What Are the Top Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber and Lyft vehicles introduce their own unique factors that could raise the risk of a rideshare accident. These rideshare companies have turned their own army of personal drivers out onto the roadway. Each of these drivers may have their own financial and personal motivations that control their own conduct. The end result is that you could be at risk because of a rideshare driver and company that are cutting corners in the name of making money.

Inexperience

Practically anyone can figuratively come in off the street and become an Uber or Lyft driver. The companies promise prospective drivers that they can make money in little to no time. Drivers can be on the road within days after the companies perform the background and safety checks that are required of them.

Even if the prospective driver passes the checks, there is no guarantee that they will be a safe driver. It takes some seasoning and experience for a rideshare driver to learn how to perform their role safely. New rideshare drivers could be dangerous and a threat to their passengers and those around them on the road.

Speeding

Uber and Lyft drivers want to maximize the amount of money they can make during their shifts. Uber requires its drivers to take at least a six-hour break after 12 hours of being signed onto the app. Accordingly, the driver wants to make as much as possible before they have to sign off from the app. The driver may be tempted to speed to reach their destination faster. They may also speed to reach the customer more quickly for the pickup because they are concerned with their own rating.

Driver Distraction

The rideshare system encourages distracted driving. Rideshare drivers often have their eyes on the app to see new ride requests. They are continuously trying to get the best and highest-paying rides. They may be looking at the app to see where their next ride is, even when they already have a passenger in their car.

Further, drivers may be distracted because they are unfamiliar with their surroundings and are trying to find their way around a new area. The result is that the rideshare driver may not be as focused as they should be on the roads.

Fatigue

Uber and Lyft drivers may be starting their shift after a full day at another job. Rideshare drivers are often behind the wheel at night, when their body rhythms may not support safe driving. Fatigued driving means that the motorist is not able to properly focus on the road, and their reflexes may not be as sharp as they otherwise would be. The driver may even be at risk of falling asleep entirely behind the wheel, and they may be subject to brief instances of microsleep.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Uber and Lyft drivers use their own personal vehicles as a means of earning their income. They are the ones who are responsible for the proper inspection and maintenance of their own cars. Uber and Lyft impose their own maintenance requirements on the drivers. However, the drivers may cut corners to enable themselves to stay on the road and earn money.

Further, the miles that rideshare drivers could put on their own cars may cause even more significant maintenance issues. Poorly maintained vehicles raise the risk of an accident because the driver may not be able to stop in time, or they may lose control of their car.

Contact a Washington, D.C. Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King if You Are Seeking Compensation After Being in a Rideshare Accident

If you have been injured in a rideshare crash, get legal help from a Washington, D.C. Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. To schedule a free consultation, submit our online form or call 202-331-1963. With office locations in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.