Car Accident

Determining Liability When a Rideshare Driver Causes a Fatal Accident

Published on: January 14, 2025 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Accidents involving rideshare drivers often leave victims and their families facing uncertainty about who is responsible. A recent fatal collision in Florida involving a rideshare contractor highlights the challenges of determining liability in such cases. The decision to clear the rideshare company of responsibility sheds light on the factors that influence accountability under Florida law.

Rideshare Contractor’s Status at the Time of the Accident

According to the judicial opinion, the tragic accident involved a rideshare contractor who had been disengaged from the platform for several months. Driving a personal vehicle after completing a private errand, the individual entered a roadway where the fatal collision occurred. Evidence showed the driver was not logged into the rideshare app and was not performing any tasks for the company at the time.

In court, the rideshare company successfully argued that it could not be held liable under these circumstances. Florida law requires a clear connection between drivers’ activities and rideshare duties to establish corporate responsibility. Since the contractor was on personal business, the court ruled in favor of the company.

The Role of Causation in Florida Car Accident Cases

Published on: December 5, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

A recent ruling by Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal emphasizes the critical role causation plays in personal injury claims following car accidents. In this case, a victim sought damages for injuries allegedly sustained in a 2019 rear-end collision. While the jury ultimately awarded over $1.6 million, the defense argued on appeal that causation remained a contested issue, and the trial court erred by removing it from jury consideration.

The appellate court’s decision to reverse the directed verdict on causation underscores the importance of proving the direct connection between the at-fault party’s negligence and the injuries claimed. In Florida car accident cases, demonstrating causation is often among the most challenging and hotly debated aspects.

What is Causation in Florida Personal Injury Cases?

Causation refers to the legal requirement that a victim must prove their injuries directly resulted from the at-fault party’s negligence. In car accident cases, this means showing that the at-fault party’s actions, such as failing to stop in time, caused the injuries for which the victim seeks compensation.

Understanding Your Rights After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Miami

Published on: November 30, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

A recent multi-vehicle crash in Miami left five people hospitalized, highlighting the serious risks of accidents involving multiple cars. According to reports, the collision occurred near Northwest 103rd Street and Northwest 17th Avenue, resulting in a chaotic scene of damaged vehicles, blocked traffic, and emergency responders working to assist the injured. While authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, incidents like these raise important questions about liability, safety, and the legal options available to accident victims.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. From navigating medical treatments to dealing with insurance claims, the road to recovery is often complicated. If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar accident, knowing your rights and legal remedies is crucial to securing the compensation you need.

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Multi-vehicle crashes often result from a chain reaction of events. Speeding, distracted driving, poor weather conditions, or driver inexperience can all contribute to collisions that involve multiple cars. In some cases, a single negligent driver may set off a series of events that lead to widespread damage and injury. In Miami, where high traffic density and aggressive driving habits are common, these risks are amplified.

Determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents can be challenging, as multiple parties may share responsibility. For example, one driver may be at fault for following too closely, while another could be speeding or failing to maintain proper lane discipline. These complex scenarios make it essential to have an experienced attorney evaluate your case and gather evidence to establish liability.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Florida Truck Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles?

Published on: November 25, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

A tragic crash in Miami Gardens earlier this week involving a Publix tractor-trailer and a pickup truck has raised questions about liability in accidents with commercial vehicles. The collision occurred near a Publix distribution center when the tractor-trailer was making a left turn, and a speeding pickup truck slammed into its trailer. Sadly, the pickup truck driver did not survive, and the incident highlights the complexities of determining responsibility in such cases under Florida law.

Can Employers Be Held Accountable for Their Drivers’ Actions?

In Florida, trucking companies like Publix may be held accountable for accidents involving their drivers through vicarious liability under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. This principle means an employer can be held responsible for the negligent actions of its employees if those actions occur within the scope of employment.

Can Texting While Driving Lead to Punitive Damages in Florida Auto Accident Cases?

Published on: November 10, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Florida law allows injured individuals to seek punitive damages in certain auto accident cases where a driver’s behavior is deemed reckless or grossly negligent. A recent case involving an alleged texting-and-driving collision sheds light on what qualifies for punitive damages and the challenges plaintiffs face in proving such claims.

Texting While Driving and Gross Negligence

The case arose from a crash between a truck and a golf cart at a busy intersection. The victims alleged that the truck driver was texting while driving, which caused the accident. During his deposition, the truck driver admitted to briefly looking at his phone to check a text from his wife. He acknowledged that texting while driving is reckless and unreasonable.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Insurance Obligations in Florida

Published on: October 27, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

A recent decision by Florida’s appellate court sheds light on important issues surrounding uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and the responsibilities of insurance companies when policies are updated or expanded. The case involved whether a newly insured party added to an existing policy was entitled to UM coverage despite the original policyholder’s prior rejection. While the trial court initially ruled in favor of the new insured, the appellate court reversed this decision, clarifying how UM coverage is handled under Florida law.

