Public Transportation & Ridesharing Accident Attorneys

Thousands of people in Orlando, FL, use public transportation and ridesharing services. Some rely on them for daily commutes to work or school, and others use them occasionally instead of their personal vehicles.

Traditional means of public transportation, such as buses and taxis, are considered common carriers. State and federal laws hold common carriers to a high duty of care to passengers. Ridesharing companies are defined by Florida Statute § 627.748 as transportation network companies (TNCs). TNCs aren’t viewed by law as common carriers and have an ordinary duty of care to passengers.

These differences might sound slight, but when it comes to holding someone liable for an accident and subsequent injuries, they play a big role in what compensation you can receive. That's why it's important to contact a personal injury lawyer Orlando, FL residents can trust. The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. have handled numerous cases involving personal injury claims for public transportation or ridesharing accidents. We understand time is of the essence in these cases and work diligently to recover the compensation due to you.

Common Types of Public Transportation & Ridesharing Accidents

Most accidents involving public transportation and ridesharing vehicles are similar to private vehicle accidents. One difference, however, is that public transportation involves larger vehicles and frequently has fewer safety restraints for passengers to use. Injuries that commonly result from these accidents include:

  • Back, neck and spinal injuries, including whiplash;
  • Bruises, burns, cuts and scrapes;
  • Internal injuries; and
  • Sprains and broken bones.

When an accident involving public transportation or ridesharing occurs, it’s often because of one of these four causes.

Your Driver Hits Another Vehicle

This can happen through negligence on your driver’s part or because the other vehicle made an illegal lane change, for example. A personal injury lawyer in Orlando will examine accident evidence and determine which party was negligent and liable in each situation.

Another Driver Hits Your Rideshare

Predicting what other people on the road will do is just as difficult when using a ridesharing service as it is when driving your private vehicle. If another driver collides with the rideshare you’re using, contact a personal injury attorney Orlando residents can find at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. Our attorneys have the experience needed to determine liability and take on insurance companies so you receive full compensation.

Your Transportation Collides With A Solid Object

Whether the drivers are checking a cell phone, talking to another passenger or otherwise distracted while driving, it’s not uncommon for vehicles to collide with a fixed object, such as a road sign or tree.

You Collide With Public Transportation While Driving

If this happens, contact the Orlando personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. You colliding with a form of public transportation while driving doesn’t always automatically mean you’re at fault. Our attorneys will analyze the accident, including statements, police reports and other pertinent evidence.

What To Do After A Public Transportation or Ridesharing Accident

In the moments and days after a public transportation or ridesharing accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed regardless of whether you’ve been injured, but it’s important to remember these five steps.

  • Contact law enforcement;
  • Take photos of the scene;
  • Get contact information from witnesses;
  • Seek medical attention; and
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer in Orlando.

FAQs About Public Transportation & Ridesharing Accidents

The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. have assisted numerous clients following accidents involving public transportation or a ridesharing service. The following are questions we’re frequently asked, generally surrounding liability issues.

Whom Can I Sue After Bus Crash?

It depends on who owns the bus. A city or municipal bus is owned by the government, which is often protected by sovereign immunity. A car accident lawyer in Orlando, FL, with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. will investigate your case, including who may be liable for the bus crash.

What Should I Do If I’m In A Bus Crash?

First, call the police or law enforcement. Next, seek medical attention if you or others are injured. Both law enforcement and medical personnel will put together reports regarding the accident and your injuries, which are useful in filing a personal injury claim if you choose to do so. Remember to take photos of the accident scene and note the contact information for any witnesses.

Can I Sue The Taxi Driver If I’m Injured In An Accident?

It depends on the specifics surrounding the accident. The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. dig into the facts and evidence in every case to build a strong case in your favor.

Is The Taxi Company Liable In An Accident?

Possibly. Again, who is liable will hinge on the facts and evidence involved in the accident.

Orlando Personal Injury Attorneys

At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., we’ve helped many people recover the financial compensation due to them following a public transportation and/or ridesharing accident. Our Orlando personal injury attorneys are well-versed in Florida laws governing duty of care by public transportation and ridesharing companies. They’re also able to untangle complex insurance rules and regulations that often come into play with personal injury claims. If you’ve been involved in a public transportation or ridesharing accident in Orlando, contact our firm today.