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Like most places, ride-sharing is becoming more and more popular in Oak Lawn. Apps such as Uber and Lyft have become very convenient for millions of people. However, just because Uber and Lyft drivers get paid to drive, it does not necessarily mean they are not prone to have serious accidents like other drivers. If you have been injured in an Uber car collision, you may want to seek the services of an Oak Lawn Uber accident lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney can help identify the responsible parties in an accident so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.
Taxis, buses, and trains are considered common carriers under the law. This classification is important when one of these modes of transportation is involved in an accident. Regular drivers owe a duty of reasonable care to those on the roadway as well their passengers. But a common carrier owes the highest duty of care to its passengers. The law places this higher duty upon them because they are transporting passengers for money. People pay a fare for transportation and as such, the law places the highest duty of care on common carriers.
If a person paid to be transported, by a taxi, bus, Uber, or some other form of transportation, the employer of the driver is legally responsible for any accident which occurs. A driver for hire is considered an agent of the company under the law. Not only is the driver legally liable if they cause an accident, their employer could be found liable as well.
If a driver who is on the app for Uber or Lyft causes an accident, their personal car insurance is not responsible for the accident. The insurance company for the ride-sharing company is liable. While driving for personal use, the driver’s own insurance covers the car, but as soon as they indicate they are available for hire on the app, the insurance company for the ride-sharing service takes over legal responsibility. An Oak Lawn Uber accident attorney could help the plaintiff’s case by determining the value of the damages.
If a person is a passenger in a car with an Uber or Lyft driver and is in an accident, it is important to call an Oak Lawn Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. Likewise, if a person is hit by someone driving for Uber or Lyft, they should contact an attorney right away. Dealing with the insurance company for ride-sharing services is not the same as handling an accident between two private passenger vehicles. A person needs someone who is familiar with the interplay of the insurance companies and the law governing these types of accidents.
A person in an accident also needs to be sure to get a police report. They need to make sure the police officer indicates the other driver was driving for Uber at the time of the accident. If this is in the police report, it will make recovery go faster and smoother. If it is not in the police report, a person must first contact the other driver’s personal insurance company. They will make the decision whether to cover the accident or to tender the claim to Uber and their insurance company.
Because the law which applies to accidents involving Uber is different, it is important to hire an Oak Lawn Uber accident lawyer who has handled these types of claims in the past. A regular car wreck is not the same as one involving an Uber driver. In any accident, it is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as possible, but even more so when a person is involved in an accident involving an Uber driver. An Oak Lawn Uber accident attorney could help you get the recovery you deserve following a wreck.