Top 8 Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Although they obtain a valid California driver’s license, Uber and Lyft do not train their drivers, so they are not technically professional drivers. Furthermore, these rideshare drivers are contracted with these companies, so if an accident occurs, proving liability can be extremely challenging.

Untrained to work under pressure or how to drive around in unfamiliar territory, Uber accidents and Lyft accidents are bound to happen. Additionally, the University of Chicago has found that there has been about a 3% increase in traffic deaths directly related to rideshare vehicles. Anyone involved in an Uber or Lyft accident may be able to collect compensation. However, one of the following common occurrences must have contributed to the collision. Here are the major causes of Uber and Lyft accidents.

Reckless Driving

Negligent driving can take the form of recklessness, where the individual operating the motor vehicle is knowingly being a hazardous driver. Common examples of this include the following.

Speeding

In an effort to meet their pick-up time and drop-off times, many Uber and Lyft drivers usually hurry to retrieve and transport their passengers to their destination. As a result, the drivers tend to over speed. Unfortunately, this can cause serious accidents and lead to severe injuries, disabilities, or deaths.

Inattentive Driving

A major important factor that leads to Uber and Lyft accidents is distracted driving. Some Uber/Lyft drivers usually check their GPS, send text messages, and speak on the phone while driving. Due to the nature of the job, these actions are necessary when working, but they still qualify as reckless. If a driver causes an accident because of these examples or any other distractions, the driver can be found liable. However, depending on the circumstances, the ridesharing companies can also be found liable.

Intoxication

Driver intoxication can also lead to Uber and Lyft accidents because drugs and alcohol impair motor functions, driving skills, judgment, and reaction time. While not as common, rideshare drivers can be guilty of driving under the influence. However, in many instances, a rideshare vehicle is hit by a third party who was drinking and driving. Regardless, an investigation will need to be conducted to prove liability, as CA’s laws of comparative negligence, multiple people can be found at fault.

Tiredness

Uber and Lyft drivers often work long hours into the late hours when most people would typically be sleeping. While the intention is honest, this is still very dangerous. In fact, fatigued driving is equivalent to intoxicated driving. Operating a vehicle while tired has the same effects as drugs and alcohol. The senses are impaired and reaction time is delayed.

Dangerous Driving

Another critical factor contributing to Uber/Lyft accidents is dangerous driving. Many Uber/Lyft drivers engage in reckless driving, putting other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists in danger. Distracted driving, overspeeding, texting while driving, driving while intoxicated, refusal to yield, failure to follow traffic signals, aggressive tailgating, changing lanes too quickly, and acting aggressively on the roadways are all examples of reckless driving.

Outside or Uncontrollable Forces

In other instances, a third party can contribute to the accident or natural causes can cause a serious accident with an Uber driver or Lyft driver. Examples of this are provided here.

Rain

Driving in the rain is hazardous and might result in accidents. Driving conditions can be more challenging under heavy rain, hail, snow, ice, high winds, and fog. Furthermore, heavy rains can make the road slippery, increasing the likelihood of an accident. It is also more difficult to control a motor vehicle under such weather conditions.

Potholes

Potholes are a common source of accidents because they can’t always be avoided and often pop up unexpectedly. Similarly, other faults in the roadways, like uneven concrete or broken traffic lights can cause a major collision. Liability for these types of Uber/Lyft accidents can fall on the city/government, as they are responsible for maintaining safe roadways for all motorists.

Lack of Adequate Training

Most ridesharing companies don’t offer training to drivers before hiring. Although candidates must undergo a background check and meet certain criteria, like the age requirement and possessing a California driver’s license, the hiring process is fairly simple. Once hired, training is not always enforced. Therefore, these new drivers are not prepared for the trips that lay ahead or the encounters they may be faced with. This is especially dangerous, as some drivers do not possess the necessary driving skills and experience to respond well under certain traffic conditions.