The significant growth of ride-sharing companies has resulted in new professional and financial opportunities for many people, in addition to another way for commuters to get to work. However, this method of transportation has its own set of complications, especially when someone suffers an injury during a pickup or ride. In addition to the typical risks associated with car travel, utilizing these companies introduces a whole new set of concerns. Additionally, individuals who use Florida ride-sharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, often face difficulties recovering for damages that they suffer during their rides.
In response to competing with new ride share companies, compounded with the rising concern of the safety of drivers and riders, Uber began a 21-month effort to review their safety standards. In effectuating their safety mission, they undertook a close examination of their business practices by reviewing hundreds of thousands of customers’ support requests and categorized them according to severity and response.
The jarring results revealed that there were over 3,000 reported sexual assaults in 2018 and close to 3,000 in 2017. Additionally, there were 5,500 other incidents involving unwanted sexual advances/touching and groping. Further, the report also showed nine murders in 2019 and 10 in 2017, which accounted for driver and passenger deaths. Finally, the report also indicated that the company recorded close to 60 fatal crashes in 2018 and 49 in 2017.
The company asserted that voluntarily undertaking this safety examination and freely reporting the results shows that the company is dedicated to addressing their consumers’ concerns. Uber urges the public to look at these statistics in the context of nationwide numbers related to car crashes, violence against women, and homicide rates. However, although every form of transportation may be affected by these issues, it does not lessen the dangers that many rideshare consumers face and the difficulties they have recovering for their damages.
Uber has publicized that they have $1 million liability insurance policies that cover bodily injuries and property damages for eligible motorists, riders, pedestrians and cyclists. However, this usually applies if the driver is on the app and transporting passengers. In instances where the driver is on the app but does not have any riders, the driver’s personal insurance policy and company policy may cover the injury victim. However, there are many exceptions depending on the circumstances of the accident. Injury victims should consult with an attorney to avoid lifelong financial and medical consequences.
Have You Been Involved in a Florida Car Accident?
If you or someone you know suffered serious injuries while using a Florida rideshare company, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the damages you have sustained. The skilled Florida Uber accident attorneys at Friedman, Rodman, & Frank, P.A. represented South Florida injury victims since 1976. Our contingency fee policy means that our attorneys only get paid if our client’s case is successful. The reputable attorneys at our law firm have successfully represented numerous Florida injury victims and have reached and recovered substantial settlements and jury awards on behalf of our clients. Contact Friedman, Rodman & Frank at 877-448-8585 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our office.