The taxi industry has long since been around in Fairfield, but the uptake of rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber have revolutionized on-demand riding. With the boom of this industry have come some undesirable consequences, such as an increase in rideshare accidents.
If you have been hurt in a rideshare or taxi collision, contact a Fairfield Uber/taxi accident lawyer. An experienced Uber accident attorney could help you seek compensation from one or more responsible parties to address the harms that you suffered as a passenger, pedestrian, or other driver.
State Law Regulating Ride Share Companies
While the taxi industry has been established for some time, with its own regulatory authority, rideshare companies have thrown a curveball at state legislatures around the country. Comprehensive rules now govern rideshare services in Connecticut, concerning everything from service standards to hiring practices.
Rules demand background checks and pose limitations on hiring drivers convicted of certain crimes. The laws govern driver hour limits and other car age and maintenance requirements.
One of the things regulated is minimum liability insurance. Insurance becomes a complicated issue with ridesharing services because traditional personal auto insurance often excludes coverage for “livery” or use of a private vehicle for paid-for rides.
Specifically, commercial insurance provided by the corporation covers liability in a crash. The required liability insurance coverage minimums for rideshare vehicles and taxicabs while available to accept rides, also known as when the driver is “online” is:
- $50,000 for damages because of bodily injury or death of a person
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
The minimum liability coverage for a single accident when a driver has accepted a ride, is driving a rider, or the passenger is exiting the vehicle, is $1,000,000, inclusive of coverage for personal injuries and property damage sustained in the crash.
When these accidents transpire, a Fairfield Uber/taxi accident lawyer could listen to a victim’s story and help them understand what options they have for pursuing compensation, given the circumstances. Taxi accident lawyers are especially advantageous where one or more insurance companies or at-fault drivers may be involved in the crash. Understanding who is responsible and who may pay could become confusing without an advocate to advance your interests.
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Time for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit from an Uber/taxi Accident
States set forth deadlines for filing lawsuits for people hurt in car crashes. Under Connecticut General Statutes §52-584, a Uber/taxi accident victim has two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit with the help of an Uber accident lawyer. In most cases a claim may not be brought more than three years from the act or omission complained of, even if the injury is discovered later.
Though this may seem like a substantial amount of time, it passes quickly. Furthermore, the insurance claim or civil lawsuit process often moves slowly.
The consequence of late filing is harsh: failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe means that a prospective plaintiff may lose their right to adjudication by Connecticut’s legal system. A seasoned Fairfield uber/taxi attorney could help a victim act swiftly, respectful of these and other statutory deadlines.
How shared fault affects your claim
Connecticut follows modified comparative fault under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h: when the victim and the defendant share fault, the court reduces recoverable compensation by the victim's percentage of fault, and a victim whose share of fault is more than 50 percent may not recover at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Connecticut laws regulate rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft?
Comprehensive rules govern rideshare services in Connecticut, including service standards and hiring practices. The rules require background checks, limit hiring drivers convicted of certain crimes, and govern driver hour limits as well as car age and maintenance requirements.
What are the minimum liability insurance requirements for rideshare vehicles and taxicabs when the driver is “online” and available to accept rides in Connecticut?
The required minimum liability insurance coverage for rideshare vehicles and taxicabs while available to accept rides (when the driver is “online”) is: $50,000 for damages because of bodily injury or death of a person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is also required.
What is the minimum liability coverage when a rideshare driver has accepted a ride, is driving a rider, or the passenger is exiting the vehicle?
The minimum liability coverage for a single accident when a driver has accepted a ride, is driving a rider, or the passenger is exiting the vehicle is $1,000,000, inclusive of coverage for personal injuries and property damage sustained in the crash.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after an Uber or taxi accident in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut General Statutes §52-584, an Uber/taxi accident victim has two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit.
How can a Fairfield Uber/taxi accident lawyer help after a rideshare or taxi collision?
A Fairfield Uber/taxi accident lawyer could listen to a victim’s story and help them understand their options for pursuing compensation. Taxi accident lawyers are especially advantageous where one or more insurance companies or at-fault drivers may be involved, because understanding who is responsible and who may pay can become confusing without an advocate. A seasoned attorney could also help a victim act swiftly and meet statutory deadlines.
Contact a Fairfield Uber/Taxi Accident Attorney Today
Riding or driving a vehicle always comes with the risk of an accident. Even the most cautious and conscientious drivers cannot avoid the unavoidable. While many rideshare and taxi drivers exercise the utmost caution, accidents still happen.
However, no victim should be left accounting for the losses suffered that result from an accident caused by another. A taxi accident attorney could empower you to take charge of the situation and seek money for the harms suffered. Get in touch with a Fairfield Uber/taxi accident lawyer to discuss your case today.
