Uber has been making waves in the transportation industry across the country, and many in the Phoenix area have enjoyed its services as of late. Based on a network of independent drivers who answer requests of consumers, Uber allows passengers to get anywhere they want within a designated service area without some of the restrictions of other forms of transit. Importantly, compared to other options, Uber is often less expensive and more responsive to the users, meaning that its popularity is soaring right now.
This week, to make itself even more attractive, Uber announced on its website that it was lowering its fees in more than 100 US and Canadian markets. In some areas, using Uber in January with these lowered fees may make it cheaper to grab a ride with Uber than to pay for your own gas, endure the wear and tear on your personal vehicle, and pay for parking.
The price cut is a limited time discount in most cities and is designed to combat the “winter slump,” according to a statement on Uber’s website. As consumers do less traveling after the holidays, the demand for rideshares like Uber decreases and the business experiences lower revenues as a result. These price drops are designed to make travel more appealing and therefore to increase the traffic that Uber experiences in its markets.
If you plan to use Uber or another form of rideshare in Arizona, know that there are concerns beyond the price you will pay for your trip. Issues related to safety, security, and your rights as a passenger may arise, particularly if you are involved in a car accident or other incident.
First, know that Uber provides insurance to its drivers who are actively transporting passengers. This means that if you are riding in an Uber vehicle and a crash takes place, there may be insurance to compensate you for the damages you sustain. Importantly, this can be true whether an Uber driver is determined to be at-fault for the crash or whether another motorist played a role in causing the collision.
Second, the laws in the Phoenix area enable those who are hurt in traffic accidents to seek and obtain payment for their injuries through the use of a civil claim for damages. These claims are different than any traffic tickets that may be issued to a negligent driver and are handled separate from any proceedings in traffic court. If a victim is successful in bringing a civil action, that victim may obtain payment for things like medical expenses, rehabilitative costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, and inconvenience.
If you were involved in an Uber car accident in Maricopa County, you may have the right to work with a personal injury attorney to seek the relief that you deserve. If you have questions, know that the legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. will be standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. When you call Abels & Annes, P.C., you will speak with one of our lawyers who has experience representing car accident victims and we will keep everything discussed confidential.
If you have been hurt, think Abels & Annes, P.C. and let our office help you get back on your feet.
Prior Blog Entry:
Car Accidents are Frequent in Phoenix Parking Lots, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 7, 2016.