Harrison County Uber/Taxi Accident Lawyer

Whether you were involved in a recent collision with an Uber driver or were seriously injured as a rideshare or taxi passenger, a skilled Harrison County Uber/taxi accident lawyer with experience and knowledge could help you pursue compensation for your injuries. A seasoned car accident attorney could help you understand your legal options and develop a thorough case strategy that places your best interests at the forefront.

What are Potential Causes of Uber/Taxi Accidents?

Rideshare and taxi cab drivers owe their passengers a duty of reasonable care to drive safely, observe all signs and signals, and be free from impairment by drugs or alcohol. Drivers who engage in careless, negligent, or dangerous behavior when behind the wheel put their passengers in danger, and also potentially endanger others on the roadway. Below are the most common contributing causes of rideshare and taxi collisions:

• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Careless driving
• Making unsafe turns or illegal U-turns
• Unsafe passing
• Texting while driving

Laws Impacting Harrison County Uber/Taxi Wreck Victims

Individuals injured due to the negligence of an Uber, Lyft, other rideshare, or taxi driver have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim under Mississippi Code §15-1-49. Any attempt to file a lawsuit after the three-year statutory deadline may cause the court to refuse to hear the plaintiff’s case, thereby preventing him or her from claiming compensation.

Miss. Code. Ann. §11-7-15, establishes the state’s comparative fault laws with regards to personal injury claims for compensation. Under Mississippi law, a plaintiff’s damages may be reduced based on their percentage of fault, if he or she is found to be partially legally liable for the accident. A practiced Harrison County lawyer knows the specific laws that could affect an Uber/taxi wreck claim, and can help an injured victim navigate those laws.

How is Liability Determined in an Uber/Taxi Crash?

Mississippi law requires taxi drivers to carry certain minimum insurance coverages to operate in the State. Some taxi companies may also take out public liability insurance to protect both the agency and driver in the event of a lawsuit. Common coverages include general liability, commercial auto liability, and physical damage insurance.

Uber drivers rarely purchase commercial auto insurance and instead are covered through the rideshare provider. When the app is on, and the Uber driver is waiting for a ride request, the company provides drivers with up to $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident. In some cases, those limits can be increased by the number of vehicles contained in the fleet.

If a driver accepts a ride request and is on their way to pick up a passenger, or the passenger is in the vehicle and headed to the destination, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability insurance, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. A Harrison County attorney could provide in-depth counsel to someone injured in an Uber or taxi accident and review all applicable insurance coverages.

Determining the Value of a Claim

A lawyer in Harrison County who handles Uber and taxi accident injury cases could help the plaintiff determine the value of his or her claim based on the damages and the other party’s negligence. Some examples of possible recoverable damages are:

• Lost wages
• Nursing care
• Projected future expenses
• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Pain and suffering

Call a Harrison County Uber/Taxi Accident Attorney Immediately

Car wrecks involving Ubers and taxis can lead to debilitating and devastating injuries and losses. A Harrison County Uber/taxi accident lawyer could review your case, provide an honest assessment of your claim, and assist you in seeking a successful outcome for your case under the law. Call today to schedule your first consultation for free.