Since its launch in 2009, Uber has quickly built its reputation as one of the most well-known rideshare companies. As passengers and drivers have embraced the convenience offered by the platform, Uber has also navigated through its fair share of legal challenges from governments, drivers, passengers, and competitors alike. Amongst these legal complexities, Uber faces four types of lawsuits frequently, including:
Uber Lawsuits for Car Accident Liability
Uber and other rideshare companies, like Lyft, are often sued for car accidents caused by their drivers. According to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the total number of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities has increased by roughly three percent in the United States because of ridesharing companies. These lawsuits often involve:
- Pedestrians who were struck and injured by Uber drivers
- Motorists in car accidents caused by Uber drivers
- Uber passengers who got hurt in a crash
Uber Car Accident Statistics
Uber released their latest safety report for 2019-2020, which indicated that Uber crashes have resulted in a total of 107 fatalities:
- 38% were Uber drivers
- 21% were Uber passengers
- 4% were third parties (pedestrians, cyclists)
- 37% were other vehicle occupants
Uber Insurance Settlements
Uber provides insurance coverage on the driver’s behalf if an Uber driver is available and awaiting a ride request (not actively picking up or transporting a passenger). This coverage includes:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
- $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident
In the event of an accident while an Uber driver is picking up a passenger or actively transporting one, Uber maintains up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage, along with uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This covers:
- Injuries and medical care
- Damage to your vehicle and personal property
Talk to an experienced rideshare attorney at Farah & Farah to discuss insurance settlement options for your case.
Uber Lawsuits for Sexual Assault
Uber is also facing lawsuits for sexual assaults committed by the drivers. Uber’s U.S. Safety Report shared that they get about 3,000 to 7,000 reports of possible sexual assault from Uber passengers every year. The situations mentioned in the legal cases range from reported touching to kidnapping to rape. These lawsuits claim that the rideshare company should be held accountable for hiring drivers negligently and failing to screen them thoroughly for possible criminal histories.
Uber Sexual Assault Statistics
Uber’s safety report for 2019-2020 shares that Uber has reported a total of 3,824 sexual assault cases during that time. Of those, 46% were non-consensual touching, 30% non-consensual kissing, and 24% non-consensual sexual penetration. 91% of the sexual assault victims were riders, 54% of sexual assault survivors reported the incident to Uber within a week, and 4% of reported sexual assault incidents led to an arrest.
Uber’s Duty of Care to Its Passengers
Uber’s duty of care to its passengers involves taking reasonable measures to ensure their safety and well-being. Uber’s safety measures for their passengers include:
- Driver screening
- In-app emergency assistance
- Ride tracking
- Anonymous feedback
- Fair treatment policy
- Insurance coverage
- Timely communication
- Prompt response to incidents
Uber Lawsuits for Wage-Theft Claims
Uber drivers are also suing the rideshare company for withholding money from their drivers. Uber’s competitor, Lyft, is also facing the same claims. Uber has agreed to pay its drivers a total of $290 million in wage-theft settlements so far, and Lyft a total of $38 million. Cheated drivers will receive back pay, mandatory paid sick leave, other benefits. Qualifying drivers can submit a claim with these rideshare companies to receive the owed funds.
Uber Lawsuits for Misclassification of Drivers
In 2014, Uber drivers who thought they were labeled incorrectly as independent contractors filed a class action lawsuit. The case was resolved outside of court in 2019 for $20 million, but Uber still denies negligence and that they labeled the workers incorrectly. Another class action lawsuit was filed and approved in Northern California, where Uber paid $8.4 million to its drivers who claimed they were misclassified as independent contractors.
Do You Need an Uber Car Accident Lawyer?
Securing the maximum compensation that you deserve without the assistance of a rideshare accident lawyer for accident-related claims can pose a significant challenge. The experienced lawyers at Farah & Farah are ready to advocate for your best interest while seeking fair compensation for your damages. Contact Farah & Farah for your free consultation.
