Published On: Wed, Aug 17th, 2022

Common Causes Of Ridesharing Accidents

Pedestrians, ridesharing passengers, and other vehicle occupants have all been injured in ridesharing accidents. Tragically, both passengers and pedestrians have also died as a result of these accidents. According to research, the simple presence of ridesharing cars on the road raises the risk of a car crash and fatalities in a given area. With an increasing number of accidents, lawsuits against ridesharing service providers are also increasing. So, having an experienced attorney like a car accident lawyer or an auto accident attorney in your corner is not the worst idea.

In addition to having an indirect effect on overall traffic safety, ridesharing drivers are directly involved in a lot of accidents. The following are the most common causes of this increasing number. 

  1. Driving while distracted

Because Uber drivers have many more distractions than the average driver, distracted driving is a leading cause of rideshare accidents. These drivers are using the rideshare application, which provides them with passenger information and pick-up and drop-off locations. Drivers of ridesharing services are also fixated on the map on their GPS. And a rideshare driver and their passengers usually strike up a conversation to reduce the awkward silence. Distractions divert a driver’s attention away from safe driving. Multiple distractions all at once may increase the likelihood of a car accident. If you were a pedestrian when you got injured by a distracted driver, a pedestrian accident lawyer will help you seek compensation for your injuries.

  1. Speeding

Uber drivers are more likely to speed, whether intentionally or unintentionally. A rideshare driver may not be aware of their speed, may be unaware of the speed limit, or may be rushing the trip to scrape up as many rides as possible. Driving too fast not only increases the possibility of a rideshare accident but also likely increases the severity of the damage.

  1. Inadequate road conditions

Speed limits are set to account for ideal road conditions. When rain, snow, fog, or other types of poor weather conditions make driving more dangerous, rideshare drivers should slow down. If they do not, they risk being involved in an accident, especially if their visibility or ability to stop quickly is hampered by road conditions.

It takes a lot of practice to know how to drive safely in any weather and road conditions, such as heavy traffic or roadside construction. Unfortunately, many rideshare drivers lack experience.

  1. Inexperience

Ridesharing drivers have less driving experience than the average taxi driver. To protect passengers from inexperienced drivers, the law requires rideshare drivers to be at least 21 years old. If they’re under the age of 23, they must have been registered for at least three years, but if they are over the age of 23, they only need a year of experience. To safeguard yourself from inexperienced drivers, choose drivers who have a significant number of positive reviews from their riders.

  1. Driving while tired

Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving while high on drugs or alcohol. Approximately half of all drivers admit to driving while drowsy, and some admit to falling asleep while behind the wheel of a vehicle. Even if drivers continue to stay awake, their reaction times are slowed, and they are unable to pay attention. Drowsy driving kills 1,550 people each year and causes more than 100,000 police-reported accidents.

Unfortunately, ridesharing practices frequently encourage drivers to continue using the app even if they are tired. Big ridesharing companies have even tried to offer drivers guaranteed pay and perks for driving at least 60 hours per week in the past.

  1. Failure to obey traffic rules

Whether someone is driving for a ridesharing company or themselves, they must follow traffic signals and signs. They may be found negligent if they fail to obey the rules of the road, and if their actions result in injuries or death, they may be held civilly or criminally liable.

An accident can be caused by multiple people in some cases. In Miami, for example, a drunk driver collided with an Uber. The driver was charged with DUI manslaughter after killing a 20-year-old passenger and wounding the Uber driver and other passengers in the vehicle.

However, the Uber car was in the path of danger only because the Uber driver disobeyed traffic laws.

What To Do In The Event Of A Rideshare Accident?

If a ridesharing driver is tired, intoxicated, or distracted, they may cause an accident. If this occurs, the driver may be held liable for your losses if there are any casualties or serious injuries. There are several steps you should take if you are involved in a rideshare accident. However, getting medical attention and contacting an attorney should be top priorities.

When an accident occurs, ridesharing companies are generally at fault and may make excuses. With the help of accident trial lawyers at D.R. Patti & Associates in Las Vegas, you can protect your rights, negotiate with the ridesharing company, and receive the compensation you deserve after an accident.

Conclusion

Ridesharing services have grown in popularity in American cities in recent years. While these facilities have been credited with keeping drunk drivers off the road, however, their presence worsens traffic congestion and accidents. The introduction of ridesharing has also been linked to a rise in the number of life-threatening motor vehicle crashes.

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