Rideshare accidents are on the rise, and there are many factors that contribute to this. Most people nowadays seek rideshare services as a cheaper alternative to taking a taxi or a bus, but the truth is that there are also some dangerous risks of getting into a rideshare car, such as an accident. Getting involved in an accident when you are not the driver can lead to confusion and fear. Moreover, rideshare accidents are particularly complex as multiple parties can be held liable.
One of the first things you should do after being involved in a rideshare accident is to speak to a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury attorney can help you determine liability for the accident and ensure that you receive proper compensation. If a rideshare driver is at fault for the car accident, then rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft might also be liable. This means that you can pursue compensation from them as well.
Let us now see into the common causes of rideshare accidents.
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Distracted driving
Distracted driving can be considered a pretty serious offense. It is illegal to use mobile devices while driving on a motor vehicle. However, there is a high chance that your rideshare driver has been distracted by their phone. Distractions also include eating, texting, or in some cases, adjusting the volume of the music player. If you are a passenger, it is highly recommended to always insist that your driver does not use any devices while driving.
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Reckless driving
Reckless driving is another common cause of rideshare accidents. This is often another concern for passengers as their safety depends on the actions of the driver. If a driver is speeding or failing to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, it could lead to an accident.
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Fatigued driving
Last but not least, fatigue. If either the driver is fatigued or sleepy while driving, it could lead to an accident. In fact, fatigue is a major factor in almost all types of accidents. So, it is the responsibility of rideshare companies to ensure that their drivers are not overworked or fatigued.
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Failure to properly maintain the vehicle
Another important part of rideshare accidents is the failure to properly maintain their vehicles. If a vehicle is not properly maintained, it is highly likely that there will be an accident.
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Failure to adhere to traffic rules
Failure to adhere to traffic regulations is another dangerous habit of rideshare drivers. If your driver is running red lights or failing to follow their own speed limit, it could lead to an accident.