The Dangers And Complexities Of Rideshare Accidents

When you get into a rideshare–an Uber or a Lyft–there is the assumption that the driver is a professional, and knows what he or she is doing, and that at worst, you are in no more of a risk of being in an accident than if you were the one driving.

But that’s not entirely true, because there are aspects of the rideshare industry that tend to make it more dangerous–and more prone to accidents–than your average everyday trip in your own daily vehicle.

Who is Driving?

One thing to remember is that rideshare companies do little if any vetting of their drivers. Other than basic background checks to check for criminal histories, there is not much done in the way of training or any evaluation to see if the person behind the wheel is actually a safe driver. In some cases, they may not even check the drivers’ actual driving record (traffic infractions often don’t show up on the standard criminal background checks that may be done on rideshare drivers).

Unfamiliarity With Area

Compound the fact that your driver may not be a very careful or competent driver, with the fact that your driver may not even always know where he or she is going. We all know that you can live in a large city for years, and not know every road, every route, or every intersection.

That means that rideshare drivers are often in unfamiliar areas, or trying to navigate unfamiliar traffic patterns, or may have their attention divided between the road and any GPS-related device.

Distractions

While the driver is trying to figure out where he or she is going, the driver is also likely trying to make conversation with you, perhaps because the driver is just friendly, or maybe to earn a tip. Either way, the driver’s attention is now divided between the road, the GPS, and the conversation that he or she is trying to have with you.

Fatigue and Time Behind the Wheel

Drivers also make money on every route they drive. Much like a commercial truck driver, there is a financial incentive to get you to your destination as quickly as possible, so the driver can transport as many passengers as possible in a given shift. This can add unnecessary speed or sloppy driving to the equation.

Also like commercial truck drivers, rideshare drivers often work more hours than they should. Many use rideshare as a second or after hours job. They may be tired after a full day’s work at their primary job. And they may work even when exhausted, as the time spent driving is income to the drivers.

Complex Issues and Multiple Parties

When rideshare drivers get into accidents, the cases can be more complex than the standard car accident case.

A rideshare accident can have multiple parties and insurance companies, meaning that handling and resolving a rideshare accident car accident case can be more involved, and may require an attorney experienced with these kinds of cases.

Have you been injured in an Uber, Lyft or other rideshare?  Contact our Rhode Island personal injury lawyers at Robert E. Craven & Associates at 401-453-2700 for help.

Sources:

science.org/content/article/ride-sharing-killing-people-yes-study-suggests-critics-are-doubtful

enjuris.com/car-accident/rideshare-car-accidents/