Summoning a ride in Lancaster via a smartphone app rather than taking a taxi or a bus, or driving your own vehicle, may save you time and money. However, rules and regulations for these vehicles are not the same as those for other forms of transportation. Questions of driver safety and insurance coverage have arisen in many cities, particularly where serious accidents have made headlines.
The attorneys at Herr & Low, P.C., provide legal representation for Uber, Lyft and Rideshare passengers who have been injured in crashes.
Driver Risks
Driving skills vary widely from one person to the next. Although the person who responds to your app request for a ride may have a clean driving record, there is no guarantee that he or she is a safe driver. The person who responds to your app request is an independent contractor, which means that the company he or she works for did not legally have to provide driver skills training.
A driver may also legally work for more than one ride-sharing company at the same time. Although anyone behind the wheel may be susceptible to the temptation to check their electronic devices, a person who depends on these for their income may be more likely to be watching screens for their next job while on their current job.
Insurance Coverage
Another factor that may be significant in the event of a crash is auto insurance. The companies that hire these drivers typically supply some coverage, but the owner of the vehicle may not carry adequate insurance for those accidents that do not meet the criteria and are not covered by the company.
Common Injuries
Even a minor automobile accident may cause neck and back injuries. The stretching and tearing of the soft tissues around the vertebrae of the spine can lead to long-term damage that leaves you with limited mobility and chronic pain. Meanwhile, a more serious collision often gives rise to head trauma, lacerations and broken bones.
Free Consultations For Accident Victims In Central Pennsylvania
If you need to speak to a car accident attorney, please contact our Lancaster law firm by calling 717-397-7544 for a free consultation. We are also available by email.
