Nicknamed “The Friendly City,” Bradenton is tucked along the Manatee River just south of Tampa. It hosts a rich history and culture, with the largest arts district on the Gulf Coast. Residents and visitors alike love to don the streets of a vibrant downtown, catch a baseball game at LECOM Park, and watch the tide roll in and out while hanging out at Cortez Fishing Village.
However, with all the lovely and quaint attractions Bradenton has to offer, getting to and from those places can sometimes get pretty hectic. In fact, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that traffic accidents remain a primary public safety issue, despite improvements in vehicle safety features and road designs. In 2021, Manatee County had 5,376 car crashes with 4,384 of those accidents involving injuries.
Ridesharing, like Uber and Lyft have gained much popularity in the past years, and has in part transformed the way we travel. More and more people are utilizing these services for their convenience and the accessibility they offer in getting around town. However, as careful as these rideshare drivers may be, anytime we get into any vehicle, there’s always a chance for accidents to happen.
Some of the common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Hazardous weather and road conditions
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
Should you find yourself in an accident, here are some things you should do:
- Stay calm. Check yourself for injuries, and for the well-being of other passengers.
- Move yourself and vehicles to safety, if possible.
- Call 911 and/or the police.
- Document and take photographs of the scene. Note traffic signs, road conditions, weather, etc.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) and contact your insurance provider.
- Seek the help and advice of a trusted accident attorney.
At Hale Law, we approach each case with the upmost courage, empathy and honesty to hold all accountable parties responsible so you can get the care you deserve and get back on your feet. Insurance companies have one goal in mind when it comes to car accidents – ensure their drivers are safe and to reduce their costs in any way possible. Large insurance firms frequently take advantage of customers by making unfair offers, delaying claims, and refusing to provide fair and prompt reimbursement in other ways. That means that you may not always get the compensation you deserve. Whether for you or your loved one, you have the right to fight and be heard and you need a legal team that takes your health and your claim seriously.
Driving from Palmetto to Anna Maria Island to Bradenton and vice versa, can sometimes feel like no small feat. Traffic on U.S. 41 and Cortez Road sometimes seems like it’s always congested and there’s always a wreck. We know that safety on our streets and intersections largely depends on driver behavior and choices – and although ridesharing is common practice now, auto accidents shouldn’t be.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a driver working for Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing company, it is important that you take legal action right away after your crash to protect your rights. We are committed to getting you the highest recovery after being injured in a rideshare car accident: Call 941-735-4529.
