Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft may be safer options than driving after having a few drinks, but a catastrophic crash in Dallas has shown otherwise.
In November 2015, a young woman and her friends were passengers in an Uber vehicle that later crashed, causing severe injuries that left one woman paralyzed from the chest down. The woman was a University student who was set to graduate and start working in January.
According to the police report, the Uber driver ran a red light. The Uber vehicle, which was a Honda Odyssey, was hit by another vehicle. The impact of the collision caused the Uber vehicle to flip.
Injuries from Uber Collision
The crash broke the young woman’s spinal column. Even after undergoing extensive rehabilitation, she is presently unable to move her legs but can manage some movement with her arms. Her daily medication consists of 22 pills, some of which are used to regulate her blood pressure.
Lawsuit Allegations
She sued Uber, the driver, and the vehicle’s owner alleging that they did not provide adequate safety to passengers and that they allowed the driver to operate the ride-sharing vehicle without insurance. The driver also had a prior conviction for drug and gambling charges that the plaintiff claimed should have been red flags that the defendants ignored.
Uber reportedly conducts background checks on its drivers by screening out convictions that directly affect passenger safety, such as sexual assault, violence, and reckless driving. It’s possible that the defendant driver’s prior history of drug and gambling misdemeanors were not considered in the screening process.
Claiming Compensation for Ride-Sharing Crash Injuries
Ride-sharing passengers are exposed to risks of car crashes just like any other motorist. But these crashes may be prevented when drivers and vehicle owners exercise proper care in the maintenance and operation of their vehicles.
If you suffered injuries as a passenger of a ride-sharing company, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney immediately about your situation. Depending on the circumstances of your collision, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, we offer a complimentary evaluation of your case to determine who is responsible for your collision and injuries and your next steps to help you recover damages. We welcome your call today at (702) 505-8115 to learn more about how we can help you.