As rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber have become more popular, more and more people have been injured in accidents involving their drivers. Here are seven things you need to know about Lyft and Uber accidents:
- Lyft and Uber drivers often drive recklessly
- Due to the strict schedules that Lyft and Uber require of their drivers to make money, many rideshare drivers will drive recklessly to complete jobs quickly. This means they may engage in dangerous driving habits that increase the risk of an accident, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signs.
- Lyft and Uber drivers often suffer from exhaustion
- Rideshare drivers are often forced to keep difficult schedules that keep them driving for far longer than they should without breaks. This can lead them to become exhausted, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving accidents are common
- Rideshare drivers are forced to remain on their Lyft or Uber app in order to accept requests and navigate to destinations. This is useful for their jobs, but also takes their eyes off the road, increasing the risk of distracted driving accidents.
- Rideshare drivers are not always properly vetted
- In theory, rideshare companies are supposed to conduct background checks to ensure their drivers can be trusted to take customers. However, they are not always as thorough in vetting drivers as they should be, potentially resulting in irresponsible drivers getting hired.
- Rideshare drivers have been found driving drunk
- Drunk driving is always dangerous at the best of times, but it can be especially dangerous in a rideshare. This is because a combination of exhaustion, distraction, and intoxication can dramatically increase the risk of a serious accident.
- Rideshare companies may be held responsible
- Although companies like Uber and Lyft may claim they are not responsible if their drivers get into accidents, in reality you may be able to hold them legally accountable. This is because they are responsible for hiring practices that allow irresponsible drivers to drive for them.
- You may be entitled to compensation in case of an accident
- If you are injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. That is why you should speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.