If you are filing a ride-share lawsuit, an experienced lawyer can help you successfully navigate the litigation process. Joshi & Patel are attorneys with winning track records. They have successfully recovered millions of dollars for their clients through settlements and trials.
Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft have been around for more than a decade now and have proven to be a very popular alternative to driving your own vehicle or taking public transportation. After a dip in users during 2020, both companies are experiencing a recent surge in users however, not many ride-share passengers are aware that they have certain legal rights the moment that they sit in the vehicle. When you enter the ride share vehicle you have put your life in the hands of that Uber driver. This risk has been downplayed as the services’ popularity has increased.
If your Uber driver gets in an accident, if you are harmed during the course of the drive, or if you feel generally uncomfortable with your service, there are legal precedents in place to help you. Uber also has several regulations and passenger rights in place in an effort to secure user safety and satisfaction.
Passenger Right: You have the right to a safe driver
Every driver has their own interpretation of the rules of the road and individualized driving habits behind the wheel. Uber does their best to thoroughly vet their drivers. For example, all persons under contract with the company have to clear a background check and have a clean driving record. It’s required for Uber drivers to be at least 21 years of age and abide by all traffic laws. However, there are inevitably bad drivers that slip through the cracks, or good drivers who have a bad day. If you have experienced a bad Uber driver, you have rights and may want to hire an attorney.
As an Uber passenger, you have the right to a sober driver. Uber drivers are forbidden to consume alcohol before or during shifts. Of course, drunk driving is also against the law.
Always monitor your Uber driver for the first few minutes of your ride to gauge their sobriety, driving capability, and road safety. If you feel unsafe, cancel the ride and order a new one or contact someone to pick you up. If you are injured as a result of an unsafe ride-share driver, you may want to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Passenger Right: The right to a safe car
All cars operating under an Uber contract must be less than 10 years old and registered with the company as safe to drive. Every car must have functioning seatbelts for all Uber passengers for the entirety of the ride. Before your Uber driver takes off, check to see if your seatbelt is damaged, broken, or even present. If not, refuse service, cancel the ride, and order a new car.
If your Uber is involved in an accident, the car may have been unsafe to drive, you may want to hire an attorney to fight for your rights.
Passenger Right: The right to report an unsafe experience
Some people are uncomfortable with reporting an unsafe or uncomfortable ride. Or they may simply leave a bad review. In recent years, though, Uber has encouraged passengers to be aware of their updated rider safety policy and report their unsafe experiences.
There have been several accounts of Uber drivers being negligent with their passengers and even assaulting them. Legal action has been taken against the drivers and the company due to these unfortunate situations. Uber has responded with stricter rules for their drivers and a reinforced priority on rider safer.
If you ever feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or are in a car accident during an Uber ride, you may want to hire an attorney and report the experience with as much detail as possible.
Passenger Right: Passenger safety comes first
As an Uber passenger, your only real concern is getting to your destination safely, however knowing your rights as a rider helps protect you and creates better riding experiences. You’ll be able to determine which rides are worth taking and remove yourself from dangerous situations when necessary.
If you ever find need to take legal action against a negligent Uber driver, whether past or future, Joshi & Patel personal injury attorneys are equipped to represent your best interests. Be sure you have a personal injury lawyer working to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Joshi & Patel for free case evaluation, no obligation consultation.
**Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.
