Rideshare services are growing in popularity because of their convenience and low costs. However, this increased popularity comes with a price: Uber and Lyft accidents are becoming more common.
Fortunately, Uber and Lyft have substantial insurance coverage for accident victims. But determining which parties to receive compensation from can be tricky.
Unsafe Driving
Unsafe driving is among the most common causes of Lyft and Uber accidents. Drivers may be distracted by the radio, eating or grooming, texting or talking to passengers, looking at a GPS, driving while tired, and more.
Speeding is another expected unsafe behavior, which can result in severe accident injuries because of the increased forces involved in a collision. Drivers may also drive recklessly by racing with other drivers, passing cars on narrow roads, or ignoring traffic signs.
Drivers may also have defective vehicles that cause accidents. Rideshare companies typically run background checks on their drivers but cannot guarantee they are safe and competent drivers. However, if your Uber or Lyft driver was intoxicated during an accident, that could also be considered a crime, and you should contact a lawyer immediately.
Unfamiliar Routes
Drivers use ridesharing apps to secure passengers on demand, often needing more time to prepare for each trip. This can lead to drivers taking routes they need to become more familiar with, which increases the risk of a collision.
Distracted driving is another common cause of Uber and Lyft accidents. This could mean anything from texting to entering a destination into a navigation app. These activities take a driver’s attention off the road and can lead to serious car accidents.
When an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the app and awaiting a fare, they are considered “available.” When they’re “en route,” their insurance coverage changes to include liability. When they’re offline, drivers must carry personal auto insurance. This can make filing an Uber accident claim challenging.
Under-Speeding
Most people understand that driving over the speed limit puts other drivers at risk of an accident and makes our roads less safe. However, many must realize that driving under the speed limit is dangerous and can cause serious accidents.
Rideshare drivers often hurry to get their passengers to their destination so that they may ignore speed limits. Additionally, the long hours that rideshare drivers usually work can cause them to become tired behind the wheel, which can slow their reaction times and impact their situational awareness.
In these cases, hiring a Lyft accident lawyer is essential to determine who is responsible for your injuries. It is crucial to determine whether the driver was on-duty or off-duty and that they have primary auto insurance.
Reckless Driving
Some drivers appear to have no respect for other drivers and will do whatever it takes to get from point A to B. This could include swerving in and out of traffic lanes, which can be deadly near a big rig truck or larger vehicle.
Reckless driving involves more than a simple traffic violation and is considered a crime in most states. A person convicted of reckless driving may have to spend time in jail, making it difficult to find work or access housing.
Uber and Lyft drivers must carry their auto insurance when not logged into the transportation network company app or on their way to work. Determining which policy applies when they are not logged into the app can be confusing and delay a victim’s compensation claim.
Hit and Run
Uber and Lyft drivers must obey traffic signals and laws. Please do so to avoid an accident. Ignoring these rules can be intentional, such as if a driver is racing, or unintentional, if they need to remember or become distracted.
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and often results in criminal penalties. In severe cases, it may even result in a felony. It can also cause the victim to be awarded civil penalties for their losses, including medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
An experienced Uber accident attorney will help the victim obtain compensation for their losses. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and even file a lawsuit against the company if necessary.
