The advent of ridesharing services has completely altered the way we get around cities. The number of accidents involving ridesharing services, however, is rising in tandem with their popularity. Both passengers and drivers have a vested interest in knowing what causes these collisions and who is at fault when they occur. The causes, contributing factors, and legal ramifications of the recent surge in rideshare accidents will be discussed in this article.
Causes of Crashes in the Ride-Hailing Industry
Driver weariness and distraction are common issues for rideshare drivers because of the extended hours required to satisfy demand. A driver’s attention can be diverted from the road by factors such as talking to passengers, fiddling with a GPS, or using a rideshare service.
Congestion is a result of the growing number of automobiles on the road, which has been exacerbated by the popularity of ridesharing services. When there are more vehicles on the road, especially in congested locations, accidents are more likely to occur.
As independent contractors, rideshare drivers are subject to the same rules as the platform as a whole, but the quality of their training might vary widely. Unfortunately, not all drivers receive the education they need to drive defensively, keep their passengers safe, and deal with unexpected traffic circumstances.
Rideshare drivers are not safe from the dangers of intoxicated or distracted motorists. Alcoholic or drugged drivers, as well as those who use electronic devices or talk on the phone while behind the wheel, pose a serious threat to the safety of everyone on the road.
Legal Considerations for Rideshare Crashes
Due to the unconventional nature of ridesharing services, determining fault in incidents involving these services can be difficult. In determining fault, it is possible for the following to take part:
In the event of an accident caused by the rideshare driver’s negligence, such as speeding or being distracted, the driver may be held financially responsible for any injuries or property damage that resulted from the incident. However, incidents that occur while they are working for a rideshare operator may not be covered by their personal auto insurance policy.
Companies like Uber and Lyft have complicated liability issues by classifying their drivers as independent contractors. However, the corporation may share responsibility for the accident if it can be shown that they were careless in their driver selection, training, or safety rules.
In addition to the driver who caused the accident, any other irresponsible drivers, the vehicle’s manufacturer in the event of a product flaw, or the governing body responsible for ensuring the roads are safe may be held liable.
Ridesharing Accident Insurance Protection
Many ridesharing businesses protect their drivers with insurance against the special risks they face on the job. There are normally three distinct time frames covered:
When a driver isn’t using the rideshare app, their own auto insurance coverage kicks in and they’re responsible for any accidents that might happen.
When the driver is online and accepting rides through the app, the ridesharing service typically provides additional liability insurance to the driver.
The ridesharing company’s commercial insurance policy often provides primary coverage, with higher liability limits, from the time a driver accepts a trip request until the passenger is dropped off.
Drivers and riders alike should know the details of the insurance policies offered by ridesharing services to guarantee they are insured in the event of an accident.
Understanding the causes of rideshare accidents and the legal implications of doing so is essential as ridesharing services gain popularity. Accidents can be reduced in the ridesharing business if we tackle the problem of driver weariness, encourage better driver training and accountability, and push for stricter safety regulations. It is also important for passengers to know their rights and the insurance policies offered by ridesharing providers in case of an accident. Ultimately, rideshare firms, drivers, and passengers must work together to make safety a top priority and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Consult with Darfoor Law Firm
An experienced lawyer provides you with the opportunity to discuss your situation and gain clarity on your potential avenues for seeking compensation. It’s your opportunity to ask questions, assess the strength of your case, and decide if legal representation is beneficial for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s carelessness or fault, Darfoor Law Firm is here to provide support and suggest the best course of action.
Accidents can be difficult to deal with; that is why having someone who understands and empathizes is so important.
Call us at +1-833-DARFOOR for a free case evaluation.