EVANSVILLE 8th INDIANA LOCATION TO OFFER UBER RIDE-SHARE SERVICE

Uber launched in 2012 and has since become a preferred car service over
traditional taxicabs in 377 cities around the world, including eight communities
in Indiana. Evansville joined most recently. Customers seem to agree that
Uber offers convenient, easy-to-use smartphone technology to catch a quick
local ride, along with a discounted fare that make trips 25-50 percent
cheaper than others, making it a one-of-a-kind car service.

As more communities in Indiana offer ride-share services like Uber, laws
have been created and are being reviewed regularly. For example, Indiana
law requires “car-share drivers to register yearly with the state
and submit to local and national background checks and a check of the
national sex offender registry.” The law also stops companies from
hiring anyone convicted of multiple traffic violations or felony. The
law also contains a provision that prevents cities from passing local
ordinances governing the companies.

GET TO YOUR DESTINATION SAFELY

For most users, Uber is known as a safe and efficient way to travel but
the company has also dealt with a blow of scary situations involving both
drivers and passengers. There are easy things passengers can do to ensure
their safety when booking their next Uber ride.

  • Follow the ride-share vehicle on GPS and make sure the driver and vehicle
    match the information on the app’s order. Uber says, “When
    you’re matched with a driver, you’ll see their name, license
    plate number, photo, and rating—so you know who’s picking
    you up ahead of time.” Uber will soon be rolling out a new “selfie”
    security measure designed to help prevent driver fraud as well.
  • Safety experts suggest riders wait at an inside location or with others
    until their driver has arrived. Since riders receive a message via the
    app when their ride is ready they do not need to wait in an unknown or
    unsafe area.
  • Riders can travel with other people but if riding alone they should keep
    their cell phone with them to provide an ETA with friends and family.
    This ensures that others can follow the rider’s route and know when
    to expect them. Riders can also follow their route in real-time to see
    exactly where they are headed.
  • In addition to practicing smart Uber riding, passengers should follow the
    same safe motor vehicle practices they would while traveling. Passengers
    should wear a seatbelt and be conscious of behaviors that could distract
    the driver. If the driver’s behavior is out of sorts, or they are
    under the influence of drugs or alcohol, passengers should address the
    issue and find an alternative mode of transportation. It is not recommended
    that Uber riders sit in the front passenger seat.
  • If you are in an accident as an Uber rider you may be entitled to damages
    such as past and future medical bills, past and future lost wage earnings,
    and pain and suffering. Uber drivers must carry $1 million in primary
    liability coverage for death, personal injury and property damage.

If you or a loved one have been harmed or injured by a ride-share driver,
the accident attorneys at
Wagner Reese have the experience you need to secure compensation and assist you with
your recovery. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s
negligent driving, call our offices today at (888) 204-8440 to schedule
a FREE consultation.