Rideshare Drivers Too Often Use Recalled Vehicles in L.A.
June 18, 2018- Categories: Defective Products
When you get into an Uber, Lyft or taxi in the Los Angeles area, are you assuming the vehicle is safe? This might not be a good idea, according to the NBC4 I-Team in a recent investigation.
The news team found many dangerous, open safety recalls that affect vehicles around Southern California. Many drivers and passengers didn’t have a clue. One taxi passenger said at the Los Angeles International Airport that she never had any concerns about auto safety, but after hearing about the recalls, she’s considering consulting with a vehicle accident lawyer. Maybe it’s not so wise to be unconcerned.
NBC4 did a cross-reference of 2,300 taxis in L.A. against an open safety recall database from the U.S. government. It was found that 1,100 of the taxis included open safety recalls, such as a window power switch that may overheat or faulty wiring on a sliding door that could start a fire. There were taxis that had open recalls for bad wiring in the steering column that could cause the airbags to deploy for no reason. Some of these safety recalls were as much as six years old.
The news investigation further found open safety recalls on various ride-share service providers, such as Lyft and Uber. Officials said L.A. is not required to inspect these cars because they are not regulated. Uber told NBC4 that it reminds all drivers every six months to check for any safety recalls. But the investigation found there were far too many personal vehicles used for ride hailing services that had open safety recalls.
Who Pays After a Ride-Service Accident?
Lyft, Uber and related services are a new part of our society. Uber for example has only been around since 2009. Just as one might seek a motorcycle accident lawyer after a bike crash, determining financial responsibility and liability for ride-sharing accidents with Uber and Lyft is crucial, especially as insurance regulations and legislation are still being developed.
As of today, Uber has insurance coverage for vehicle passengers who are hurt in accidents, including an accident related to a safety recall. But that insurance may be second in line after the Uber driver’s personal insurance policy. If another driver caused the accident or if there’s a pedestrian accident, consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer would be advisable. In situations where another driver is at fault, it’s more likely that his insurance would handle the damages.
This continues to be a complex area of the law. It is enough to say that if you are hurt in an accident in a taxi, Uber or Lyft vehicle, it is advisable to talk to an accident claim lawyers experienced in this area of the law.
Speak to a Southern California Personal Injury Lawyer Now
If you were a rider in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and the driver got in an accident, you might have very serious injuries that cause you to lose work and experience considerable pain and suffering. You may have a legal right to be compensated for your losses. Neale & Fhima, also experienced as a wrongful death lawyer, will work hard to get you the money you deserve for your Uber or Lyft accident injuries. Please contact our law offices today serving Los Angeles and Orange counties for a free consultation.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
