Now that rideshare companies have been along for a while, people have become very dependent on them. At first, companies like Uber and Lyft were only popular in urban areas. This is because a lot of people who live in major cities don’t own a car. Today, however, it doesn’t matter where a person lives. Scheduling a ride with Uber or Lyft has become second nature. What this means is that there are more Uber and Lyft accidents.
Our personal injury attorneys in Riverdale meet many people who have been injured in Uber and Lyft accidents. Because these cases are more complicated than regular car accident cases, you shouldn’t trust just anyone to handle them. You should rely on an Uber accident lawyer who knows the law inside and out.
Here, we’ll talk about some of the more common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents. We’ll also discuss why these cases can be more difficult to file. If you have any questions or concerns about your own rideshare accident, just give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to schedule you for a free consultation in our office.
How Common Are Uber and Lyft Accidents?
According to a study done in California, there are more than 1,100 Uber accidents in the U.S. every year. This doesn’t include those accidents that go unreported. Nor does it include accidents involving Lyft drivers.
Furthermore, the study found that there were close to 10,000 insurance claims filed by Uber and Lyft riders over a three-year period. These claims resulted in more than $185 million in damages.
Given that this study was done more than five years ago, the current number of actual Uber and Lyft accidents is likely much higher. This means that every time you get into an Uber or Lyft, you’re at risk of getting injured. In fact, this risk may be much higher than when you drive yourself.
Rideshare drivers often must venture into neighborhoods and areas they aren’t familiar with. They also spend hours on the road every day. This means there’s a greater chance they’ll be overtired when they get behind the wheel. If you happen to get injured while in the vehicle of a rideshare driver, you may need our help.
What Are the Major Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Believe it or not, the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents are the same causes as regular motor vehicle accidents. Aside from the fact that Uber and Lyft drivers are on the road most of the day, there isn’t a big difference between the two.
However, since there are some major differences between commercial and personal drivers, it’s worth pointing out the common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents. These include:
- Speeding– Many rideshare drivers are trying to book as many rides as possible in any given shift. This means they’re more liable to speed. This can cause a higher number of both minor and serious accidents.
- Distracted Driving – All drivers are distracted at some point. Studies have shown that taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Given the fact that rideshare drivers are constantly communicating with their online ride program, they’re more distracted than regular drivers.
- Fatigue– As with other commercial drivers, the people who drive for Uber and Lyft tend to drive too many hours in a given day. When they give rides to customers late at night or early in the morning, they are overtired. Driving while fatigued is one of the leading causes of these accidents.
- DUI– One would hope that Uber and Lyft drivers don’t drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Unfortunately, it happens. That’s why this is one of the leading causes of rideshare crashes.
Of course, knowing the major causes of Uber and Lyft accidents doesn’t make it any easier to avoid them. You have to share the road with rideshare drivers. And, if you use Uber and Lyft to get around, you’re at the mercy of the driver. If you get into an accident while in their vehicle, you’ll have to file a claim against their insurance.
What Kinds of Injuries Can You Sustain in a Rideshare Accident?
Our personal injury attorneys in Riverdale meet with clients every week who are injured in Uber and Lyft accidents. Some of them only suffered minor injuries. However, some are seriously hurt in these crashes. They tend to suffer the following types of injuries:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Burns
- Sprains
- Whiplash
- Amputation
If you suffer any of these, you’ll likely be entitled to significant damages. Not only will you incur a lot of medical bills, but you’ll also experience much pain and suffering. Your Uber accident lawyer can demand that you be compensated for these things. They’ll list your specific damages in the initial complaint.
Contact a Seasoned Uber Accident Lawyer in Riverdale Today
If you or your family member has been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, we can help. Sometimes, people may be able to handle their own car accident cases. If it’s a minor crash and nobody is seriously injured, the insurance company may simply approve your claim.
However, when it comes to Uber and Lyft accidents, you’re better off hiring a personal injury attorney in Riverdale. They understand how to file a claim against multiple defendants. They also know how to juggle a case with numerous accident victims. You can count on them to work hard so you get the compensation you deserve.
All you need to do is call our office and ask to schedule your free, initial consultation. We’ll set up a date and time that works for you. Once you have a chance to talk to an experienced attorney, you’ll have a better idea of how you want to proceed. Since the initial meeting won’t cost you anything, you have nothing to lose.
