(407) 712-7300Rideshare services like Uber, Lyft and Sidecar have become increasingly popular. But in most places, these companies are neither regulated in the same manner as other transportation services like taxis and limousines, nor do they provide the same protections in terms of driver background checks or insurance coverage in the event of a car accident.
The personal injury lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright are dedicated to helping motor vehicle accident victims pursue the financial peace of mind they need to cope with resulting expenses and move forward with their lives. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash that may have been caused by a rideshare driver, please call (407) 712-7300 for your FREE case evaluation. Our attorneys welcome clients from the greater Orlando area, all of Florida, and nationwide.
Uber and Other Ride Services
Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are among the most popular smartphone-based vehicle-for-hire services. Users of these ridesharing services sign up through their smartphones and make arrangements for transportation from registered drivers, who often use their own personal vehicles.
Other transportation providers, like taxi companies and limousine services, have raised concerns that the lack of regulations binding rideshare agencies have created an unfair business advantage. The absence of regulations also means that there are several Uber safety concerns. In most places where ridesharing services like Uber, Sidecar and Lyft operate, drivers are not subject to the same drug tests, criminal background checks, vehicle inspections and insurance coverage as taxi operators or chauffeurs.
Rideshare Companies and Accident Liability
Accident liability in car wrecks involving rideshare drivers has become an issue in the wake of a wreck in which a car operated by an Uber driver struck and killed a child. Uber has tried to defer liability by arguing that it is not a transportation company, although it accepts ride requests, pays and dispatches drivers, calculates fares, and charges passengers’ credit cards. As ridesharing becomes more widely used, most citizens also agree that these companies should be regulated in the same manner as taxis and other transportation providers.
A recent poll of Florida residents found that a vast majority of those surveyed believe agencies like Uber should be required to license drivers, carry insurance and conduct background checks in the same manner as taxi services. As cities, counties and states continue to grapple with guidelines for ridesharing operations, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney if you or a family member is hurt in an accident that involves a rideshare driver.
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a collision caused by a negligent rideshare driver, please contact Colling Gilbert Wright online or by phone at (407) 712-7300 today for your FREE consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys welcome clients throughout Florida, including Orlando, and nationwide.
