Chicago Accident Lawyer Patrick A. Salvi Supports Proposed Regulations of Ride-Sharing Services
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 25, 2014 -- Chicago personal injury lawyer Patrick A. Salvi voiced his support for a proposed ordinance that would impose regulations on the rising number of ride-sharing services operating within the city.
Salvi specifically endorsed a proposal that would require drivers with companies such as Uber, Lyft and SideCar to carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance.
“These companies should be treated as commercial transportation providers doing business in the city,” said Salvi, the managing equity partner of the leading Chicago personal injury law firm of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
“In particular, it is extremely important for these alternative cab services to have a system in place that consistently makes sure that all their drivers maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million,” the attorney said.
Ride-sharing services have grown popular in recent years. They allow riders to connect through mobile phone apps with drivers who transport them in their own personal cars.
By claiming they are technology companies, the ride-sharing services have been able to avoid regulations imposed in most areas of the country on taxi and limousines services, including minimum insurance requirements.
But under Chicago Mayor Rahm Manuel’s proposed ordinance in addition to the insurance mandate, the regulations would require the ride-sharing services to register and pay a $25,000 annual licensing fee and ground transportation tax. The companies would also have to ensure all drivers undergo training and operate vehicles that receive an annual inspection.
“These measures would provide needed oversight of this growing industry and, ultimately, help to protect consumers,” Salvi said.
Salvi also noted that ride-sharing services may attempt to avoid liability for accidents caused by drivers by claiming that the drivers are independent contractors and not employees.
“Ultimately, if one of these drivers causes an accident, the ride-sharing service itself should expect to be named as a co-defendant based on a theory that the drivers are their agents,” Salvi said.
About Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is a leading Chicago personal injury firm with offices in Chicago (22 West Washington Street, Suite 1600, Chicago IL 60602) and Waukegan (218 North Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085). In addition to representing clients in catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, aviation and product liability cases, the firm focuses on car and truck accidents, airplane and train accidents, construction injuries, birth injuries, brain injuries, unsafe properties and animal attacks. The firm has obtained more than $800 million on behalf of its clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including 195 multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements. For more information, call (312) 372-1227 or use the firm’s online contact form.
Lindsey Cramer, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., http://www.salvilaw.com, +1 (312) 372-1227, [email protected]
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