From: KTVU
By David Stevenson 10/8/14
SAN FRANCISCO —
Angry San Francisco cab drivers rallied outside of Uber’s Market Street offices Wednesday morning, frustrated by what they called an “unregulated” rideshare market that is killing the taxi industry.
“The market is oversaturated with drivers. And nobody is able to make a living,” said DeSoto Cab driver and dispatcher Beth Powder.
Uber also came under fire Wednesday from a client who says he was brutally attacked by a driver. Thirty-five-year-old San Francisco bartender Roberto Chicas told reporters his Uber driver struck him with a claw hammer two weeks ago after a dispute about the best way to reach a destination point.
“They’re not sure whether I’m going to lose my eye or not or even regain vision,” said Chicas. “To just wake up and have doctors hovering over you, it was probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced.”
The driver, 26-year-old Patrick Karajah, has pled not guilty to battery and assault with a deadly weapon and is out on $125,000 bail. Chicas’ attorney said Uber is dodging liability and responsibility for the acts of their drivers.
Karajah’s attorney did not return a call from KTVU. He is due back in court November 4. In a written statement, Uber spokeswoman Eva Behrend said, “This was a deplorable incident and we wish Mr. Chicas a quick recovery. Uber’s insurance provider is in contact with representatives of both the rider and driver, and of course we will continue to cooperate with authorities throughout the investigation.”
