or muscle damage. Although these injuries might appear superficial, they can result in long-term cosmetic issues, nerve damage, or infection if not properly treated.
Whether your injuries are severe or seemingly minor, it’s important that you seek medical attention right away and consult with a
Winter Haven rideshare accident lawyer like Adam Kemp to explore your legal options. Our team has helped victims throughout Polk County recover from a wide range of injuries after an auto accident, and rideshare accidents are no exception.
Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law Apply to a Winter Haven Rideshare Accident?
Yes. Florida is a no-fault state, which means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, or the PIP coverage of the driver of the car you were in, will typically cover your initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. PIP benefits include:
- Up to $10,000 in coverage.
- 80% of reasonable medical expenses.
- 60% of lost income due to injury.
However, PIP insurance does not cover pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or property damage. And if your injuries are serious, $10,000 may not even begin to cover your long-term medical costs.
What Are the Liability Insurance Coverage Requirements for Rideshare Vehicles in Florida?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required by Florida law to carry significant insurance coverage, but the coverage available depends on the stage of the ride:
When the App Is Off
The driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Rideshare company policies are not in effect.
When the App Is On and the Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request
Minimum coverage of:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
When a Passenger Is in the Vehicle or the Driver Is En Route to Pick Someone Up
Rideshare companies must provide at least:
- $1 million in liability coverage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has personal comprehensive/collision insurance).
Determining which insurance applies can be tricky, especially when multiple parties or insurers are involved. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can investigate the crash and determine who is financially responsible.
Can I Pursue a Traditional Car Accident Lawsuit for a Winter Haven Rideshare Accident?
Yes, in certain situations. Although Florida’s no-fault law limits lawsuits in minor accidents, you can file a traditional personal injury lawsuit if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold. This includes:
- Permanent injury.
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Significant and permanent loss of a bodily function.
- Death.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress, as well as full economic losses not covered by PIP.
What Compensation Might Be Available in a Winter Haven Rideshare Accident Case?
If your case qualifies for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Property damage (e.g., to your vehicle or belongings).
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Wrongful Death Damages:
If you lost a loved one in a rideshare crash, you may also be able to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of companionship and support.
- Loss of future income and benefits.
How Can an Experienced Winter Haven Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help?
Rideshare accident cases can involve complex legal questions, overlapping insurance policies, and multiple parties, including Uber, Lyft, the driver, and possibly other motorists. At Kemp Personal Injury Law, we handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on healing. Our legal team will:
- Investigate the accident and identify liable parties.
- Collect critical evidence such as app logs, driver history, and dashcam footage.
- Work with experts to calculate the full value of your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary.
Attorney Adam Kemp brings years of experience, including time spent as a prosecutor and as an associate at one of the nation’s largest personal injury law firms. He is passionate about securing justice for injury victims and their families and will work tirelessly to ensure you are fully compensated.
Our team takes great pride in serving injured victims who have been hurt in a Winter Haven rideshare accident. We also offer a wide range of personal injury services to injured victims in Winter Haven and throughout Polk County, such as:
When it comes to taking on personal injury cases, we’ve just about seen it all. For more information about how Adam Kemp and the team at Kemp Injury Law can offer you the unwavering and compassionate legal assistance that you need to recover compensation after an accident, call us today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation.
Contact Kemp Injury Law if You’ve Been Injured in a Winter Haven Rideshare Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rideshare accident in Winter Haven, don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact the experienced legal team at Kemp Personal Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. Come see why injured victims and their families continue to trust Kemp Injury Law for their Winter Haven personal injury claims.
Can I Pursue a Traditional Car Accident Lawsuit for a Winter Haven Rideshare Accident?
While the Florida no-fault insurance law provides a quick and easy way for an injured victim to secure medical treatment and compensation for lost wages, it falls woefully short if a victim suffers serious injuries and cannot compensate a surviving family member for the death of a loved one. Fortunately, Florida law does include a “serious injury” threshold that allows victims to pursue a traditional personal injury lawsuit if one of the following applies:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability.
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Death.
The team at Kemp Personal Injury Law is committed to ensuring that you are fully compensated to the extent allowable under the law. As such, we will evaluate the collision as well as your injuries and discuss your legal options with you.
What Compensation Might Be Available in a Winter Haven Rideshare Accident Case?
As the victim of a Winter Haven rideshare accident, you could be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages through a traditional personal injury lawsuit. Collectively, that means that you could be entitled to compensation for things such as:
- Doctor and hospital expenses.
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs.
- Costs associated with damage to your vehicle.
- Past and future lost income.
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
If you lost a spouse, parent, or child in a rideshare accident, you might also be entitled to compensation in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit for things such as the loss of companionship, care, and support and the loss of future earnings.
How Can an Experienced Winter Haven Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help?
If you sustained injuries in a Winter Haven rideshare accident or a loved one was fatally injured in one, the team at Kemp Personal Injury Law is dedicated to identifying the responsible party (or parties) and ensuring that you are fully and fairly compensated for all your injuries.
Attorney Adam Kemp leverages his previous experience as both a prosecuting attorney and an associate at one of the largest personal injury firms in America to aggressively advocate for injured victims and surviving family members. We take pride in the personal relationship we foster with our clients and are committed to holding at-fault parties accountable when their negligence causes injury. Let an experienced Winter Haven rideshare accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law help you secure the compensation you are entitled to for your physical injuries, emotional trauma, or loss.
If you were injured in a Winter Haven rideshare accident, or you lost a family member in one, contact an experienced Winter Haven rideshare lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law to discuss your legal options. Our mission is to ensure that victims injured in a preventable rideshare accident are fully and fairly compensated by the responsible party or parties. Contact the team today for your free initial consultation by calling 863-225-0254 or by filling out our convenient online contact form.
