Taxis and rideshare companies make it easier to get around Pinellas County and surrounding areas. Sometimes, however, these vehicles are involved in serious collisions. If you were hurt in such a wreck, our Uber accident attorneys in St. Petersburg are ready to provide tenacious legal representation.
While your first priority should be to seek the best medical care available, you should take immediate steps to protect your legal claim. Your Uber accident lawyer must be able to investigate the case while essential evidence is still available. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Can a St. Petersburg Uber Accident Attorney Help Me Determine Liability?
If the negligent actions of a taxi driver or a driver working for a transportation networking company such as Uber or Lyft cause an accident, it may seem obvious that the driver should bear at least some liability for the harm that results. Depending on the circumstances, however, other parties might be at fault. Our attorneys can help you identify all potentially liable parties.
The taxi company or ride-sharing company may be held liable, but typically only if the driver is considered an employee rather than an independent contractor. In addition, passengers agree in many situations to contractual terms of use that require them to submit any personal injury case to arbitration rather than file a lawsuit in court.
If a dangerous condition on the road contributed to the accident, the party responsible for causing the condition may also be held liable. For instance, if a truck carrying a load that was not properly secured drops something onto the road, the owner or operator of the truck may bear some responsibility for accidents that result as drivers take evasive action to avoid the hazard. In addition, the actions of the drivers of other vehicles or even pedestrians may contribute to the cause of an accident.
Taxi Cab Regulations Impose Duties on Taxi Owners and Operators
Florida law requires taxi operators to either maintain adequate liability insurance or prove that they have sufficient assets to be self-insured. In addition, St. Peterburg ordinances require vehicles used for public transportation, which specifically includes taxi cabs, to have a public vehicle certificate. It should be noted, though, that drivers with Uber and other state-licensed transportation networks do not need to have this certificate.
To obtain a certificate, in accordance with St. Petersburg Code of Ordinances §28.15, the operator must certify that:
- The vehicle will be kept in operating condition
- Each person driving the vehicle has completed a background check
- The taxi will provide service to all areas of the City of St. Petersburg
- The operator will comply with the provisions of Chapter 28 of the city code, which governs vehicles for hire
- The operator will carry liability insurance as required by both city and state laws
Since the operator is required to attest to the above requirements, it could be argued that a failure to meet one or more of those requirements should provide grounds for liability. An Uber/Taxi accident lawyer in St. Petersburg could provide further clarification on an individual plaintiff’s options for recovery.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer Today
Collisions involving taxis and ride-sharing companies can raise complicated questions concerning liability. Our Uber accident lawyers in St. Petersburg can help you determine fault and pursue a fair settlement.
Beyond just giving legal guidance, an attorney could advocate on your behalf in negotiations and throughout litigation. Call today to learn what may be possible in your situation.
