Understanding Personal Injury Law

Common Reasons Why Ridesharing Accidents Occur

25 October 2021

Kristina Walker

When you choose to ride with another driver through a rideshare app, you are placing your own safety in the hands of the other driver. Unfortunately, some drivers are highly reckless and your driver might even get you in an accident. There are several actions that often lead to ridesharing crashes.

Speeding

One of the most common problems with a rideshare driver is how much they might engage in speeding. While rideshare drivers speed less often than a typical driver, it is still a widespread problem. A particular driver might speed so they can accept as many rides as they can on a particular day.

Speeding is a form of reckless driving and is often accompanied by other types of reckless driving such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, and running red lights. Any of these actions can eventually lead to an accident. When combined with speeding, a driver often cannot react quickly enough to avoid an accident. 

Distracted Driving

Unfortunately, some ridesharing drivers will engage in other activities while driving such as taking a phone call. A driver should be fully focused on the road and becoming distracted for even a short period of time can lead to a serious accident. In some cases, a driver might be distracted because they have been working too many hours and are exhausted.

It might no longer be safe for them to drive. Drivers who are fatigued can be just as dangerous on the road as drivers who are under the influence of alcohol.

What to Do After an Accident

You will want to contact the police and wait for them to arrive. As they are heading to the scene of the accident, write down everything you remember. Then, contact a rideshare accident lawyer.

An attorney will help you gather evidence that you would otherwise not have access to. For example, with the help of a cell phone record expert, your attorney may be able to gather solid proof that the driver was distracted at the time of the accident.

Once you are able to prove that the driver was reckless, your rideshare accident lawyer will help you take legal action either against the rideshare company or against the driver depending on the policy of the company. You may be able to take legal action against the auto insurance provider of your driver to pay for your accident-related injuries.

For more information contact professionals such as Frenkel & Frenkel.

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