Uber rides are commonplace in modern life and people use this service often for things like traveling to the airport, getting to work, going home after a night out, and more. The service has become so popular, in fact, that Uber drivers are now a noticeable cause of collisions in the country. Being a passenger in an Uber accident may leave you shaken, but there are ways to find resolution and heal after a collision takes place. How common are Uber accidents? Here are the facts.
What is Uber?
Uber is a ridesharing service that picks up passengers and takes them places. You book a car through an app that shows all the ratings of the driver, and customers can be rated as well. This provides more control and reliability, and it has increased in popularity since it first began. Uber has around 120 million customers in the country, and around four million drivers. With such a big number out on the road, it is only natural that there has been an increase in accidents directly related to Uber drivers and their passengers.
How Many Accidents Are Caused by Uber Rides?
Statistics predict that around one in four collisions are caused by Uber cars. Of this amount, the majority of fatalities happen to drivers, not passengers, though pedestrians and passengers still suffered significant injuries and even death in some cases.
What Is Driving the Data?
What are the reasons behind the alarming statistics? The truth is, there are several to consider. The main point here is that there are simply more drivers than ever out on the road and, therefore, a natural consequence of this is that there are inevitably more Uber-led collisions as well. This is the simplest answer, so what else is playing a part?
Speeding
Uber drivers are paid based on how many rides they fulfil in one shift. Uber shifts are limited to a 12-hour timeframe, and any driver exceeding this will be penalized. There is an obligation to take a break for at least six hours in between hours on the road, and this is all logged in the Uber driver app. It makes sense, then, that speeding would be a major factor behind the increase in collisions. Drivers wanting to make up their passenger quota on a slow night or get through more jobs on a busy one may be more tempted to speed to destinations. Speeding is dangerous and causes fatal collisions on a regular basis.
Alcohol Involvement
Unfortunately, even Uber drivers are caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Despite being in charge of a vehicle as a way to make money and look after customers, there are still statistics that show people in charge of the cars are drinking behind the wheel and causing accidents. It is incredibly difficult to maintain proper control and pay attention while driving if you have had too much to drink. That is why the legal limit exists in the first place.
Passenger Distractions
Though more typical for cars that work at night, passenger distractions are another major factor behind Uber accidents. For example, if an Uber driver picks up a group of inebriated people after a night in the bars, there will always be adverse behavior in the back of the car. Whether it is loud voices, unruly conduct or vomiting and not respecting the rules of the Uber, drunk passengers will always pose more of a risk when it comes to how well drivers are able to concentrate.
What Can You Do If You Were in an Uber Accident?
If you find yourself in a collision and you think it was caused by your Uber, it is time to take action. After you have received medical attention for any injuries, you will naturally wish to file a legal claim against the company or specific driver. Having an attorney by your side will make this easier and support your well-being throughout the process. Big companies like Uber have plenty of tricks up their sleeves when it comes to protecting their reputation, so you will need this level of input to represent the case.
Uber accidents are happening more and more. If you have suffered through one, there are paths forward if you find the right support. Visit our Payam Law offices today to talk through all the options.
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