What is Uber?
Uber Technologies, Inc. (Uber) is a ridesharing company that offers a variety of ride hailing services. Since being founded in San Francisco in 2009, Uber has grown in global popularity as a leading transportation business. It has become a staple in many metropolitan areas and a major competitor with the cab and limousine industries.
Uber has found a unique place in what is known as the “sharing economy”– a model of business that is unlike traditional corporations (such as taxi companies). In this new sharing economy, the peer-to-peer exchange of services is encouraged. Uber fits this model because it is a “rideshare” service that is run by independent freelancers, rather than employees.
Many customers love the Uber model because it is convenient, affordable, and fast. But because Uber does not follow the same regulatory standards as a commercial business, it produces its own legal challenges. For instance, an Uber accident may have different consequences than any other type of motor vehicle accident. For this reason, if you have been injured in an Uber vehicle, it can be overwhelming to know how to seek financial compensation. The personal injury lawyers at William Mattar have the experience to handle any Uber accident case and help you through the legal process. Call us today for a free consultation.
What services does Uber provide?
When you think of Uber, you may think largely of ridesharing. But Uber offers a variety of ridesharing options, as well as unrelated products and services. The various Uber services differ in cost and availability, depending on where you may live.
The following is a list of a few current Uber services.
- UberX: Rideshare where a driver has a car that can seat up to 4 people.
- UberXL: Rideshare where a driver has a car that can seat up to 6 people.
- Uber POOL: Rideshare where passengers can carpool (and split the trip cost) if they are heading in the same direction.
- Uber Select and Uber BLACK: Both classified as “luxury” rideshare services, these rideshare options use high-end vehicle brands to transport passengers.
- Uber Eats: Food delivery service which allows customers to order take out from nearby restaurants.
- Uber Freight: Service that connects commercial shippers and carriers.
- Uber for Business: Service that can be used by companies to manage business-related travel.
- Uber Health: Offers patients transportation to healthcare services.
- JUMP: Bike and scooter rental service that can be accessed through the rideshare app.
How does Uber work?
If you have never taken a trip with Uber before, you may be wondering how it works.
A typical Uber ride can be requested using a mobile app on your cell phone. When you request a ride, you will be able to choose the size of the vehicle. After you choose your preferred location, a nearby Uber driver can accept that request. You will then be able to view an estimated pickup time.
After every Uber trip, the rider and driver are prompted to rate each other on the Uber app. You can receive and give a rating between 1 and 5 stars. Riders can also give their Uber driver a tip or review, if desired.
Most Uber rides and services rely on the system’s app to function. But other Uber products, such as Uber Eats, may utilize a separate app or platform.
How does Uber compare to a taxi service?
Uber is classified as a Transportation Network Company (TNC), or rideshare company. TNCs are businesses that are certified by the DMV to connect passengers to a digital network for transportation purposes. Uber is one of two TNCs (along with Lyft) that is licensed in the state of New York. These rideshare companies are considered a separate operation, so they do not have to function under the same requirements as a traditional taxicab service.
Additionally, there are several distinctions between rideshare companies, such as Uber, and taxi companies.
- Unlike taxis, TNC vehicles are not required to have obvious visual displays indicating that they are a transportation vehicle. It is standard for Uber drivers to use, and maintain, their own personal cars.
- Because TNC drivers set their own work schedule, they do not have to accept all ride requests.
- Taxi services are legally required to carry an insurance policy that protects drivers and passengers at all times. Whereas, rideshare companies have rules in place that dictate when a car accident is or is not covered by their insurance policy.
What can I do if I was injured in an Uber car crash?
Uber has a liability insurance coverage policy that covers drivers and passengers up to $1 million in damages. So, if you were seriously injured as a passenger in an Uber collision, you will likely be protected. If you were not an Uber passenger, but injured as a result of an Uber-related crash, you may also be able to seek compensation.
There may be certain scenarios where a rideshare driver is not covered by Uber’s liability coverage. In the event of a car accident, an Uber driver is not protected if they are not logged into the app and are not carrying, or driving to pick up, a passenger. If you were seriously injured by an Uber driver, and they were not “online,” you may not be covered by insurance. This means you will not receive compensation for lost wages or income, medical expenses, or any pain and suffering that occurs as a result of your injury. In this case, you may want to reach out to an accident attorney to start the process of filing a claim.
The personal injury attorneys at William Mattar can help you bring your claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our Uber accident lawyers will be able to determine which types of compensation you are entitled to receive as well as the best course of legal action.
Hurt in an Uber? Call William Mattar
If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident, and are struggling to get your life back, contact William Mattar law offices. Our accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle your rideshare accident case. Call (844) 444-4444 today.
