Uber Car Accidents: What Are My Legal Options
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft make life easier for people who want to get from Point A to Point B. They’re common throughout Orange County, CA, especially on weekend nights as people enjoy an evening out. Yet with more vehicles on the road, the risk of auto accidents and catastrophic injury increases.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Sean M. Burke would like to consider what to do following an Uber accident. As laws are still being written, strong legal representation could be key following an Uber crash.
Are There Any Statistics on Rideshare Accidents?
As of now, there are no reliable statistics on Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accidents. A big reason for this is how accidents are recorded by law enforcement. Since ridesharing is new, police reports do no record if a vehicle was part of Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare service. Perhaps this will change in the future.
Reasons for Uber and Rideshare Crashes
Reasons for rideshare collisions tend to be the same for other kinds of auto crashes. This may include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Cellphone use behind the wheel
- Failure to yield the right of way
In addition to the above, there is a chance that the Uber driver has a record of reckless driving. Uber is supposed to screen their drivers to ensure safe records, but if a reckless driver slips through the cracks, it could have major repercussions for unfortunate victims.
Dangers to Passengers in the Uber During a Crash
If you are a passenger in an Uber crash, you might sustain a number of serious injuries ranging from whiplash and bruises to lacerations and broken bones. Since you are the passenger in the vehicle, you are likely not responsible for the collision occurring.
Dangers to Other Motorists
Uber and other rideshare services are part of the reality in today’s world. With more of these vehicles around, motorists must be on the look out for potential collisions and crashes. The same sorts of hazards must be noted with any sort of auto collision. Drive carefully and observe all rules of the road at all times.
Dangers to Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Pedestrians and bicyclists are always more vulnerable to harm than others who are on the road. Since Uber and Lyft drivers tend to be following a GPS to get around places they may not be familiar with, they could accidentally strike pedestrians and bicyclists due to inattention.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
If any sort of crash happens, it is important to get information from all parties involved, including names, driver’s license numbers, contact info, insurance provider information, and so forth. Call 911 to report the accident and be sure to undergo a medical exam if there are any injuries sustained.
Who Is Legally Liable in an Uber Crash?
This is where legal matters can become tricky. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors who work for their respective companies. You may not be able to sue Uber directly, instead having to hold the Uber driver accountable if their negligence resulted in a crash.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
Laws are still being determined to address these new realities of ridesharing on the road. Given this, it’s important to have a skilled attorney on your side. A lawyer can go over the evidence in the case, consider if you have a legal claim, and help you seek damages. We can determine if the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance provider needs to be contacted, of if there is a need to interact directly with Uber due to legal liability on their part.
Contact the Attorneys of Burke Law
For more information about your legal rights following any sort of ridesharing or carpooling collision, be sure to contact our team of injury accident lawyers today. The Burke Law legal team is here to offer answers and hold negligent parties accountable. You can reach our office in Irvine by phone at (949) 644-3434.