For-hire vehicles are everywhere. They include taxis, limousines, as well as cars driven for Uber and Lyft. They serve the millions of people who need to get from one point to another and either don’t want to drive or can’t drive to their destinations for one reason or the other.
Accidents involving for-hire vehicles are quite common. This isn’t surprising as the drivers of these vehicles often engage in aggressive driving in order to maximize the number of trips they can make in a day. They are also known to work well beyond the maximum number of hours allowed for these drivers. They are therefore often fatigued and less aware of their surroundings. This also may significantly compromise their ability to react.
Common causes of accidents with for-hire vehicles
The most common causes for accidents with for-hire vehicles include:
- Negligence, fatigue, distraction
- Inexperience or lack of qualification as a driver
- Use of cellphone while driving
- Not yielding
- Illegal or unsafe changing of lanes
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving at high speeds
- Malfunctions or defects in the vehicle’s mechanism
- Dangerous road conditions
- Flaunting traffic rules
Insurance cover for for-hire vehicles
Every state has laws on the minimum requirements for motor vehicle insurance for for-hire vehicles. The minimum amount for liability insurance differs from state to state. Most states require these drivers to have adequate insurance to cover at least one person in case of injury in a motor vehicle accident.
Unfortunately, not all drivers are insured as required by the law. In addition, many drivers are unlicensed. Some privately-owned vehicles driven by individuals use their vehicles to provide taxi services without authorization. If there is an accident involving these vehicles, there may be little or no insurance coverage to compensate the victims.
Getting compensation
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a for-hire vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation. If you are in a state with the No-Fault law, you will be provided with mandatory compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages as well as other expenses.
This type of coverage is referred to as ‘Basic economic loss’ and is only available under the ‘No-fault’ law. Its purpose is not to provide monetary compensation for pain and suffering but to provide compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and other expenses that are considered reasonable under the law. The compensation has an upper limit set by the state law.
If you are interested in filing a vehicle accident lawsuit, talk to an experienced lawyer today.
