Uber’s self-driving cars may be returning to Pittsburgh’s public roads. The idea of self-automated vehicles may sound like something that belongs in the far-off future, but rideshare companies like Uber already have these kinds of vehicles and are testing them today. Many people may remember the accident in Arizona last March where a woman was hit by a self-driving vehicle. Uber is new safety protocols to make self-automated cars safer.

Uber applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to resume testing their self-driving cars. After the March crash, their tests were suspended. While Uber returned cars that are able to drive themselves in Pittsburgh last July, they kept them out of that mode and had human drivers in control.

Rideshare apps like Uber provide people with options to getting around an area they don’t know and when they’re without a car. However, Uber has had its issues in the past, with 103 of their drivers accused of sexual assault or abuse. In addition to this, they’re also working on how to quicken emergency responses in the event of an accident. Uber is implementing several new safety features that will help improve overall safety and reduce the number of accidents.

To be an Uber driver, one must be the minimum eligible age to drive, have a valid US license, have one year of driving experience as a licensed driver, although those under 23 years old must have three years of experience, and have an eligible car with four doors. They also need to submit proof of residency, insurance, send a profile photo, and answer questions about criminal history and their driving record.

Uber has faced criticism for their hiring process and that it’s not thorough. The company is taking steps to make their rideshare service more thorough and to provide more information to users.

The laws pertaining to rideshare services and auto accidents are continuously evolving, as this is a relatively new area of law. As a result, it can be confusing to navigate this legal field in the event of a wreck. If you’ve been hit by an Uber vehicle as a pedestrian, you may be wondering about your legal rights and options. Our Uber accident lawyers can investigate your case and answer any questions you may have.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

When you head outside on foot, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or simply taking a walk, you may find yourself vulnerable to the traffic buzzing nearby. Pedestrians are at risk of being struck by a vehicle in a number of different situations, most of which are caused by driver negligence. The accident rates may be even higher than you realize.

Rideshare companies like Uber are becoming a commonly used option for people all over the country. It’s not just for major cities—plenty of towns and suburbs have Uber as well. With this service readily available in so many places, Uber is starting to disrupt individually bought car insurance. This monumental industry may not be so monumental in the future, because now there are options to get insurance strictly for rideshare companies.

A startup company called Sure Inc. has paired with Chubb Ltd. so they can break into this new area of the car industry. They’re selling rideshare car insurance for the costs in case the rider is involved in a car accident while they’re using a company like Uber.

There are a variety of benefits to ridesharing services like Uber. Along with providing people convenient and reliable transportation, Uber it typically cost-effective. With every pro, however, there’s a chance for a con. Before confirming your ride, it’s important to understand how Uber works, what they’re striving to provide, and what your rights are as a passenger.

Uber has provided over 5 billion rides in 633 cities all around the world. With numbers like that, there are bound to be occasional issues. They strive to make transportation safer, more accessible, and more affordable. But with news coverage on accidents, assaults, and even deaths related to their services and drivers, it’s important to recognize that there are guidelines and regulations established to provide you with the ride you deserve.