Uber is a ride-sharing service that has been around since 2009 and has now become a household name, even among those who do not use the service. Uber is a transportation network company (TNC), which differentiates them from taxicabs, although the service they offer is similar. Although Uber operates all over the country, the company is based in San Francisco. Today, Uber has expanded their services to include not only ride-sharing, but food delivery and a bicycle-sharing system. While some argue that Uber is making everyone on the road safer because it gets more drunk drivers off the road, in reality Uber drivers get into accidents just like any other motorist. When they do, those hurt soon learn that holding the company liable for compensation is not always easy. It is for this reason that anyone injured in an accident needs an experienced San Francisco Uber accident lawyer.
Uber’s Legal BattlesUber may be popular with people who need to get around, but they have also endured extensive legal battles. Many of these have involved deceptive marketing tactics and Uber drivers demanding fairer wages. However, some of them have been far more tragic.
One of the first and saddest stories emerged in 2014. In San Francisco, a 6-year-old girl was struck and killed by an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve while out with her family. She sadly passed away as a result of her injuries.
More recently, in March of 2018, a woman in Tempe, Arizona was also hit by an Uber while crossing the street. That particular Uber was one of the first autonomous cars the company had used in their fleet. The woman passed away as a result of her injuries.
Unfortunately, accidents are not the only legal trouble Uber has had over the years. In October of 2015, two women filed a lawsuit against the company stating they had been sexually assaulted by two Uber drivers.
Uber has settled most of its legal issues out of court. However, those who become injured due to an Uber driver’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing find they have a long road in front of them when trying to claim the compensation they need. A skilled Uber accident attorney in San Francisco can help.
Uber’s User AgreementBefore anyone gets inside an Uber, they must first virtually sign the company’s Terms of Service. This contract outlines the driver’s rights and responsibilities and those of the passenger, as well. Most simply check off the box stating they have read the terms of service without reading it at all. This makes it more challenging if they become injured and want to file a lawsuit against Uber.
Within their Terms of Service, Uber has included a mandatory arbitration clause. That effectively means that if there is an accident, injured passengers have signed away their right to sue. Luckily, Uber would have a very difficult time enforcing that. A contract, and in many cases even waivers, do not provide a company immunity for their negligent actions. A San Francisco Uber accident lawyer can help you hold the company and the driver responsible for any injuries you incur while using the service.
Get the Legal Help You Need After an Uber AccidentIf you have been hurt in an Uber, or by an Uber driver, you need the help of an Uber accident attorney in San Francisco. At the Brod Law Firm, we know just how difficult it is to go up against a large corporation like Uber. This is particularly true when they have included language within their contracts that attempts to bar you from receiving compensation. We will not let that happen. We know the legal strategies to use to get Uber’s Terms of Service thrown out of court so you can get the help you need to recover from your injuries. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 for your free case evaluation.