A review of data from New York City and the Seattle area found that about 1 in every 6 rideshare vehicles registered for Uber and Lyft had unaddressed safety defects, Consumer Reports said.
Consumer Reports safety advocate William Wallace noted that this was despite Uber’s website telling people they could “ride with confidence” and Lyft promising “peace of mind.”
Tech website Engadget reported that the 16.2 percent of almost 94,000 rideshare cars identified in New York City and King County was “on par with all personally-owned cars and somewhat lower than for conventional taxis and limos,” which had a rate of about 23.6 percent.
People who are using rideshare services have understandable reason to be concerned when a vehicle they are riding in has an open recall that could involve major safety defects. The website said that 25 vehicles in the review had at least five open recalls.
Vehicle Requirements for Uber and Lyft
To drive for Uber or Lyft, a person needs to be at least 21 years of age, be licensed in the United States for at least one year (or three years if under 23 years of age), have automobile insurance, have a Social Security number, have a driver’s license, and be willing to undergo a background check.
Uber and Lyft both require all vehicles to have four doors. The ability to drive for certain services will depend on the vehicle’s model year. Uber’s basic service requires a vehicle to be model year 2002 or newer, while Lyft requires a vehicle to be model year 2006 or newer.
On August 13, 2019, Lyft told Consumer Reports that it had implemented a new policy forbidding drivers from using cars with “Do Not Drive” orders on them.
Common Types of Recalls for Rideshare Vehicles
Consumer Reports noted that one outstanding issue was Takata airbags, which remained in 1,274 of the vehicles cited in its review, or about 1.4 percent. Consumer Reports also stated that some vehicles had “unfixed defects involving the potential for vehicles to catch fire or for engines to lose power entirely.”
What Happens During a Vehicle Recall?
When an automobile manufacturer issues a recall, the company provides free repair for all owners of affected vehicles. You should be notified by mail of your defect, but many people become aware through news releases or other online information.
As soon as you know your vehicle is the subject of a recall, you should immediately visit your dealer and make an appointment for a repair. You should seek a possible remedy even if you do not receive a physical letter from the manufacturer.
Liability and Legal Issues in an Accident with a Recalled Rideshare Vehicle
When a rideshare driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by their failure to correct a condition for which there was an open recall, the driver could be liable for the crash.
It may also be possible for Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company to be held liable for allowing a driver to use a dangerous or defective vehicle. Uber and Lyft have $1 million liability insurance policies for accidents that occur in specific circumstances, but the companies often make it very difficult to obtain compensation.
Contact Demas Law Group for Help After a Rideshare Car Accident in Sacramento
If you suffered severe injuries or your loved one was killed in a rideshare accident involving a possibly defective motor vehicle, contact Demas Law Group right away for help. We will help determine which party or parties might be responsible for your injuries, and we’ll seek the maximum compensation possible for your claim.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our rideshare accident attorneys will thoroughly examine your case as soon as you call us or contact us online to receive a free consultation.
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