Uber, a new smart phone app-based cab service, is becoming so popular it may be putting Taxi-Cab services out of business. You’ve probably heard of Uber; you’ve used it, you have friends who used it, or you could even be a driver yourself.
Uber makes it incredibly easy to secure transportation. You simply have to download the Uber App to your mobile phone, request a ride, and pay with a credit card. The app tracks your location from the GPS built into your phone, as well as tracking the location of the Uber car that is responding to your request. No cash is exchanged by hand; it is all handled electronically.
With new technology, specifically new transportation technology, there may be issues of liability. Before you download the Uber App, consider the following:
- What happens if you are injured while riding in the Uber car?
- What if you are hit by an Uber vehicle?
- If an accident occurs involving an Uber car, who will be responsible?
Since Uber is a new company, legal issues that may arise are new as well. It is important to hire an attorney with the experience and resources necessary to ensure you win your case. That is why If you or a family member were injured while using Uber services, you have to call me at 1 (800) 556-4769.
The following are just a few of the complicated legal issues associated with an Uber lawsuit:
A lawsuit associated with an Uber accident will generally have two defendants – your specific Uber driver and Uber, the company. This means you will be looking to multiple parties for compensation for your injuries.
Uber attempts to disclaim liability for their drivers by claiming the drivers are independent contractors, thus Uber cannot be held responsible for their actions. However, Uber recently increased insurance coverage to cover their drivers after they were named in a wrongful death lawsuit. (Further investigation found that the driver was distracted by the Uber app, and as a result, struck a family at a crosswalk, killing one family member and injuring the others.)
According to a representative of the company, “Uber is taking this step (increasing insurance coverage) to eliminate any ambiguity, while the insurance industry and state governments update policies and regulations for the new world of ride-sharing transportation.
Uber’s increase in insurance coverage does not eliminate the issue of distracted driving, but it will help to protect those injured as a result of this new transportation service.
As your Car Accident Lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.