Tustin Uber/Taxi Accident Lawyer

Whether it is to work, school, or home, you need a reliable form of transportation. For those without the luxury of a car, a taxi has long been a popular way to get from one place to another. Since 2009, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become a large part of the transportation picture. While convenient, these rideshares vehicles are not risk-free.

If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, contacting a Tustin Uber/taxi accident lawyer might be beneficial. A skilled and experienced attorney could explain your rights, discuss your legal options, and guide you through the claims process.

Who Could File an Injury Claim After a Rideshare Crash?

Claims for injuries stemming from a crash are not limited to passengers of the vehicle-for-hire, but include anyone injured due to a rideshare or taxicab driver’s negligence. However, because fault must be demonstrated for a successful claim, having the consultation of a knowledgeable Tustin attorney might be crucial for a claim stemming from an Uber or taxi accident. For example, parties that might be able to file a civil lawsuit include:

  • A passenger
  • A rideshare driver—if another motorist is to blame
  • A driver struck by a negligent rideshare operator
  • A pedestrian struck by a reckless taxicab driver

Common Injuries

As with any motor vehicle crash, the potential injuries from a rideshare wreck are often devastating. Common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Contusions
  • Internal damage
  • Concussion
  • Burns
  • Death

When these or other damages arise, an injured passenger or motorist has legal options and might wish to consult with a compassionate Uber/taxi attorney in Tustin to discuss how to proceed. Furthermore, if a loved one has passed away in one of these crashes, the surviving family members might be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Responsible Parties in a Rideshare Crash

There are a variety of potential sources for pursuing compensation in a civil claim for a rideshare or taxi collision, including from the driver, operator of another vehicle, or even possibly the insurance company of the injured person. However, the specific sources could differ between taxi companies and Uber or Lyft drivers.

Taxis

Because the drivers of traditional taxi cabs are considered employees, it might be possible for an injured person to sue both the negligent taxi driver, as well as the company they work for in a civil claim. However, there are a number of exceptions to this general rule. For example, a taxicab company is only liable if their driver was on the clock at the time of the collision. Therefore, any crash that happened with a taxi driver while they were operating outside the scope of their employment will usually bar an injured individual from filing against the taxi company.

Regardless of this, however, a driver who was negligent could still be pursued for compensation. Taxis, much like buses and limousines, are known as common carriers. A common carrier is held to a much higher burden than other drivers. They are required to maintain their vehicles properly and, as a result, are often civilly liable in situations where a driver of a personal car might not be.

Rideshares

While the laws surrounding common carriers are firmly established, state law surrounding rideshare drivers is still developing. For example, rideshare companies—such as Uber—claim that their drivers are not employees. Instead, Uber’s position is that they simply match freelance drivers with passengers and, as a result, do not employ the drivers directly.

California officials disagree, however, and claim that Uber drivers are employees under California law. Despite this, it is far from settled whether Uber can be sued for the negligent acts of their drivers. As a result, anyone injured in a crash involving an Uber might benefit from the skills of a well-versed Tustin accident attorney.

Seek Compensation with a Tustin Uber/Taxi Accident Attorney

Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or taxi at the time of a crash, or if your vehicle was struck by a negligent rideshare driver, you have a right to pursue compensation for any injuries you suffered. However, navigating the claims process alone can be overwhelming and difficult, especially as you recover from your trauma.

By enlisting the help of a tenacious attorney, you could rest assured that a legal professional is helping with each step. Contact a Tustin Uber/taxi accident lawyer today to start the process of pursuing the compensation and justice you deserve.