Rideshare Car Accidents
People use ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft if public transportation is unavailable, to avoid paying hefty garage parking fees, or when they want to avoid a DUI after a night of drinking. As travel is picking back up all over the nation, riders are hailing services from Uber and Lyft to get around town, commute to and from an airport, and more.
A rideshare accident can happen regardless of whether or not a rider is using Uber or Lyft, is a driver for either company, or is a third, unrelated party who is using the road with other rideshare vehicles. Lyft accidents have been featured in news articles after the company finally released their safety report, almost two years after initially saying they would. The shocking findings included increased incidences of sexual assault, from 1,096 in 2017 to 1,807 in 2019 that led to personal harm, and also uncovered that 105 people died in fatal vehicle crashes involving a Lyft car.
According to Uber’s US Safety Report:
- There were 107 fatalities across 97 fatal crashes in 2017 and 2018
- About 90% of fatal crashes that involved Uber occurred in urban areas
- 21% of the fatalities were drivers, another 21% were riders, and the rest were third-parties
If you have been in an Uber accident, there is hope. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and your damaged car. You also may qualify for compensation for your pain and suffering, which includes not just the physical agony you experienced, but the psychological trauma that often accompanies a rideshare accident.
Who is Liable in Ridesharing Accidents?
One of the biggest challenges for personal injury attorneys who represent victims of an Uber or Lyft accident is the fact that both companies consider their drivers as independent contractors and not employees. So they state that accident victims need to contact the driver’s auto insurance company to file a claim.
In the state of California, liability is based on who was negligent. Suppose the rideshare driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs, even prescription medications. In that case, they could be held responsible for the accident and the injuries their passenger(s) sustained. However, if the car accident was caused by a third party, such as a truck, then the insurance company for the trucking company would be liable for damages to the ridesharing driver and their passenger(s).
Grossman Law Offices leaves no stone unturned when investigating who is responsible for your accident. Call now to schedule your risk-free consultation so we can explain how liability applies in your circumstances.
Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
When individuals order rides through Uber or Lyft, they expect rideshare drivers to be alert and to obey all traffic laws. Accidents still happen, though. Here are some reasons why.
Uber or Lyft Drivers Fail to Maintain their Vehicles
Malfunctioning parts in underserviced rideshare vehicles can be hazards that lead to Lyft accidents. When Lyft drivers do not maintain their vehicles properly, then those issues can lead to tire blow-outs, or the car could break down on the side of the road or highway. If you suspect that your Uber accident was due to a driver not maintaining their vehicle, then call a Visalia Uber accident lawyer today.
Driver Fatigue
Drivers for Uber or Lyft work long hours behind the wheel, sometimes as a second job. Exhaustion can impair driving and lead to an Uber accident. Drivers who are tired and sleepy are more likely to cause a crash.
Scanning For Passengers
when drivers are looking for the customers who have booked them in the app, it can lead to a rideshare accident. This is most common in downtown areas and near airports. The problem with this tactic is that the driver’s focus is on the sidewalk as they look for someone they’ve never met before. Or the driver may be in an area they’ve never been to before or may have to circle around trying to find their fare. This results in unexpected stops and distracted driving.
Get The Legal Advice You Deserve
Call now to speak to a Visalia ridesharing accident lawyer from Grossman Law Offices. We fight tirelessly for all our clients, and there are no fees or costs unless a Visalia Uber accident lawyer from our firm wins for you. We have been serving victims of Uber and Lyft accidents in the Visalia, California area for over 50 years, and we can help you, too. Our law firm has received accolades and recognition for our superior client satisfaction in representing victims who were injured while using Uber or Lyft. Call us at 800-462-5555 to schedule your free case evaluation with a Visalia Uber accident lawyer.
