California Civil Code (CCC) safeguards people taking trips using rideshares or on public and private buses. The code demands that owners and operators show a heightened duty of care towards customers and riders.
The owners are responsible for the safety of their passengers and for providing safe drivers and safe vehicles.
A carrier of persons for reward must use the utmost care and diligence for their safe carriage, must provide everything necessary for that purpose, and must exercise to that end a reasonable degree of skill.
The Duty of Uber and Greyhound to Keep You Safe
CCC 2100 holds all “Common Carriers” responsible for the safety of their passengers. A common carrier is a business that offers transportation for a fee.
All California drivers are supposed to show a “duty of care” towards others using the roads. But CCC 2100 expands that duty to include the “utmost care and diligence.” It’s a higher standard than just that of the care one driver must show to another.
Carriers aren’t just responsible when a customer gets hurt. They must also do everything within their power to ensure a safe trip.
These are just a few of a Common Carrier’s responsibilities:
- Maintaining safe vehicles (regular checks on tire and brake conditions)
- Providing vehicles with accident safety features
- Hiring safe drivers (background checks and consideration of driving records)
- Training safe drivers (regular training for employees)
- Drug tests for drivers
Does CCC 2100 Apply to City Buses?
Yes. The code is specifically written for carriers that charge for transportation. However, the California Supreme Court has ruled that this code and elevated responsibility also apply to cities that provide public transportation.
The court explained that all operators must do everything possible to prevent harm to riders.
If you are hurt while riding public transportation, such as a city bus or light rail, you can file a claim against the city or county government.
Victims should note that filing a claim against a government agency comes with more complexity than a normal case. Governments can be protected by shorter deadlines to file, and by putting vulnerable victims through a more complicated process.
If you are seriously hurt, it’s a good idea to have a California car accident lawyer represent you against a city agency.
What If I’m In an Uber or Bus Accident?
If you are hurt while riding in an Uber or on a carrier like Greyhound, you can file claims and seek support if you are injured.
If the rideshare driver is responsible for a crash, you could file claims against Uber. If the bus driver causes a collision, you can file a claim with the bus company’s owners. If a driver outside the rideshare car or the bus is responsible, you’d file a claim with the driver’s normal car insurance.
You’d be asking for these damages and more:
- Money to pay medical bills for as long as necessary
- Money to cover your lost income while you can’t go to work
- Money for the pain you endure
- Money for the emotional trauma that is caused by a frightening accident and long recovery
- Benefits for families after a loved one is killed in a tragic bus accident
Of course, companies like Lyft, or a tour or charter bus business, can afford corporate lawyers to help defend themselves and limit what victims receive. If you are seriously hurt, it’s often advantageous to have a skilled attorney handle your case, leaving you to focus on healing.
When You May Need a Lawyer
If you are hurt in a rideshare or bus accident, and your injuries are serious, it’s a good idea to go over your options with a skilled attorney.
Contact Maison Law for a free case consultation as soon as you can. It’s confidential, and it comes with no obligation.
And if you do need our help to earn more, you never have to break the bank to pay a lawyer. We aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check a bus or rideshare company’s insurance must write for you and your family.