What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Over the years, there’s been a rise in popularity for rideshare companies. Countless drivers have joined the forces to earn additional income with companies like Uber and Lyft. However, the more rideshare drivers behind the wheel, the more potential dangers arise that pose a risk to others on the road.

As safe as many drivers are, various elements of rideshare driving make it a common type of severe auto accidents. It’s vital to understand the most common causes of rideshare accidents to help prove liability and hold the driver accountable for their actions.

Some of the common rideshare accident causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Unfamiliar locations
• Illegal U-turns
• Fatigue

At Burnetti, P.A., we want to help you recognize the cause so that you may fully understand who you can hold accountable for damages you may sustain.

Distracted Driving

Distractions are a common problem for many drivers; however, it’s almost part of the job for rideshare drivers. Even if the driver has their cell phone in plain view and can access the app quickly, they must still read when they receive a new passenger, respond accordingly, and look at their GPS.

Distractions come in three forms: cognitive, manual, and visual. Rideshare drivers encounter all three.

The first distraction is cognitive — the driver gets a ping, and the notification diverts the driver’s focus. The second distraction is visual — the driver looks at the cell phone to see what the notification indicates. The third distraction is manual — the driver has to reach up with at least one hand to respond to the new ride request.

Even further, rideshare drivers scan the sidewalks looking for their passengers, and this action can be the most dangerous of them all.

Speeding

The more fares a rideshare driver gets, the more money they make. As such, they may try to get passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, speeding can cause some of the most catastrophic injuries, including the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones

Rideshare drivers — despite their desire for more fares — must prioritize safety and drive within regulated speed limits.

Unfamiliar Locations

Many rideshare drivers travel from out of town to more frequented locations to make more money. They choose places with more nightlife to work so that they can get more rides. Unfortunately, this may also mean they’re more unfamiliar with where they’re driving, traffic patterns, and more. They utilize their GPS more, and it can lead to a severe crash.

Illegal U-turns

Certain roads have traffic patterns, and drivers must pay close attention to where they can and cannot make turns. Illegal U-turns and sudden stops can cause some of the worst accidents as other drivers don’t have time to prepare or react to a rideshare driver’s hasty decision to slow down and make an illegal turn.

Fatigue

Many rideshare drivers work late into the night. Unfortunately, the later a person works, the more tired they can be. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than drunk driving in many situations.

At Burnetti, P.A., we know how rideshare drivers can cause some of the most devastating problems on the road. Our goal is to provide a high level of service when our clients need us most.

Rideshare driving can be some of the most dangerous actions. Our Florida rideshare accident attorneys work to provide tenacious advocacy during complex legal matters. Trust that we’ll be your guides throughout the entire process, working to obtain the most favorable outcome possible. When you need to seek maximum compensation, our family works to help your family.