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Have you been injured in an uber?

Almost 4 million Australians have downloaded the Uber app and it is fast becoming one of the most common forms of transport. But what if you’re unlucky enough to be injured in a car accident while you’re a passenger in an Uber?

You’re covered by CTP insurance every time you ride in an Uber. All Uber drivers are required to have registered motor vehicles that are covered by CTP insurance to cover themselves, their passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

If you’re injured in an Uber there are some steps you should taking following the accident.

  1. Report the accident to the Police. The accident must be reported to the police in order to make a CTP claim.
  2. Get the details of who’s involved and take photos. Make sure you get the name and address of the drivers and the registration numbers of the cars involved in the accident.
  3. See a doctor. If you haven’t been taken to hospital, see your GP as soon as you can. Make sure you tell the GP about all your injuries.
  4. See a lawyer. If your injuries affect your activities of daily living or your ability to work, see a lawyer who specialises in personal injury law to help you lodge a claim for compensation.

A majority of drivers on Queensland roads do not believe that it is dangerous to text while driving.

It is shocking to hear that new research conducted by the Centre of Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) has found that drivers are more concerned with “fear of missing out” than the fear of dying.

Drivers who text are more than six times more likely to be in a crash and those talking on their phones are twice as likely to be involved in a traffic accident.

The study has found that women are more likely than men to use their phone while driving.  Less experienced drivers are also more likely to use their phones than more experienced drivers.

In August 2016 Queenslander Graham Walters was riding his bicycle in a designated cycle lane when he was hit by a car and thrown 30 metres after a driver reached for her mobile phone.  Mr Walters survived but is now a paraplegic.  The driver that caused the accident pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm.  She received a 2 year jail term and lost her licence for an extended period of time.

Researchers are calling on new laws to be introduced so that drivers caught using their mobile phones while driving will lose their licence completely.

As at 1 July 2018, you may be fined $391 and receive 3 demerit points if your mobile phone is in your hand and being used for any reason while you are driving – including when you are stopped at a red light or in congested traffic.

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