In Florida, auto insurance policies must include UM coverage unless the named insured explicitly rejects it in writing. This coverage protects individuals involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. Understanding when and how UM coverage applies, particularly when new individuals are added to a policy, is critical for drivers seeking compensation after a collision.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Policy Changes in Florida

In this Florida case, the dispute arose after a new spouse was added as a named insured to an existing auto insurance policy. The insurance company had not provided the newly added insured a new UM Selection/Rejection Form, leading to a lawsuit. The trial court ruled that the new insured should have been offered the opportunity to accept or reject UM coverage. However, the appellate court disagreed, stating that the original named insured’s rejection of UM coverage applied to all subsequent policy changes, including adding a new insured.

7-Year-Old Fatally Injured in Miami Car Accident Sparking Concerns About Road Safety

Published on: September 30, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

A tragic car accident outside a Miami pharmacy has left a 7-year-old girl in critical condition after she was struck by a vehicle driven by an elderly woman. The child was walking with her mother when the accident occurred, and she was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital with severe head injuries where she fought for her life. However, sadly, the young girl recently passed away from her injuries. Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada represent the girl’s family and are looking into all potentially liable defendants. Aside from the most obvious defendant, being the driver, Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada is also considering a property negligence claim agains the owner of the property where the accident occurred.

Holding Older Drivers Accountable Under Florida Law

In the wake of this accident, increased attention has been paid to the role of elderly drivers and the risks they may pose on the road. Florida law does not impose an upper age limit on driving, but older drivers must renew their licenses more frequently and pass vision tests after age 80. Despite these regulations, age-related cognitive and physical declines can still contribute to dangerous driving situations, leading to tragic outcomes like this one.

When an elderly driver causes an accident, victims may pursue a personal injury claim to hold them accountable for their actions. In Florida, personal injury claims require proof of negligence. To establish negligence, the victim (or their family) must demonstrate that the driver owed a duty of care to others on the road, breached that duty through careless or reckless actions, and that this breach directly caused the victim’s injuries.

In this case, the driver reportedly mistook the accelerator for the brake, resulting in the collision. This type of error, particularly when a pedestrian is involved, could likely be seen as a breach of the driver’s duty to operate the vehicle safely. If negligence can be proven, the family may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Understanding Your Rights After a Fatal Miami DUI Crash

Published on: September 22, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Driving under the influence of drugs is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, and it’s just as illegal under Florida law. If any substance impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle—whether it’s illegal drugs, prescription medications, or even some over-the-counter drugs—they can face DUI charges. These accidents often result in severe injuries or death, and victims of these crashes can seek compensation for their losses.

A recent accident in downtown Miami shows just how dangerous drug-impaired driving can be. A New York woman reportedly admitted to driving under the influence of a synthetic drug known as “pink cocaine” when she ran a red light and caused a three-car accident. The crash killed two people and left others injured. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida accident caused by a drug-impaired driver, it’s essential to understand how Florida law applies to these cases and what your legal options are for seeking compensation.

Miami Drug-Impaired Crash Raises Serious Legal Concerns

The Miami accident involving a driver impaired by “pink cocaine” has brought attention to the serious legal consequences of driving under the influence of drugs. According to reports, the driver ran a red light while under the influence of the synthetic drug, causing a collision with two other vehicles. Tragically, two people lost their lives, and others suffered injuries as a result of the crash. The driver also attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by witnesses.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Florida

Published on: September 15, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

A recent tragic accident involved a hit-and-run crash in which a driver fled the scene, leaving one person dead and another injured. The collision occurred after a driver ran a red light, causing significant damage to multiple vehicles and surrounding property. This kind of reckless behavior, coupled with the failure to render aid, leaves families devastated and victims without immediate help. In such situations, seeking legal assistance becomes vital for ensuring justice and securing compensation for the victims and their families.

In Florida, hit-and-run accidents carry severe legal and personal consequences. Understanding how these cases are handled under Florida law and the long-term impact on the victims can help you take appropriate legal action if you are in a similar situation.

Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are all too common. These accidents leave victims devastated, but they also raise an important question: Why do drivers flee the scene in the first place? The reasons behind these actions are varied, and understanding them can shed light on the following legal and personal challenges.

Speeding Florida Driver Causes Fatal U-Turn Accident

Published on: August 29, 2024 | by Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.

Although common on many roads, U-turns can be particularly hazardous when not executed correctly. These maneuvers require drivers to cut across multiple lanes of traffic, making them especially risky at busy intersections. The potential for severe collisions increases significantly when drivers misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or other vehicles traveling at high speeds. Unfortunately, U-turn accidents often result in devastating outcomes, including severe injuries and fatalities.

Fatal U-Turn Accident in Sunrise Results in Four Deaths

A tragic accident in Sunrise, Florida, claimed the lives of four people, including a child, last month. The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. at the intersection of West Oakland Park Boulevard and Northwest 64th Avenue. According to witnesses, one of the vehicles involved was making a U-turn when it was struck by another car traveling at an extremely high speed.

One witness, who was at a nearby bus stop, described the horrifying moment when the speeding car crashed into the vehicle attempting the U-turn. “I would say like 100 miles, not less,” the witness said, highlighting the intensity of the impact. The force of the collision was so severe that bystanders had to assist the driver out of the smoking vehicle, and emergency responders were forced to cut open the car to reach the occupants.
Tragically, the driver and passengers in the vehicle making the U-turn did not survive. The driver of the speeding car was transported to the hospital with head injuries. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community is left grieving the loss of these four lives.