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Everyone from teenagers to adults use popular ride sharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, every day. By simply downloading an app on your smartphone, you can hire a car to pick you up at the press of a button. Riders love the ease and convenience of the app-based driving service that has lower rates than traditional cabs.
How it
works:
Drivers are independent contractors, meaning they are not employees of the company; they use their personal cars to earn money according to their schedule and pay for their own gas and expenses. The app uses GPS technology to connect drivers to their riders, and almost anyone can become a driver to either supplement their income or drive as a full-time basis.
Uber driver qualifications:
According to Uber’s website, drivers must be at least 21-years-old, have a vehicle newer than 2001, and pass a background check. The check is said to make sure in the past 7 years you have not had a DUI, drug-related offense, incidents of driving without insurance/license, fatal accident, history of reckless driving, or criminal history.
The problem with Uber and Lyft drivers:
While the background check sounds comprehensive enough to ensure its riders’ safety, there are major flaws in the system. After a 3-month investigation of Uber conducted by NBC, the findings are disturbing. Various drivers were found with driving and criminal records, including drunk and reckless driving, burglary, and battery and assault convictions.
Since drivers are independent contractors, the company has no liability, and their terms and conditions ensure that. In order to download and use the apps, you agree to the terms, stating that the company is not at fault for anything that happens to you - that can include injury, theft, accidents, physical or sexual attacks, rape, and even death.
Unlike cab companies who operate a tighter ship with FBI background checks, hygiene and wellness checks, and mandatory driving training, these ride-sharing companies have their own financial interests at top of mind, not their riders’ safety.
Uber and Lyft Victims
From soliciting sex and rape to physical assault and murder, the dangers of ride-sharing companies are too prevalent to ignore. Real cases of Uber and Lyft victims include:
Uber and Lyft Accident and Injury Claims
While Uber’s insurance policy claims to support drivers with their liability policy, accidents primarily fall on the driver and because of this, several disputes have occurred throughout America. If you or a loved one have been injured or assaulted in an Uber or Lyft incident, contact Benedetto Law right away. Our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have actual experience representing victims in ride-sharing accidents and work aggressively to recover compensation for you.
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