Did you know that Sarasota was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus? “Where urban amenities meet small-town living,” Sarasota’s coastal stretch along the Gulf of Mexico is now renowned for its vibrant cultural and environmental accommodations, tapping into its beautiful beaches and art scene. In addition to its year-round warm weather, Sarasota also has bountiful opportunities for sun-bathing, fishing, golf, restaurants and so many other recreational activities. It’s no wonder people love to live and visit here.
However, with all the amazing attractions Sarasota has to offer, getting to and from those places can sometimes get 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, Sarasota County had 6,634 car crashes with over half 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 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.
Whether it’s along I-75, Fruitville Road, or U.S. 41 to Tamiami Trail into the beaches and keys, high traffic in Sarasota significantly increases the chances for an auto accident – even in the off season. 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.
