Uber Accidents: The Cost of Convenience For many people, using a ride-share application like Uber can be a much safer alternative to driving under the influence of alcohol. According to a 2017 Stonehill and Providence Colleges study, Uber usage has reduced DUIs and alcohol-related accidents by as much as 62 percent in observed areas.
Uber vs. The Taxi and Limousine Commission
However, those who use the
ridesharing services or share the road with Uber drivers are still at risk of severe and potentially fatal collisions. According to a 2016 Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) report, Uber-affiliated vehicles were involved in 753 injury-causing accidents. Although a representative from Uber stated that this data was inaccurate. TLC spokesman Allan Fromberg stood by the organization’s studies. “Measuring incidents solely by a vehicle's base affiliation attribute incidents to Uber bases even when other services are dispatching drivers," said Wing from Uber. However, Fromberg highlighted the importance of matching cars to bases. He stated that the agency’s methods “[provide] a level of accountability central to public safety and consumer protection.” Since 2016, the monthly number of Uber’s active global users has increased from 50 million to 110 million. Uber provides customers with nearly 15 million rides per day worldwide. In New York alone, ride-share applications like Uber gave an average of over 15 million monthly trips by the end of 2017. With more and more consumers gravitating toward ride-share apps like Uber, a new report from the
University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business estimates that as much as 2 to 4 percent of collisions in a studied area may be due to ride-sharing applications. According to this study, ridesharing services like Uber increase the number of cars on the road, effectively contributing to traffic congestion and crowding. Uber drivers are technically considered contractors instead of employees. Because of that, Uber can deny liability for collisions. In its terms and conditions, the company states that it cannot be held responsible for the negligence of its drivers. However, there are some cases in which Uber may be held responsible.
Have you been injured in a collision because of the negligent actions of an Uber driver?
Hach & Rose, LLP wants you to know that you have the right to seek compensation if your accident was caused by negligence. Although ridesharing services and injury lawsuits against them are relatively new, our experienced
team of attorneys has the knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Uber Accident lawyers at
Hach & Rose, LLP to discuss your rights and legal options. We’re here to support you, so call us at
212-779-0057 or contact us online.