A collision in a rideshare vehicle like an Uber or Lyft is something a person hopes they never have to experience.
However, these accidents do happen more often than one might think.
A good Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer will realize how traumatic an accident can be.
Passengers in an accident often have to recover from physical injuries and may suffer emotional distress or other losses.
If you sustained injuries in an accident, contact a talented Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices today.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
It is essential to understand the cause of the collision. This can help you when it comes to filing a claim for your injuries.
Some of the leading causes of rideshare accidents consist of those listed below.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers cause an immense number of collisions every year. Driving while distracted could include texting while driving or having noisy passengers.
It may also involve changing the radio or selecting songs on an app.
Distractions are particularly a concern for rideshare drivers because they have to use their phones to pick up passengers.
Drivers often use the app while going to get a passenger and navigating to their destination. Because of this, distractions are a huge concern.
Driver Fatigue
It can be perilous for a driver to be on the road while exhausted.
Driving while drowsy could result from long working hours, traveling a long distance for a passenger, or many other reasons.
Some might think this is harmless, but it can cause life-altering injuries and even death. In fact, in 2020, there were a total of 633 deaths due to crashes related to drowsy driving.
Driver Inexperience
A lack of driver training or experience is far too common for Uber and Lyft drivers. They do not need to receive any training before getting on the road.
If you are a Lyft driver, you must meet your area’s age requirements and hold a driver’s license.
To be a driver for Uber, you also need a driver’s license and must meet the minimum age requirements as well.
Moreover, you will need at least one year of licensed driving experience. If you are under 25 years old, you will need three years of driving experience.
These are not stringent requirements for a young driver to get on the road and be responsible for passengers.
A driver could have gotten their license in Florida but still be able to work as a rideshare driver through a snowstorm in Massachusetts, for example.
Speeding
Going over posted speed limits can cause severe injuries and death.
The weight of a motor vehicle and the high amount of force involved in a crash can mean that even slight speeding can result in grave consequences.
Often, drivers do this to pick up passengers fast and garner better reviews. They hope to pick up as many people as possible during a single shift.
Nonetheless, the collision that can take place as a result of driving too fast is never worth getting to your destination more quickly.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs
Traffic signs and signals are crucial to the safety of passengers and drivers alike.
Not following traffic regulations can cause collisions and significant injuries or death. Uber or Lyft drivers must pay attention to traffic control devices to keep you safe as a passenger.
Some illustrations of traffic control devices might involve the following:
- Road markings like reflectors,
- Traffic signals such as red and yellow lights, and
- Road signs such as stop signs.
If your driver failed to obey a traffic regulation and you suffered injuries, reach out to an accomplished ridesharing accident lawyer at our firm.
We can help you to file your injury claim and recover the necessary compensation.
Failure to Maintain Their Vehicle
Rideshare drivers must keep their vehicles maintained. This includes checking the tires and brakes regularly, getting oil changes, and doing other general maintenance.
A driver for Uber and Lyft has a duty to keep you safe. Not doing proper upkeep on their vehicles can put passengers in danger, especially in severe weather conditions.
If you experienced injuries in a collision, our rideshare accident lawyers are here to fight for you.
Impaired Driving from Drugs or Alcohol
Lastly, driving impaired due to alcohol or drugs is seriously hazardous and criminal in nature.
Alcohol can last a long time in the body and slow a driver’s reaction times.
Drivers may also be taking legitimate prescription medication. However, it could be a medication that a person cannot safely take while behind the wheel.
Marijuana or other drugs can also impair a person’s ability to drive appropriately, and your driver using them may constitute a crime.
If you are in an Uber or Lyft accident, multiple kinds of injuries can unfortunately result. These can include but are not limited to the following:
- Knee injuries,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Traumatic brain injuries.
These are just a few examples of injuries you may have suffered as a passenger in a rideshare accident. Trying to heal after a collision can be extremely painful and stressful.
Nevertheless, our lawyers are here to help you recover compensation. Allow a Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer to help you file your claim.
A Ridesharing Accident Lawyer can help Determine if you have a Claim
You may wonder if you can file a personal injury lawsuit after a rideshare accident – a ridesharing accident lawyer can help determine if you have a claim.
To file a claim for your injuries, you will likely have to prove negligence on the driver’s part.
Negligence includes four elements that a ridesharing accident lawyer can help you demonstrate: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
In other words, solely having an injury may not be enough. Get in touch with a ridesharing accident lawyer, and we can provide a free consultation.
After you suffer injuries in a rideshare collision, turn to the best rideshare accident lawyer you can.
Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers at the Weinberg Law Offices are here to assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries.
We believe there is no such thing as a “small” case and will always give your claim our full attention.
At our firm, we are technologically adept and communicate with clients regularly via phone, text, email, or fax.
You ought to hire the best rideshare accident lawyer in Los Angeles if you sustain injuries in a crash.
Call the Weinberg Law Offices at 818-824-6721 today for assistance.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.