1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Motor Vehicle Accidents
  4.  » Uber Accident

Uber Accident

Since first arriving in San Diego in 2012, Uber’s ride-sharing service has become an increasingly popular way of getting around the city. Along with around 400 other cities across the world, San Diego has embraced the innovative business model of Uber, which enables us to hail a ride using a smartphone app, track the driver until we are picked up and pay without needing any cash. Whether you are rushing to a meeting away from your usual office, or have just arrived in an unfamiliar city, Uber can save you a significant amount of time, money and effort when it comes to getting around.

Did you know that over 500,000 customers currently avail of Uber’s ride-sharing services in San Diego alone? Or that the company has become the world’s largest taxi cab company without ever owning a single car?

With all the convenience and affordability of Uber, it is easy to lose sight of the potential downsides of the ride-sharing service. Even if you do not have any ethical concerns about the introduction of this business model, you should be aware of the potential complexity of determining liability should you be involved in an Uber accident. Thankfully, you will not need to navigate this complexity, as you can entrust your case to an experienced San Diego Uber accident attorney from Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP.

Is It Safe to Use Uber and Other Ride-Sharing Services?

Although Uber can get bad press at times, using the service should be as safe as using any other mode of road-based transportation. Drivers are subjected to detailed background checks at least once per year, and the tracking ability means you know exactly who is coming to pick you up, what they look like, and the make, model and license number of their car. However, there is no legislating for the potentially negligent or dangerous driving of other motorists.

In terms of regulation, Uber is governed by the California Public Utilities Commission’s licensing of transportation network companies (TNCs), which states that they must hold:

  • Company-issued insurance with a per-accident cap of at least $100,000
  • The per-person limit on this insurance policy must also be at least $50,000
  • Coverage for both injuries and fatalities
  • A minimum of $30,000 in property coverage
  • A per-accident compensation limit of at least $1 million
  • Cover against collisions with uninsured or under-insured motorists

Common Causes of San Diego Uber Accidents

As Ubers are, essentially, just cars, the common scenarios relating to Uber accidents are identical to those associated with car accidents, namely:

  • Distracted driving, which tends to be mostly caused by cellphone use while behind the wheel
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Aggressive or reckless driving, including road rage
  • Driving at excessive speeds
  • Poor road conditions
  • Poorly maintained vehicles
  • Defective vehicle parts, including seatbelts and brakes
  • Adverse weather conditions

Although the causes may be the same, the legalities involved in securing compensation following an Uber accident are significantly more complex than for a standard car accident. As such, it is strongly recommended that you instruct a San Diego Uber accident attorney to handle your case.

To schedule your free initial consultation, call us today on 619-369-3323.

});