While Uber’s popularity and ridership is increasing daily, unfortunately so is the need for a good Uber accident law firm Virginia Uber accident victims and their families can rely on.
Since its beginnings in San Francisco late in 2011, Uber has grown into a multi-billion dollar company and is one of the more valuable start-up companies in the world. The convenience and lower costs compared to taxis, has made many people who used to use taxis start to use Uber or other rideshare services exclusively. This has also allowed many people who had been only been able to afford public transportation, bicycles and walking to get around, to save large amounts of time because of the door-to-door service of Uber. As more and more people across the U.S. become more and more reliant on Uber and other app-based rideshare services, more questions have begun surfacing about Uber in a whole host of legal areas.
One of these areas is how to assess blame when an Uber driver is involved in a car accident either with a paying passenger, on the way to pick up a passenger or simply driving with the app open. Virginia is one of a few states that initially opposed Uber’s presence in the commonwealth. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued the company a cease and desist letter in June 2014. Uber was determined to keep running and paid thousands of dollars in fines as they continued to operate in spite of the DMVs orders. It was not until 2016 and after many fines and legal battles fought between Uber and the Commonwealth of Virginia that legislation was signed allowing Uber to operate in Virginia.
Knowing the history of a company like this is telling of the need for good legal representation if you need to hold them accountable for their driver’s negligent or reckless behavior. If you or someone you love has been in an accident that an Uber or other rideshare company driver was involved in, it may be in your best interest to have an Uber accident law firm Virginia is fortunate to have in its midst, on its side.
Many drivers who drive for Uber and other rideshare companies appreciate that their independent contractor status allows them to have flexible schedules. The 2016 legislation in Virginia puts forth very specific requirements and regulations in regards to Uber’s independent contract drivers. They also published a guide for all Transportation Network Companies (TNC) and their drivers. It details the guidelines of what TNC drivers, including Uber and other rideshare drivers must follow including, insurance requirements, driver screening, vehicle requirements and vehicle registration.
The laws that determine who may be liable in an accident involving an Uber driver vary from state to state. The laws in Virginia are particularly stringent. Because of this, many people who have been in an accident involving an Uber driver find it helpful to have a reputable Uber accident law firm Virginia is fortunate to have in its midst, such as Cohen & Cohen, on their side.
