Getting from one place to another can be time consuming and expensive. To help alleviate this problem in Virginia Beach, two companies are considering bringing their ride sharing services to the area, but the move is already being met with hesitation from government officials stemming from incomplete paperwork and concern over liability in the event of a Virginia car accident involving one of the companies’ drivers.
An article from WAVY 10 News explains ride share company, Uber, is facing civil penalties of $26,000 for failure to meet broker’s license requirements. The company argues that they should not have to pay the fees or carry the documentation, as they are not necessarily for hire, like a taxi or limo. Instead, they say their driver is the one who is hired and carries the onus of liability. Lyft is facing a $9,000 fine for a similar infraction.
While the companies are working to iron out the legal framework for this particular business model, several lawsuits have already been filed against the two companies stemming from accidents their drivers were involved in. In each incident, a passenger was injured and is seeking damages from the companies for their losses.
The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “the Hammer” Stanley recognize who complex the process of determining liability following an accident can be. That is why the firm urges anyone who is injured in a motor vehicle collision to discuss their legal options with an attorney immediately.
