If you're a frequent user of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, then you want to make sure that your experience is as stress-free and safe as possible. However, rideshare drivers aren’t trained professionals, and there is always a risk of being in an accident. Our personal injury team at Spitzer Law Offices explains what you need to know about your safety and rights when traveling in a rideshare vehicle.
Rideshare is Growing in Popularity
Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have been rapidly gaining in popularity around the globe. This type of transportation is much more convenient than traditional taxi services, allowing riders to request a ride with just a few taps on their smartphones. Additionally, because of the lower overhead cost associated with ridesharing services, customers can often enjoy significantly lower prices. Best of all, thanks to GPS-relayed dispatching and other technology, it’s never been easier to track your driver from beginning to end. All these factors have combined to make rideshare a growing part of many cities’ transportation networks.
Rideshare Drivers: Requirements and Training
Prospective rideshare drivers must meet a number of requirements before they can start picking up passengers. Licensing and background checks are standard, as is passing an accredited training program. Depending on the platform, drivers may need to be 21 years old or older and have car insurance in good standing.
But it doesn't end there: many ridesharing companies also offer their own comprehensive training that covers everything from driver safety tips to basic knowledge of the company's app features. Once completed, drivers get an official stamp of approval that verifies they are authorized to start taking customers for a ride.
Do Drivers Need to Pass a Special Driving Test?
While there are many training videos available to prospective drivers, there is no requirement that they must take any special in-person trainings or pass special tests.
Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare car accidents are becoming an increasingly pressing concern. As more people turn to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft for transportation, there is a heightened potential for serious accidents on our roads.
Common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are not paying attention to the road due to distractions from their cell phone, eating, drinking, engaging in conversations with passengers, or adjusting controls on the vehicle can be easily involved in car accidents. For rideshare drivers specifically, this may include looking at their smartphone for directions.
- Drowsy driving: Long hours of driving without proper rest can lead rideshare drivers to become fatigued and fall asleep at the wheel.
- Speeding: Rushing to pick up riders may cause some drivers to exceed speed limits and put them in danger of getting into an accident.
- Poor vehicle condition: Rideshare drivers sometimes neglect basic maintenance such as worn out tires or brakes that need servicing.
Injuries After a Car Accident
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of severe life-altering injuries. While many car accidents result in minor cuts and bruises, others can cause significant damage to both drivers and passengers — such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, head trauma, as well as other lifelong complications. Regardless of the severity of a car accident, it is always important to seek medical attention afterwards in order to ensure there are no underlying problems that require treatment.
Your Legal Options After Being Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident
Due to the rideshare company’s status as a transportation network, they are liable for any personal injuries sustained while on-board one of their contracted vehicles. While all drivers are responsible for carrying sufficient insurance coverage, Uber and Lyft also offer some supplemental insurance coverage should someone be involved in an accident and incur expenses that their own policy limits don’t cover.
Work With Spitzer Law Offices For Maximum Compensation
After experiencing a rideshare accident, it can be difficult to understand how to establish liability and get the highest potential compensation. This is why many individuals find it beneficial to enlist the help of a personal injury attorney. By having an experienced professional advocate for them, they can make sure that their rights are respected and that they receive fair and adequate compensation for their damages. With the help of a personal injury attorney, victims of car accidents can make sure that their medical bills, lost wages, and future losses receive coverage in addition to any other applicable damages.
Our team at Spitzer Law Offices has helped countless individuals receive the compensation they deserve following a traumatic accident. We want to help you too! Reach out to our team today to discuss your case and next steps.