Common Factors Of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, have increased dramatically in popularity the past several years. In fact, more than one-third of Americans use such rideshare apps and services. However, ridesharing being a useful way to get around, it doesn’t mean the dangers of an accident are not present. Rideshare accidents can and do happen, and there are many contributing factors that can put passengers at risk. Here in the article below, an uber accident lawyer explains some of the most common reasons that rideshare accidents occur.
Navigation Errors
Rideshare drivers have to drive to locations they may be unfamiliar with, and rely only on their phones or GPS navigation devices to get there. Despite having directions, it can be easy to make a mistake, such as a wrong turn or driving past an exit. Rideshare drivers may get flustered and speed to make up lost time or another abrupt maneuver that causes an accident. For this reason, it’s imperative that rideshare drivers remain calm, as becoming upset while in motion is likely to make their driving more erratic.
Distraction
Along with not being completely familiar with an area, rideshare drivers may get distracted when picking up passengers. They may not know which person they are supposed to pick up, especially at night or when there is a crowd. Looking out for a passenger means the driver may not be paying enough attention to where they are headed, which can cause an accident. In such situations, it helps to pull over and stop until the driver can get a more precise description of where the passenger is waiting.
Unsafe Areas
Where a rideshare driver chooses to pull over to pick up a passenger is important, because if it is an unsafe area, an accident or assault could occur. Understandably, a rideshare driver probably wants to pick up a passenger swiftly and provide a good service, but parking in an undesignated or deserted area may not be the safest choice. Making a passenger walk into an empty lot away from where there are others around could put their life at risk. Regardless of the situation, rideshare drivers must only pull over in designated areas for stopping and when it is safe to do so.
Fatigue
Many rideshare drivers, like those who work for Uber or Lyft, may take on these jobs as a means to make extra income. So they may have just gotten off of work at another job and need to rest, but are motivated to earn money. Even if rideshare driving is their only gig, they may work long hours that involve driving around constantly, which can turn into driving fatigue. Operating a vehicle while tired can contribute to an accident happening, particularly for those that work late night or overnight shifts.
Rideshare accidents can happen for the above reasons, and more. When they do occur, passengers can get seriously injured and may need help from a legal team, so they can get compensation for their injury care and financial loss. Before taking your next rideshare ride, just keep these contributing factors in mind and consider taking action afterwards if you are in an accident.
