Uber has completely changed how we transport goods and travel in this age of ridesharing and convenience. With a tap on your smartphone, you can easily summon rides and reach your destination in a few minutes. Although most Uber rides are uneventful and safe, accidents do happen.
Understanding the human factors that cause Uber accidents is important for passengers and every road user. Whether you're another driver sharing roadways, a passenger, a pedestrian, or an Uber driver, knowing the factors contributing to the accident will help you be vigilant and make good decisions afterward.
Is Uber Prevalent in Glendale?
Uber services are widely used in Glendale, California. They have gained popularity among visitors and residents in this city. Glendale has a higher demand for very convenient transportation services, and Uber has managed to fill that void.
The prevalence of Uber services in the city is difficult to determine since usage fluctuates with time. Uber ridesharing service has already established a solid presence, with more drivers ready to serve their passengers as well as their surrounding places.
The accessibility and convenience that Uber offers, coupled with its competitive pricing and user-friendly app, have greatly contributed to the ridesharing service's popularity among travelers and commuters in the city.
Most visitors and residents in the city depend on Uber as a dependable and convenient means of transport, whether for exploration, getting to a special event, or everyday community.
By leveraging its mobile app, you can easily request rides, track drivers' locations, and even make payments for your trips. This makes the app the preferred option for most people who need transportation services.
So, while Uber services are prevalent in Glendale, it isn't the only transportation service in the city. Other transportation platforms, like Lyft, operate in the city, giving users more convenient transportation options.
Statistics on Uber Accidents
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), over 150 accidents involve ridesharing services in the US. Out of these, 45 involve Uber cars.
NHTSA reports also show over 15,000 non-fatal accidents involving ridesharing services in 2023, of which 7,230 involved Uber cars.
However, it is vital to know that those numbers don't include all the accidents related to Uber vehicles. They only include collisions that NHTSA reported, so there could be more.
What Should You Do After Getting Involved in an Accident?
Uber accidents can be stressful for everyone involved. Whether you're a driver or passenger, the following are important steps you must take after getting involved in an Uber accident:
Dial 911: Whether it is a minor or fatal accident, dial 911 to talk to a police officer.
Gather helpful information: Collect important information from every party involved, including license plate number, insurance policy, contact information, and name of the drivers.
Notify Uber: File a report with Uber so they can start investigations.
Get medical help: Seek medical help immediately, even when symptoms seem minor.
Reach out to an Uber accident lawyer: One of the best Glendale Uber accident lawyers with a track record will help you prevent mistakes.
Uber's Liability Coverage
If you get injured in an Uber accident, understand how the platform's liability coverage often works. Uber has the coverage as well as the amount they usually offer the injured, based on when and where the accident happened.
That said, if you got injured when an Uber driver wasn't logged in to the app, this is called Period 0. Uber won't provide liability coverage in this case since the driver didn't use the app when the accident happened.
However, if you got injured when the driver was logged into Uber's apps but didn't accept the ride or caused the accident, this is referred to as Period 1. In this case, Uber Company will offer liability coverage. If the driver caused the accident after accepting the ride and enrooted to pick up the passenger, this refers to Periods 2 & 3. This coverage guarantees more compensation amount than in Period 1.
Compensation to Expect in an Uber Accident
In the case of an accident, the compensation you are entitled to may include different kinds of financial support to address losses and damages that occurred. These may include:
Wrongful death
Loss of consortium
Out-of-the-pocket expenses
Property damage
Pain & suffering
Lost wages
Medical expenses
Human Factors Causing Uber Accidents
Human factors are becoming a pivotal part of accident investigation protocols. However, most investigations focus on the power plant systems, airframe, and flight deck. According to research, improper lookout is one of the human factors causing Uber accidents. Most drivers have difficulty to keep track of the things happening around them. If they don't look keenly for dangers around them, it can cause a serious accident. Since drivers don't act to avoid a collision, it results in more serious issues.
Speeding is another human factor that causes accidents among ridesharing drivers. Some drivers drive too fast so they can complete as many trips as possible and earn more money. Unfortunately, this carelessness leads to fatal accidents. To prevent collisions related to speeding, drivers must adhere to the speed limit even when it means arriving late for the next trip.
Last but not least, impaired driving, whether because of drugs, certain medications, or alcohol, remains a major contributor to ridesharing accidents. Regardless of stricter penalties and awareness campaigns, impaired driving continues claiming lives and causing immeasurable pain & suffering for victims as well as their families.
What's the Solution?
Uber takes necessary steps to improve safety measures. They implement screening processes for drivers, including driving records and criminal background checks. This helps to reduce the risks of Uber accidents that unqualified drivers cause. In addition, the company has introduced several safety features in their apps, like the following:
Real-time GPS tracking
Emergency assistance buttons
Sharing trip information with trusted contacts
Uber accidents can be very taxing and legally complex, and it is important to seek legal support to protect all your interests. With the help of a good Uber accident attorney, you will be equipped with invaluable advice and information necessary to make the right decision based on your case.
