Your Uber May Be Part of a Recall

Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services have become a popular option for getting from Point A to Point B by letting someone else do the work. Whether you’ve been having a cold one, don’t want to look for a parking spot, or simply don’t feel like driving, the app-based services are designed at least in part to take off the stress of getting behind the wheel.

But that doesn’t mean ridesharing is any safer than driving yourself. Many rideshare users may be unwittingly getting into a car that’s been recalled for safety reasons, according to a new report from a Jacksonville, Fla. news outlet.

News Action Jax found that more than one-quarter of the cars in Jacksonville registered for taxi, rideshare and similar uses were the subject of a safety recall. That includes recalls over concerns about faulty airbags and malfunctioning brake cables.

An Uber spokesperson told the news channel that drivers are required to continually confirm with the company that their vehicles are up to snuff. But the company takes drivers at their word. It doesn’t perform its own recall checks, beyond regular reminders for drivers to have their cars inspected.

Meanwhile, the rise of rideshares has come with an uptick in deadly car accidents. Fatal car crashes have increased by about 3 percent since Uber and Lyft arrived on the scene in 2010, according to researchers at the University of Chicago. The study doesn’t account for other possible factors, like lower gas prices.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Buyers

The rideshare recall news is an example of just how prevalent vehicle defects are. The California Lemon Law forces car makers whose defective vehicles haven’t been properly repaired after multiple attempts to compensate the owner or replace the vehicle. The money damages available in lemon law cases includes compensation for the car’s purchase price and/or down payment and financing costs, as well as rental vehicle, towing and repair expenses.

The law applies to both new and used cars, so long as the repair attempts happen during the vehicle’s warranty period. There’s no specific number of repair attempts that must be made in order for the law to kick in. It depends on the defect and other circumstances.

How a California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You

If you’re a California car owner with a vehicle that just doesn’t seem to work properly, it’s vital that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights and options. A lawyer can walk you through the legal process in a way that best reflects your unique individual situation and needs.

The California Lemon Law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. Our firm does not charge upfront fees in most cases.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.