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People might find using rideshare services to be convenient, but they might be surprised at how many risk factors are unique to rideshare trips. This blog will discuss the leading causes of rideshare accidents to help you try to avoid these situations.
No matter how diligent a person is, sometimes accidents happen due to factors beyond their control. If someone else’s negligence caused you to get injured in a rideshare accident, you can talk to a Los Angeles ridesharing accident attorney about going after monetary damages from the at-fault party.
Speeding
Often, rideshare drivers get paid for the trip, not for how much time it takes. This payment model gives the driver incentive to drive faster than might be safe. The faster they drive, the more trips they can complete, resulting in more money for the driver. Also, people in a hurry tend to tip more generously to a driver who gets them to their destination quickly.
Unfamiliar Neighborhoods
The rideshare driver might not know the location of stop lights, stop signs, sharp curves, and other road conditions if they are traveling through unfamiliar territory. Unexpected situations can increase the likelihood of an accident.
Drowsy Driver
Many rideshare drivers work for Uber or Lyft as a side gig in addition to working a full-time job. The driver might be tired from working long hours at multiple jobs. Some people say that there is very little difference between the driving performance of a fatigued driver and a drunk driver.
Driving While Distracted
Rideshare drivers have far more elements to distract them than most people driving around in their own cars. The Lyft or Uber driver will have to have the app open to get ride requests. Also, they will need to find the pick-up and drop-off locations. The driver will need to juggle the rideshare app and their navigation system.
The driver will also have to deal with the financial aspects of the transaction. Often, especially late at night, the rideshare driver might pick up a drunk passenger who is rowdy during the drive. Even a well-behaved, friendly passenger could be a distraction if they engage the driver in conversation or if the driver tries to act as a tour guide for a passenger who is a tourist.
Careless Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs
Getting picked up and dropped off helps you avoid the hassle of driving and parking, but people usually expect these locations to be as close and convenient as possible. Unfortunately, close and convenient pick-up or drop-off spots are not always safe.
The passenger might get hit by a passing car in a busy location. A passenger who had too much to drink might accidentally open the door of the rideshare vehicle and step right into the path of oncoming traffic instead of using the door on the opposite side of the car or looking for other vehicles before exiting the car.
If you are aware of these common causes of rideshare accidents, you will know some of the risk factors to look for when using a rideshare service. You might choose a rideshare trip out of safety concerns, like not wanting to get behind the wheel yourself after a night out with friends, but it pays to manage your risks when doing so.
A California ridesharing accident attorney can explain your legal options if you get injured in a rideshare accident that was not your fault. You can reach out to us today for a free consultation.
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