Common Carriers and Rideshare Company Injury Lawsuits
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville personal injury lawyer. Common carriers are defined as private entities, individuals or companies that transport people or merchandise on a regular basis. They all have the responsibility of transporting those people or goods in a safe manner. If an injury occurs to one of their passengers that is caused by negligence, the injured individual may be able to claim compensation either through the carriers insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit.
What Are Public Transportation Companies?
There are a variety of public transportation options for those who wish to take advantage of these convenient ways to travel. The types of different carriers include the following:
- Rideshare companies such as Lyft or Uber are covered under California Public Utilities Code 5430 to 5445.2 while common carriers are covered under Civil Code section 2100. Common carriers operate on a regular basis, while rideshare driver may work occasionally. However, both provide hired transportation and are expected to operate in a manner where patrons reach their destinations safely.
- Taxis
- Buses
- Limousines
- Trains
- Amusement park rides
- Carnival rides
- Airplanes
- Cruise ships
- Helicopters
Liability in a Common Carrier Accident
While many drivers who work for a common carrier are employed through a company, some work outside company hours or are self-employed. For example, a taxi driver may work certain hours for the company that employs him or her but continue to work outside those hours when they own their vehicle. When an accident injury occurs in a company vehicle or while the driver is on-the-clock, the company may be held liable in addition to the driver. A driver who is not employed by a company would be responsible for accidents that occur when working for themselves.
Recoverable Damages Following an Accident
Damages that are awarded in a personal injury case are recoverable in a common carrier or rideshare accident. These include:
- Medical bills, including future costs if necessary
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Home health care
- Lost wages, including bonuses and other financial perks of a job
- Scarring or other disfigurements
- Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life and other non-economic damages
- Physical, emotional and psychological pain, including insomnia, nightmares, humiliation, fear of riding in a vehicle or leaving the house and others
- Loss of future income if the person is unable to return to work
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps
In order to obtain compensation for an injury, it has to be proven that negligence by another person or entity was the cause. An experienced personal injury lawyer does this by collecting the evidence in the case such as police reports and eyewitness accounts. An expert witness can be called in to explain how negligence was involved, while logs and inspections add weight to the argument for compensation. In this way, the attorney can present a case for compensation that is accurate and convincing.
Roseville Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville personal injury lawyer. Those who use common carriers or rideshares to get to their destinations have the right to expect those rides to be safe. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, you also have the right to fair compensation for your injuries. For free, friendly advice about your situation, please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 in the Roseville area. Those calling from outside the area can use our toll-free number at (800) 404-5400, or access our convenient online contact form.
I am honored to have served the good people of Roseville and surrounding areas of Northern California for over 36 years, helping them to obtain compensation in all types of motor vehicle accidents and cases of wrongful death.
Please visit Settlements and Verdicts on my site to find out about some of the previous cases we have handled and how they were resolved.
I am a member in good standing at milliondollaradvocates.com. This group is composed of trial attorneys around the country who have won in excess of $1 million for a client.
Prior clients and some of my peers have left reviews and comments about my law practice on the following sites:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/taxi-shield-auto-3504010/
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