7 Common causes of Ridesharing Accidents

When people use Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare companies, they do so with the assumption that drivers will follow the rules. However, that’s not always the case. As more commuters use these services, accidents are increasing in frequency and severity, with more and more people finding they need to seek urgent care near me as a result of an accident. Here, we’ll discuss the seven most common causes of rideshare accidents.

Distracted Driving

This is, by far, the most common cause of ridesharing accidents. As a driver refers to their device, inputs information, and gets directions, their attention is taken away from the road. According to NHTSA, mobile device usage takes a driver’s focus away from the road for at least five seconds. At the average speed limit of 55 miles per hour, that’s equivalent to driving down a football field with closed eyes. If you’ve been in an accident because of a rideshare driver’s distracted behavior and are wondering, “How can I find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me, we can help. Contact us today.

Looking for Passengers

Rideshare drivers, while skilled, aren’t always well-acquainted with the areas in which they work. This means looking and scanning to find the right address and the right passenger. These habits result in slower driving, unexpected stopping, and more accidents.

Fatigue

Rideshare drivers often work for more than one company, logging numerous hours on the road. For some, driving is a side job, and long hours contribute to increased fatigue. Research proves that fatigued driving is just as risky as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drivers should therefore do all they can to combat fatigue on the road, whether that’s reducing their working hours for one day a week, getting more sleep, or incorporating a fatigue-fighting supplement like Energy Renew into their daily routine. In the case of extreme fatigue and exhaustion, it’s worthwhile for the driver to take a break from working before it leads to a catastrophe and also protect the lives of the occupants and people in that vicinity.

Parking in an Unsafe Area

When a rideshare driver drops off or picks up a passenger, they may not park in the safest area. This affects the flow of traffic and puts pedestrians and other drivers at risk.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance

Automotive malfunctions are yet another reason for rideshare accidents. When a Lyft or Uber driver fails to maintain their vehicle properly, they become a significant road hazard. Common problems include tire blowouts, faulty brakes, engine failures, and more.

Intoxicated Driving

While many people use ridesharing services to avoid driving while intoxicated, there are cases when the drivers themselves commit these acts. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol leads to serious impairment and increases the risk of an accident.

Reckless Conduct

Another cause of accidents is reckless driving. Behaviors such as tailgating, speeding, quick lane changes, and avoidance of traffic signals will all increase the chances of an auto accident.

The Increasing Prevalence of Accident Injuries

Determining liability in a rideshare accident is a common question among attorneys. According to research done at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, the rising popularity of rideshare services may be increasing the number of traffic fatalities. With this increase, many drivers and passengers have faced injuries and losses related to these accidents.

Who’s Responsible?

In most ways, assessing blame for a rideshare crash is like any other accident. If the driver’s negligent behavior causes an accident, they may face civil liability for the damages they cause. These accidents are unique, however, because of the presence of a third party—the rideshare service. The situation limits a victim’s ability to sue the company directly in many places, but it’s best to discuss your options with some Schuerger Shunnarah car accident attorneys or whoever operates in your local area.

Get Legal Help and Advice Today

Ridesharing accidents, like all other auto collisions, can bring lifelong effects to victims. If you or a family member were injured in a rideshare accident, we want to help. Request additional information online or call today to schedule a consultation with an injury lawyer.

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