When it comes to Uber, there’s a lot of debate about whether or not the ridesharing company is safe. While it’s true that Uber has made it easier for people to get around town, ridesharing services can be risky if you’re not careful. That means there are plenty of times when you could get hurt just by taking an Uber. Here are six common causes of Uber accidents you ought to know. Read on to learn about such instances and educate yourself on approaching the situation the right way should God forbid you’re involved in an Uber accident.
A Collision at an Intersection
While following traffic laws and keeping a safe distance from other cars can help prevent this from happening, it’s still possible for collisions to occur at intersections due to factors like sudden braking or poor visibility.
Some common intersections where collisions are likely to include:
- Anywhere with stoplights or stop signs (unless it’s a signalized intersection)
- Crossroads and T-shaped intersections with limited visibility.
- Intersections with multiple lanes of traffic, especially where cars are turning across your path.
- Intersections with lots of pedestrians and bicycles.
Make sure your driver is okay when driving, especially on busy roads. If you get injured due to an accident by your Uber driver, you may hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit against the company for damages.
Inexperienced Uber Driver
Your Uber driver may not have the proper training to navigate an intersection safely. This is especially true if they’re new to the job. While it’s not guaranteed that an inexperienced driver will get into an accident, there’s a greater chance of it happening. If you have any concerns about your driver, you can always ask to see their license and registration information. You can also contact Uber customer service to file a complaint if you believe your driver acted recklessly.
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Many accidents are caused by drivers who are speeding or driving recklessly. This is often due to drivers trying to reach their destination as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this can put the driver and passengers at risk of getting injured in an accident. Ask them to slow down if you think your driver is speeding or driving recklessly. You can also contact Uber customer service to file a complaint.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common causes of accidents. If your driver is drunk or on drugs, they could easily get into an accident. If you believe your driver may be intoxicated, get out of the car as soon as possible. Nothing is worth your life and safety, let alone a drunk Uber driver.
Distracted Driving
Your driver may be distracted by their phone, the GPS, or something else in the car. If you see the driver constantly looking at their phone while driving or not paying attention to the road, tell them to focus on the road. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Poor Weather Conditions
Uber drivers must follow the same traffic laws as everyone else when driving in bad weather conditions. That means they should slow down and be extra careful when the roads are slippery, or visibility is low. If your driver is driving too fast or not being careful in bad weather, get out of the car or ask them to drive more slowly. If they don’t listen, make sure you lodge a complaint after the ride.
Final Word
This list only covers a few of the many ways an Uber driver could be responsible for causing an accident. There are many other instances where passengers have been injured or killed by their Uber driver, such as when the driver was intoxicated, under the influence of drugs or had poor driving habits.
If you sense your Uber driver isn’t in a state of driving, consider canceling the ride and taking another one. And if you’re injured in an Uber accident, you may sue the company for damages. Stay safe!
