Dangers of Rideshare Recall Vehicles
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg car accident lawyer. Have you ever used a rideshare company such as Lyft or Uber to take you to your destination? It may seem uneasy for some to take a ride in a stranger’s car for the first time, especially if their vehicle has not been fixed for a widespread safety recall.
Rideshare Vehicle Minimum Requirements
The requirements for a Lyft or Uber driver’s vehicle appear minimal. Each rideshare driver’s vehicle must be:
- 2002 (Uber), 2004 (Lyft) or newer
- 4-door vehicle or minivan
- In good condition with no signs of cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding
- Pass a vehicle inspection
Statistics on Lyft and Uber Vehicles
The statistics on the vehicles of drivers for Lyft and Uber indicate that approximately a fourth of motorists needing recall maintenance actually get their cars fixed. What this apposes to a rideshare rider is that they are exposed to the increased risk of injury in an automobile accident while riding.
Which Safety Recalls?
The most widespread recalls include the Takata airbags and the General Motors (GM) ignition switches.
The Takata airbags have been installed in millions of vehicles in the United States and around the world. These airbags are being recalled due to a safety defect that causes their inflators to explode and may cause traumatic injuries or even death in the incident of an automobile accident.
The General Motors (GM) ignition switch recall affects hundreds of thousands of American vehicles on the road today. The reason being is that a faulty ignition switch may cause the engine to shut off while driving. This not only exposes occupants of the vehicle to the risk of an automobile accident but may further their risk due to the failure of airbag deployment because to this safety defect.
What Can I Do to Make Sure I Get in a Recall-Free Car?
Before getting inside a Lyft or Uber driver’s car, you can use MotorSafety.org via the web or app. You can use this service to see if the car you are about to step into is being recalled by scanning the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It may be awkward to some to ask your rideshare driver to scan their VIN on the inside of their door jam. But always keep in mind that safety comes first for yourself and your loved ones.
Pittsburg Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg car accident lawyer. If you, or a family member has been involved in an automobile accident and suffered traumatic injuries as a result, please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice. You may also connect with me free of toll at (800) 404-5400.
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