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The popularity of ridesharing services has only grown over the years, which allows many people to get to their destinations in a manner and time that is more convenient to them. However, a car that is operated by an Uber or Lyft driver is still just as likely to get in an accident as any other. Due to the business nature of these vehicles, liability for accidents can be confusing without the aid of a trustworthy auto collision attorney.
If you are injured in an accident with a driver who is on the clock as a common carrier, you should call a Cicero chartered ride accident lawyer to help you determine which insurance company to make a claim to. You might be able to recover compensation for your various losses.
Although public transportation is available, many people prefer to use ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft. It is important to understand the legal framework which governs these chartered ride services. If a vehicle is transporting someone for profit, then they can be considered a common carrier. Examples of common carriers include buses and taxis.
A common carrier is required to exercise the highest duty of care towards its passengers. This means drivers must refrain from being negligent and owe a higher duty to their passengers because they are paying for the transport.
When an accident occurs involving a chartered vehicle such as Uber or Lyft, the insurance for the ridesharing company is responsible for paying out damages. If an individual is driving their car for personal use, then their personal insurance is primary. It is important to identify whether any vehicle involved in the accident was being used while the driver was on the job or not, to ensure that the correct insurance claim is brought in a timely manner.
Because a taxi is considered a common carrier, and they charge a fare to transport individuals, the taxi company’s insurance is on the hook for any accident they are involved in. A local lawyer could work to confirm whether an accident claim involving a taxi or other chartered vehicle should involve the company’s insurance or the driver’s personal insurance.
Following any accident, including those involving a ridesharing company, such as Uber or Lyft, there are certain steps which everyone should take. It is important to seek immediate medical attention first. An injured person should also contact an accident attorney in a prompt manner since it is likely there will be a claim and evidence should be preserved. It is important to set the claim up with the proper insurance company, which is where a chartered ride accident lawyer in Cicero could be useful.
Uber is not automatically responsible simply because the negligent driver is registered as an Uber driver. The plaintiff’s legal counsel still needs to prove that the defendant was on the app and within working hours when the crash occurred. If the person was off-duty, then their personal insurance would be primary.
Punitive damages are designed to punish wrongdoing, while compensatory damages are to compensate individuals for their loss. Punitive damages in common carrier crashes are rare. In order to make a recovery for punitive damages in taxi or rideshare accident, a lawyer must prove that the actions of the driver were willful and/or reckless.
It is important to speak with a lawyer anytime there is an accident. Personal injury lawyers often do not charge any upfront fee. After being struck by a taxi or a ridesharing vehicle such as Uber or Lyft, the ultimate recovery may hinge on certain factors, which a Cicero chartered ride accident lawyer could sort out early. Do not miss out on compensation because you notified the wrong insurance company. Get experienced legal counsel by contacting a lawyer as soon as possible.