Uber is a staple for getting around a new city while traveling or having a responsible night out on the town. Uber and Lyft are professional car services that are often seen as safer and cleaner than public transportation. This may be a reliable, premium transportation service. But is Uber safe? Uber drivers are human, and often total strangers. On the flip side, Uber drivers often pick up total strangers and transport them all over the city. What if a reckless or belligerent passenger causes you to crash?
At Bailey, Johnson & Peck, our Albany rideshare accident attorneys can help answer these questions for you. If you or a family member has been involved in an Uber accident, we can help. The personal injury attorneys at Bailey, Johnson & Peck have the knowledge and expertise to fight for fair compensation in your case. Call us today at 518-456-0082 to schedule a free consultation with Albany’s top rideshare accident attorneys.
Is Uber Safe For Riders?
With the recent allegations of sexual assault against male drivers, many female passengers feel more comfortable requesting female drivers. Unfortunately, sexual assault isn’t the only thing passengers have to worry about when requesting an Uber. Millions of auto accidents cause serious injuries every year. With the popularity of ridesharing, it’s only logical to assume that many of these accidents involve Uber drivers. When you ride in an Uber, you’re putting your trust in this strange driver that they will follow the traffic laws and drive defensively while you’re in the car. So, there are some assumptions of risk there.
Is Uber Safe For Drivers?
When most people think of rideshare accidents, they often think that the Uber driver is to blame. After all, they should be driving with extreme care with passengers in their vehicle. Unfortunately, many Uber drivers are encouraged to do everything possible to get their passengers to their location quickly so they can pick up more fares. Unlike taxi services, rideshare drivers drive their own car. Getting into an accident as a rideshare driver can mean job loss, transportation loss, not to mention medical costs. Uber drivers are independent contractors with Uber, which means they aren’t technically employees. This can mean a complicated situation with insurance coverage.
Common Uber Dangers
Common dangers during an Uber ride can come from the Uber driver, other drivers on the road, and even passengers themselves. Uber allows riders to report dangerous drivers, and the most common complaints include driver distraction, speeding, and taking the busiest route.
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence can be deadly. Rideshare drivers have a responsibility to drive safely and defensively, especially with passengers in the car. This is the reasonable person standard. As an Uber passenger, you have to trust that your driver will follow the law and drive safely. Unfortunately, many drivers cause passengers to feel unsafe with reckless behavior like speeding, tailgating, road rage, and driver distraction.
Unsafe Drivers
Even if you are a safe driver, there’s no guarantee that other drivers are driving safely. As a driver, you can make all the right decisions and still be permanently injured in an accident caused by someone else. If you are an Uber driver and get into an accident that’s not your fault, it can drastically change your future. As an Uber driver, your car is your job. Without a vehicle, you lose a source of income. With help from the attorneys at Bailey, Johnson & Peck, you can recover compensation for all of your losses.
Unsafe Passengers
While most people are quick to blame drivers for accidents, it’s not always about the driver. It’s common for Uber drivers to pick up intoxicated passengers. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and cause passengers to act belligerently. Drunk passengers can distract the driver and cause an accident.
What is Uber Doing to Provide Safe Rides?
Uber has taken the time to address common safety concerns with new safety features in the Uber app. These advanced safety features are a way for drivers and passengers to feel safer while using a rideshare service.
Driver Screenings
Uber driver screenings prevent people with violent criminal convictions and drunk driving violations from driving for Uber. These driver screens include a full background check and drivers are vetted again every year.
Safety Features
In the rider’s Uber app, Uber provides the driver’s photo, the make and model of the car, and the license plate number. Uber encourages riders to double-check all this information before getting in the car. These safety precautions can help prevent the rider from getting into a stranger’s car. Other built-in safety features include:
- GPS tracking
- On-Trip reporting
- Phone number anonymization
- Emergency assistance button
- 24/7 incident reporting
- RideCheck
RideCheck
The Uber app can automatically detect if the car stops suddenly or goes off-course. In the event of a crash, the app can connect you to emergency services and get you the help you need.
Incident Report Line
Uber’s incident report line is specially trained to handle urgent safety issues, and this line is monitored 24/7. There’s also an in-app emergency button that riders and drivers can press at any time to connect to a 911 operator. The app can automatically share your location with emergency personnel.
Uber Driver Insurance Policies
This ride-sharing service has auto insurance for their drivers, but it’s a contingent policy. Uber drivers have to keep full coverage on their own vehicle, and under some circumstances, Uber’s insurance will compensate victims. Uber’s insurance will only kick in if the driver has the Uber app on and is available or en route.
If the driver’s Uber app is offline or turned off, Uber will provide no additional insurance coverage.
If the Uber driver has the app on and is available or waiting for rides, Uber provides some auto insurance, as long as the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply. Uber’s insurance covers
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
If the driver is en route to pick up riders or on the way to a customer location, Uber maintains the most amount of coverage. This includes:
- $1,000,000 in third-party liability
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, which covers up to the cash value of your vehicle with a $2,500 deductible.
How an Albany Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you have options available to hold the negligent party responsible. The Albany car accident attorneys at Bailey, Johnson & Peck have the knowledge and experience to support you during this overwhelming time. We know how devastating car accidents can be, especially if they cause catastrophic injuries. Our legal team can protect your rights and fight to recover compensation for:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- And more!
Call the Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Bailey, Johnson & Peck Today
Even with enhanced safety features, there’s no guarantee that every Uber ride will be totally safe. Uber has come under fire for not allowing passengers to request women drivers, especially as other apps and rideshare services make this feature possible. No matter how many preventative measures Uber drivers and passengers take, it’s still possible for another driver to cause an accident. At Bailey, Johnson & Peck, our Albany personal injury lawyers can ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries. For more information about how we can help, call us today at 518-456-0082.
