Car Accident Cases Attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada

Can you tell us about a memorable distracted driving case you handled?

More In This Category

View Transcript

If you’ve been involved in a crash with an Uber driver, it’s important to understand how Uber operates and why this might impact your case. Uber drivers use the Uber app on their cell phones, which could be positioned next to them, on the dashboard, or directly in front of them. To drive for Uber, they must stay connected to the app, ready to accept ride requests.

When a rider requests a ride, Uber notifies multiple drivers in the area, triggering a blinking red light on their phones. Drivers have only 15 seconds to accept by pressing a button on the screen. Once accepted, the app then shows the ride’s location, requiring the driver to review the screen, assess if they can reach the rider, and, if not, decline the request.

This setup creates competition among drivers, all vying to accept rides quickly. Consequently, they may focus on their phones instead of the road. In one notable case, an Uber driver ran a red light because he was distracted by the app while accepting another ride. This led to severe injuries for a rear-seat passenger and caused an SUV to be broadsided.

Such cases highlight how Uber’s business model, which requires drivers to stay attentive to their phones, can contribute to distracted driving and dangerous situations on the road.

Las Vegas, NV personal injury attorney Keith E. Galliher talks about a memorable distracted driving case he handled. Understanding Uber’s operational setup can be crucial in cases involving crashes with Uber drivers. Uber drivers rely on the app on their cell phones, which may be placed beside them, on the dashboard, or directly in front of them. To remain available for rides, they must stay connected to the app at all times.

When a rider requests a ride, Uber alerts multiple drivers in the area, triggering a blinking red light on their phones. Drivers have only 15 seconds to respond by pressing a button to accept the ride. After accepting, the app displays the ride’s location, requiring the driver to look at the screen, assess their ability to reach the rider, and, if necessary, decline.

This competitive system pressures drivers to monitor their phones closely, often diverting their attention from the road. In one case, an Uber driver ran a red light because the app distracted him while he was accepting a new ride, leading to severe injuries for a rear-seat passenger and a broadsided SUV.

Such cases underscore how Uber’s business model, which keeps drivers focused on their phones, can contribute to distracted driving and increased risks on the road.

More Videos From This Lawyer