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Do you prefer taxis or Uber? Many of us have used taxis as reliable transportation when we did not have a car or did not want to use our vehicles for various reasons. However, Uber made using public transportation as simple as tapping a few times on a smartphone.
Rideshare apps let you choose your vehicle, see driver reviews, and know the fare before pickup, but whether Uber is safer than taxis isn’t a simple yes or no. Both types of drivers undergo screenings, and companies prioritize customer safety to stay competitive.
Still, because drivers are human, no system can completely eliminate the risk of an accident. Car accident lawyers can help injured passengers understand their rights and pursue compensation when collisions happen, whether in a taxi or an Uber.
Georgia has strict guidelines regarding background checks for “for-hire” transportation services. For-hire drivers include taxi, limo, and rideshare drivers.
Georgia law requires limo, taxi, and rideshare drivers to have private background checks through the company that hires them, or they apply for a For-Hire endorsement for their Georgia driver’s license.
For-Hire endorsements require a national and state fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Georgia Applicant Processing System. The lookback period for the background check is seven years, and the For-Hire endorsement is valid for the term of the driver’s license.
Taxi cab drivers and Uber drivers are not required to obtain a For-Hire endorsement. They may obtain a private background check through the company that employs them. The certification is valid for five years in Georgia.
According to Uber’s website, the company requires prospective drivers to pass a safety screening, which includes a background check. Uber follows local laws for the lookback period for the background check, which could run back to the driver’s 18th birthday in some jurisdictions.
Unlike a Georgia license endorsement, Uber states that it performs ongoing checks to verify the absence of criminal offenses for active drivers. The offense is reviewed to determine if the driver can remain active on the Uber platform.
Uber also requires drivers to pass an annual check to continue using the platform.
A difference between Uber and most taxi companies is Uber’s platform for customers. The platform offers several safety features for customers, including emergency assistance buttons, GPS tracking, and the ability to share information with trusted contacts. The platform offers some safety features that are not available when using taxi cabs.
However, these safety features do not necessarily protect passengers from automobile accidents. Taxi cabs and Uber may be involved in a car accident. Examining specific safety factors can shed some light on the matter.
Uber drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers. Uber has vehicle requirements in addition to its driver requirements.
Drivers agree to maintain their vehicles in good operating condition, but there is little oversight for vehicle maintenance. On the other hand, taxi companies typically conduct regular inspections and maintenance on each of their vehicles, including replacing worn tires and brake pads.
Many Uber drivers work part-time transporting passengers. Taxi companies often hire full-time drivers who may remain on the job for years or decades. Taxi drivers may have more driving experience than the average Uber driver.
Drivers and passengers worry about attacks and violence. Traditional taxis have a partition between the driver and the back seat. The partition can protect the passengers and the driver from attacks. However, in an accident, passengers could be thrown against the partition and sustain injuries.
Taxi companies are required to maintain commercial insurance policies on their vehicles. However, the coverage is no more extensive than that of the average non-commercial driver in Georgia.
Rideshare companies are required to provide liability insurance coverage when their drivers are online and available for a trip. Uber must also provide liability insurance when a driver is transporting a passenger.
Uber insurance coverage when a driver is en route or on a trip is at least $1 million, which is much higher than the commercial coverage requirements for taxi cabs.
Suppose you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or other person involved in an Uber accident. In that case, the steps you take after the crash can impact the outcome of a personal injury claim.
Steps to take after a rideshare accident in Augusta include:
If you are an Uber driver, follow Uber’s instructions for reporting accidents to the company. If you are an Uber passenger, you can report the accident by using your app. Again, do not admit fault without seeking legal counsel.
Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents. Any party contributing to the cause of the crash could be legally liable for economic and non-economic damages caused by the accident. Therefore, potentially liable parties for an Uber crash could include, but are not limited to:
A thorough investigation will provide evidence proving who caused the accident. If the Uber driver is at fault, the driver could be personally liable for damages. Uber’s insurance provider may also be responsible for damages.
An Augusta Uber accident lawyer can help you determine the claims you can file after a rideshare accident.
For more information, please contact our Augusta personal injury lawyers at Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Augusta, GA, and its surrounding areas:
Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys
4137 Columbia Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 722-8784