Only a few years ago, many people relied on public transportation or the yellow cab system to move from one place to another. One had to contend with commuting in crowded buses and cabs which were, to say the least, uncomfortable and unreliable. But with the onset of tech-based taxi services such as Uber and Lyft, this seems to be a story of the past. Thanks to technology, you can now move freely and conveniently. Your Uber ride is a few touches away.
But while the advantages of the ride-sharing services seem to be clear, we cannot close a blind eye to its negative effects. Just like any other vehicle, Uber cars are also prone to road accidents despite having measures put in place to regulate and govern this business. It is important speak with a qualified vehicle collision attorney to find out what to do if you are injured in an accident while ride-sharing. Our Pearland Uber accident lawyers can be your best ally when seeking compensation for your damages after a ride-sharing incident.
Ubers are not your ordinary taxis. As a business and service delivery entity, numerous statutes and state regulations govern their operations. A majority of these cars are owned by the individual drivers and not the company. In other words, car owners lend their vehicles to Uber for taxicab purposes. The company has no strict authority on maintaining cars, making sure the drivers are fit to drive, or any other control of ground operations. As a result, ride-sharing cars are prone to accidents just like any other vehicle.
Some of the major causes of Uber accidents in Pearland include:
Uber hires drivers quickly and easily, with over 3 million drivers on the road. As a result of having so many drivers employed, bad drivers find their way into this service without much evaluation. In the end, some of them end up neglecting their duty of care towards other road users by engaging in bad driving behavior such as the use of mobile phones while driving. This lowers the driver’s reaction time in case of an accident. Acts of drivers negligence include:
Being a business enterprise, Uber drivers get paid only on commission of the rides they provide. This means that the more trips the driver makes, the higher the commission he or she makes. To complete more trips, a driver may speed beyond reasonable limits. In case of a sudden emergency, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, leading to a rollover accident.
Car owners are mandated by state and local laws to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and safe to use at all times. Failure to properly maintain their cars may contribute to an accident. For example, brake pads must be regularly changed to ensure the smooth running and safety of the car and its occupants. If a brake failure causes an accident, and it is established that the car owner did not maintain the car up to the required standards, the owner may be held responsible for any damages caused.
Other contributing factors include:
Uber drivers have a duty of care towards their passengers, other motorists, and road users. They must act accordingly at all times not to breach this duty. An attorney who focuses on ride-share accident cases could help you determine the specific cause of your wreck.
Luckily, car accidents involving Uber vehicles are insured by the Uber corporation. Uber has a $1 million insurance coverage for any damages caused by their vehicles while on the job. However, this does not guarantee you a $1 million compensation. Several factors come into focus when determining your settlement, such as the value of economic and non-economic damages suffered as well as the severity of your injuries. Your settlement may also be affected by your degree of fault.
Some of the parties that may pay for your damages include:
By hiring a dedicated lawyer, you could improve your chances of recovering the maximum amount of damages in your case.
By retaining our Pearland Uber accident lawyer, you will never be sent a bill for our legal services. We have a contingency fee arrangement in place, as we understand the financial implications of being involved in an accident. We only receive any money if your case is successful. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
