Causes of Uber/Lyft Rideshare Accidents

cartwrightlaw - April 18, 2022 -

Since Uber and Lyft burst into the market, the popularity of technology-dependent rideshare has only been increasing as more and more people prefer using these services. These rideshare services can offer comfort and reliability more than traditional taxis will ever offer.

It is beneficial to be able to look at your smartphone and track exactly how far or close your ride is, and this convenience saves many people time and frustration. However, with the increasing popularity of Uber and Lyft in San Francisco, CA comes to an increased risk of rideshare car accidents. Anyone involved in an accident should discuss their rights with a lawyer who handles Bay Area rideshare accident cases.

Causes of Rideshare Accidents

There are many causes of Uber/Lyft accidents, but the following are the most common:

Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of rideshare accidents. This is because Uber and Lyft drivers tend to have a higher occurrence of distractions than an average driver. One reason for this is that Uber/Lyft drivers are constantly gazing at their rideshare application, which must keep running throughout the trip to provide information, such as passenger location and traffic patterns on their GPS. Talking to their passengers can also be a distraction or talking on the phone and texting. Whenever a driver is distracted, their attention is drawn away from the road, and this is an accident waiting to happen.
Unfamiliar Areas. Rideshare drivers depend on their rideshare application to know where they are going and how to get there the quickest. Without this app, a rideshare driver might get lost and make mistakes on the road. When drivers pick up passengers all around the Bay Area, they are bound to encounter unfamiliar areas, and this can increase accident risks due to wrong turns and other confusion.
Driver Fatigue. We all get tired and worn out at one point or another. However, a rideshare driver trying to make a certain amount of money is often tempted to keep driving, even when they are exhausted and need to rest. Some rideshare drivers max out hours with both Uber and Lyft, or they drive after working at another full-time job. Driving while drowsy has been documented to be just as dangerous as driving while drunk. A fatigued driver is, therefore, another accident waiting to happen and another common cause of rideshare accidents in California.

Rideshare accidents can also happen because of the negligence of other drivers who are not working for Uber or Lyft. You might be a rideshare passenger when another car slams into the vehicle, causing you injuries. In this situation, the third-party driver should be liable for your losses, not the rideshare driver or company.

A San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help

Rideshare accidents can happen for the above reasons, among many others. At The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we are here to help to make sure you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free case review. Call: (415) 851-6486

Causes of Rideshare Accidents

There are many causes of Uber/Lyft accidents, but the following are the most common:

Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of rideshare accidents. This is because Uber and Lyft drivers tend to have a higher occurrence of distractions than an average driver. One reason for this is that Uber/Lyft drivers are constantly gazing at their rideshare application, which must keep running throughout the trip to provide information, such as passenger location and traffic patterns on their GPS. Talking to their passengers can also be a distraction or talking on the phone and texting. Whenever a driver is distracted, their attention is drawn away from the road, and this is an accident waiting to happen.
Unfamiliar Areas. Rideshare drivers depend on their rideshare application to know where they are going and how to get there the quickest. Without this app, a rideshare driver might get lost and make mistakes on the road. When drivers pick up passengers all around the Bay Area, they are bound to encounter unfamiliar areas, and this can increase accident risks due to wrong turns and other confusion.
Driver Fatigue. We all get tired and worn out at one point or another. However, a rideshare driver trying to make a certain amount of money is often tempted to keep driving, even when they are exhausted and need to rest. Some rideshare drivers max out hours with both Uber and Lyft, or they drive after working at another full-time job. Driving while drowsy has been documented to be just as dangerous as driving while drunk. A fatigued driver is, therefore, another accident waiting to happen and another common cause of rideshare accidents in California.

A San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help

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