Bus, Taxi & Uber Accidents Attorneys
In metropolitan areas, many people rely on forms of public transportation to go about their daily lives. For the Orlando, FL, metro, public buses, taxis, and ridesharing services are readily available and used every day by thousands of people.
Should an accident occur while using these services, you’ll want the help of an experienced accident attorney with 911 Biker Law. Our law firm digs into every case to uncover all relevant information and fights to protect your rights until the matter is resolved.
Public Bus Accidents
Public buses that operate in our area are subject to Florida’s common carrier regulations. This means the bus company has a responsibility to provide a level of safety for passengers that exceeds a reasonable amount. Failure to do so can be deemed negligence and charged as a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 in fines.
Common Causes Of Bus Accidents
A bus accident may be caused by the bus driver, another motorist, or a combination of factors. Common causes of bus accidents include:
- Driver error or negligence;
- Insufficient training;
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment;
- Inadequate safety equipment and/or procedures; and
- Roadway hazards.
Injuries Related To Bus Accidents
Since public buses can carry a large number of passengers at one time, and are without safety restraints found in private vehicles, passengers are at risk of a range of injuries during an accident, including:
- Abrasions and/or lacerations;
- Broken and/or fractured bones;
- Head and neck injuries; and
- Traumatic brain injuries.
The severity of injuries sustained in a bus accident is usually directly linked to the severity of the accident itself. Bus accident lawyers understand it can take a significant amount of money to pay for medical expenses and treatment following this type of accident. They can assist you in obtaining an appropriate amount of compensation.
What To Do After A Bus Accident
Seek Medical Attention
After a bus accident, medical attention is generally necessary as injuries occur during even minor bus accidents due to the lack of safety restraints. Calling 911 will also notify local law enforcement who can secure the scene, such as rerouting traffic away from the accident.
Write Down Contact Information For Witnesses
Make note of contact information, such as names, telephone numbers, and addresses of passengers and bystanders. Their account can help solidify a personal injury claim and the events that took place.
Take Photos of the Accident Scene
Most people have cell phones which are able to take photos and video. This documentation is another layer of reinforcement of the scene and can record small but pertinent details of the accident scene.
Who Is Liable For A Bus Accident?
It’s not uncommon for more than one person or party to be liable for a bus accident, including the:
- Bus manufacturer; and/or
- Municipality responsible for the roadway and its condition.
Taxi Accidents
Both residents and tourists alike rely taxis to go between destinations. But, taxi accidents occur every day for a multitude of reasons. This is why taxis are required to carry insurance coverage of at least $125,000 per person for bodily injury along with $250,000 coverage per accident and $50,000 in property damage.
Common Causes Of Taxi Accidents
Many accidents are the result of one or more of these common causes:
- Poor taxi maintenance;
- Aggressive driving;
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving; and
- Driver fatigue.
Injuries Related To Taxi Accidents
Many injuries sustained in taxi accidents are similar to injuries in private vehicle accidents and include:
- Neck and spinal injuries, including whiplash;
- Head injuries, including concussions;
- Contusions and lacerations; and
- Broken bones.
What To Do After A Taxi Accident
Whether you were a passenger inside the taxi or the driver of a vehicle involved in the accident, any accident attorney would recommend following these steps after a taxi accident.
Call For Medical Attention
Whether for yourself or someone else, make sure either yourself or another person calls for medical personnel. Not all injuries sustained in a taxi accident are immediately apparent but still need prompt medical treatment.
Gather Driver & Witness Information
Names, telephone numbers, and insurance information are all essential details. If possible, also write down witness statements with this information.
Document The Accident Scene
Photos and/or video of the accident scene are generally highly beneficial to taxi accident attorneys when building a strong client defense.
Liability For A Taxi Accident
The liability for a taxi accident generally surrounds whether the taxi was owned by a company or an independent contractor. If it was company-owned, then the taxi company is liable under Florida law. Taxi drivers who are classified as independent contractors are required to self-insure and would generally be liable in an accident.
Ridesharing Accidents
Uber, Lyft, and other on-demand ridesharing services help people go between Point A and Point B around-the-clock. With an ever-increasing demand, the number of accidents involving a ridesharing service also continues to increase.
Common Causes Of Ridesharing Accidents
At the core, ridesharing accidents are quite similar to everyday car accidents between private vehicles. The causes are wide, varied, and not limited to:
- Distracted driving;
- Driver fatigue;
- Speeding;
- Improper lane changes;
- Failure to obey traffic signals; and/or
- Lack of vehicle maintenance.
Injuries Related To Ridesharing Accidents
Because ridesharing services rely on the use of passenger vehicles, the safety of riders and other motorists is dependent on the rideshare driver and the vehicle’s safety features. When an accident occurs, common injuries include cuts and bruises, whiplash from sudden stops, and broken bones. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving a rideshare service, the Uber accident lawyers with 911 Biker Law can help you file a personal injury claim.
What To Do After A Ridesharing Accident
In the minutes after a ridesharing accident, it’s important to remember these three steps to protect your rights as a passenger or driver of another vehicle.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if the rideshare accident was minor, it’s important to still seek medical treatment to create a medical record of the accident. This information, along with a police report, will further develop and strengthen a personal injury claim if you decide to file one.
File A Police Report
As mentioned, a police report is often a crucial piece of evidence for a ridesharing accident. Law enforcement should speak with everyone involved before anyone leaves the accident scene.
Collect Relevant Contact & Insurance Information
Make sure to write down the driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Ridesharing Accident?
The surge in ridesharing services has created many complexities when an accident happens. Because the circumstances and specific situation, such as was the driver going to pick up another passenger when the accident occurred, directly affect liability, it’s strongly encouraged to contact the rideshare accident attorneys with 911 Biker Law after an accident.
Download "Watching Out For Florida Motorcyclists," Co-Authored by Michael B. Brehne