WHEELING UBER ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Uber has been in West Virginia since 2016 and in Wheeling since August of 2017. The rideshare company has been popular for our residents both as Uber passengers and Uber drivers. The rideshare system is meant to be simple for both drivers and passengers. Drivers set their own schedule by logging into the app and accepting ride requests whenever they want to work. Similarly, passengers log into the app and request rides on an as needed basis.

While it is typically a simple process, car accidents do happen and liability and insurance coverage may get tricky when an Uber driver is involved. If you have been in an accident with an Uber driver, contact a Wheeling Uber accident attorney at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman. Our rideshare experts understand the ins and outs of Uber regulations and requirements as well as West Virginia’s rideshare laws regarding driver background checks and insurance coverage.

UBER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Uber takes safety precautions in hiring its drivers and approving their vehicles for transporting passengers. See below for some of the safety regulations and requirements Uber touts when promoting its company’s safety.

• Uber car requirements – Car requirements include that a driver’s vehicle is no older than 15 years, has four doors, and is in good condition with no cosmetic damage. Cars must not be salvage vehicles and must have five factory installed seats and seatbelts with no aftermarket modifications. In addition, Uber requires an initial motor vehicle inspection and annual inspections after that.
• Uber driver regulations and requirements – Per state law and Uber policies, potential drivers must undergo background checks to review driving history and criminal records. Uber drivers are also required to maintain insurance policies that meet minimum coverage requirements.

AFTER AN UBER ACCIDENT

While these safety measures are proactive in protecting drivers and passengers, Uber often takes a hands off approach after an Uber accident leaving injured parties to fight for their own injury recovery. Sorting out liability and insurance issues can be overwhelming and confusing, which is why you need a Wheeling Uber accident attorney to advocate for you and your recovery.

Uber’s drivers are considered independent contractors rather than Uber employees, which helps Uber to sometimes escape liability for its drivers’ negligence. Important facts that relate to whether or not Uber accepts liability for injuries and damages sustained in an Uber accident include the following:

• Was the driver logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident?
• Had the driver accepted a ride request at the time of the accident?
• Was the driver carrying a passenger at the time of the accident?
• Had the driver completed the requested ride in the app at the time the accident occurred?

If you were injured in an accident with an Uber driver, contact our rideshare accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to help you sort through liability and insurance coverage issues. Our attorneys are expert insurance negotiators and if insurance companies are unfairly denying your claim or not accepting reasonable financial demands, we will take your case to trial in order to see that you are completely compensated for the accident caused by someone else’s fault.