There are many common carriers on Columbus roads, including Ubers, Lyfts, and taxis, as well as the COTA bus system and any sort of public transportation. Under the law, there is a heightened duty of care for any sort of pay per hire ride. Because they are paid for their professional service, these drivers are held to a higher standard.
As such, if you were in an accident involving a hired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Speak with a knowledgeable Columbus car accident attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy to learn your legal rights. Our team has handled countless hired driver accidents in Columbus and could advise you on pursuing the restitution you deserve.
Liability for Public Transport and Rideshare Crashes
If a person is a passenger of a common carrier and a collision occurs, liability will depend on if the paid driver was the one who caused the crash. For instance, if an Uber or Lyft driver is responsible for the accident, the driver and their employer could be held liable for damages. This is also true if the at-fault party is a driver for a public or private transportation system, such as a bus.
When a rideshare or public transportation vehicle is involved in a crash caused by another driver, an injured passenger may need to look at other insurance policies. An experienced attorney at our Columbus office can review the available policies after a hired driver accident and advise an injured victim on pursuing a claim.
Claims for Columbus Taxi Crashes
Much like any other car accident, an injured victim may seek damages after a taxi crash for economic and non-economic losses. The status of the driver only comes into play when considering the applicable insurance coverage.
Sometimes, taxis have their own medallions and do not carry coverage. Other times, a taxi driver may work for a company that has an insurance policy to cover its employees. It is best to consult a skilled lawyer in the area after a crash involving a hired taxi driver.
Evidence after a Common Carrier Accident
After a wreck involving a common carrier, it is crucial to document as much as possible. This includes taking photos of vehicle or property damage. It is also important for a victim to document their injuries and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even for minor symptoms.
Other important information includes the names and insurance of all drivers involved. In a common carrier crash, an injured passenger should also keep receipts or verification that they paid for their driver. A dedicated lawyer with experience handling hired driver crashes in Columbus can help to gather this evidence and build a strong case for a victim’s recovery.
Consult a Columbus Attorney on Hired Driver Accidents
After a common carrier accident, it is important to get an attorney involved right away so that you have dedicated representation on your side. Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests and will use various tactics to pay the least amount possible.
However, the skilled lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy know how to stand up to insurers and could fight for the full value of your case. If you or a loved one was injured in a hired driver accident in Columbus, reach out to our firm as soon as possible. Call us to review your circumstances and get started on the path to recovery.
