Over the last few years, ride-share companies like Uber have experienced an increase in popularity and have become a favorite means of transportation for many, especially the younger generation. But a fancy mobile app and a ride you can schedule in three clicks is not the only thing that makes Uber different from an old-fashioned taxi.
Unlike taxi services, Uber uses private drives who are driving their own cars. Equipped with fancy gizmos, using advanced technology like logarithms matching the user with the driver, GPS tracking and navigation, and amazingly optimized app you can have at your disposal on your smartphones, Uber seems to have it all. Or so it seems.
Behind all the glitter, many dubious things make us wonder- How safe Uber really is? Traditional taxi companies have shared their opinion on the dangers of ride-sharing companies such as Uber. While most of them are born out of fear of competition, some of their concerns make perfect sense. Lack of regulation and the way licenses are procured, lack of proper training, and the biggest flaw of them all, issues with their insurance coverage, especially in the case of an accident.
Dangers Behind the Rise of the Uber
Uber has become very popular very, very fast. From 2009 to December 24th, 2015 they had exactly 1 billion rides completed. While we have to congratulate the Uber company for this enormous business success, we can’t overlook the dangers such a rise in popularity caused.
The more Uber grew, the more new drivers were in demand. Every year around 100 000 new drivers start working for Uber as independent contractors. That means that when you take your Uber tomorrow, chances are your driver is fairly new to this business and as such is quite inexperienced.
How Safe Is My Uber Drive Then?
What Uber did amazingly well is they recognized the needs of the new generation. They managed to create an appearance of a ”casual” means of transportation as opposed to the organized transportation service like taxi companies. But it seems like they transferred their ”laid back” attitude to their Terms of Service and created a dangerous situation for their clients.
”Uber does not guarantee the quality, suitability, safety, or ability of third-party providers. You agree that the entire risk arising out of your use of the services, and any service or good requested in connection therewith, remains solely with you, to the maximum extent permitter under applicable law.” Uber Terms of Service.
This means that if you are in any way injured or harmed during your Uber ride, the company is not liable; therefore you will have a hard time seeking compensation for your injuries. And you agree to this every time you use Uber services. So in case you get into a car accident while riding on Uber, the ride-share company is not responsible and you would have to look somewhere else for compensation.
There is a chance of getting reimbursed for your medical bills and compensated for your injuries, but that road is full of obstacles impossible to overcome on your own. Ride-share car accidents are a fairly new creation and as such, they are not easily defined by the law. You don’t have a long-standing procedure you can follow and every situation is in some way different. Luckily, there is a great number of personal injury attorneys who specialize in ride-share car accidents and are able to make the most out of your claim. The work they would have to do is not for the faint-hearted as they will have to negotiate with both drivers involved in the accident, as well as their insurance companies, and extract as much as they can from all parties in order to secure fair compensation for you. Still, hiring a an uber accident attorney is your best bet, and the first step you should take after your rideshare car accident.
Crimes Involving Uber Drivers
Besides not being covered during the Uber ride, there are more dangerous things you can experience while commuting by Uber. Over the years there were numerous reports of physical assault, hit-and-runs, and shootings involving Uber drivers.
Uber issued a safety report in December 2019 that revealed there were more than 3,000 reports of sexual assaults that occurred in 2018, with 235 of them being alleged rape reports.