Posted on Wednesday, June 14th, 2017 at 2:54 am
How safe do you feel with self-driving vehicles on the road? If you are a little nervous about riding in a self-driving vehicle, you are not alone. AAA released a new report stating that three-quarters of individuals surveyed stated they felt “afraid” of riding in a self-driving vehicle. Only 10 percent of the respondents stated they would feel safer sharing the road with self-driving vehicles.
One of the arguments for self-driving vehicles is that they reduce the risk of accidents. However, a recent Uber accident highlights the fact that self-driving vehicles are not immune to traffic accidents. Uber suspended its self-driving pilot program for a short time after a crash involving a self-driving Uber vehicle in Tempe, Arizona. The Uber accident was apparently caused by another driver failing to yield the right of way to the self-driving Uber vehicle. After a short investigation, Uber resumed the pilot program.
Uber Accidents Involving Other Drivers
Even though you may not see self-driving Uber cars on Sacramento roads, you are likely to see Uber drivers. Uber has become a popular form of transportation in part because it is so easy to schedule rides and in part because it is less expensive than traditional taxi cabs. However, it can be difficult to file an accident claim if you are involved in an Uber accident.
When another driver causes the accident, filing an accident claim is not as difficult. You are a passenger in a vehicle that was injured because of the negligence of another driver. Your claim is against the driver of the other vehicle, and the claim proceeds much like any other accident claim. However, when the Uber driver causes the accident, the claim process can be a bit more complicated.
Many insurance companies have fought Uber accident claims because they don’t cover the driver if the driver is operating a “business.” Most private insurance policies include clauses that deny coverage for paid fairs. Therefore, if you are a paying customer and the Uber driver causes an accident, your accident claim could be denied.
Turning to Uber for payment can be just as difficult. Uber has denied claims from passengers stating that its drivers are self-employed, independent contractors. Therefore, Uber claims it is not responsible for accidents caused by its drivers.
Call an Experienced Uber Accident Attorney for Help
The law is evolving regarding Uber accidents, so it is best to consult with an Uber accident attorney as soon as possible if you are injured in an accident involving an Uber driver. It is always in your best interest to consult a Sacramento car accident attorney to learn about your legal rights before you discuss your claim with an insurance adjuster. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and physical pain.
The Sacramento Uber accident attorneys of the Tiemann Law Firm can be reached by telephone at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website. Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area. We offer free consultations to accident victims throughout the Sacramento region so they can get the legal advice they need to ensure they are protected from unfair practices of insurance companies.
