The Top 4 Causes of Uber and Lyft Crashes in West Palm Beach, Florida
Ridesharing services have increasingly become popular across the globe and here in Florida. By merely downloading the app, you can easily request for a driver at any time. Rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber have offered numerous benefits to many. However, these services also have certain complications. Despite being available for hire, Lyft and Uber drivers do not hold any additional training or qualifications. They can therefore cause a wreck or become a victim, like other drivers.
Whether you’re a passenger or driver, if you are injured in an uber and lyft accident, you may have the right for compensation. However, the process of getting compensation for your injury may be different because you were in a Uber or Lyft., which is why you should hire an experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney West Palm Beach, Florida. A ride sharing accident lawyer has a good understanding of the personal injury law as well as the rules and regulations governing rideshare services. They can offer you the help you need throughout the claim process. Here are the top 4 causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Florida.
Driver Distraction
Driver distraction is one of the primary causes of ride sharing accidents. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 27 % of all auto accidents are related to cell phone use while driving. Lyft and Uber drivers easily get distracted while on the move. These drivers consistently receive notifications of potential customers and have to either reject or accept the fare on the app. This exposes the passengers to a high level of risk.
Getting these notifications wouldn’t be a problem if the driver was stationery. However, these notifications come in while the driver is on the move. This makes the driver to concentrate more on the notifications and may even take their hands off the wheel to accept or decline the offer. This distraction can make the driver cause a serious mishap.
Drunk Driving
According to the recent statistics compiled by NHTSA, drunk driving was a major factor in more than 40% of all auto accidents. Drunk driving is a serious crime and the legal ramifications keep getting more stringent. However, you’ll still find some Lyft and Uber drivers driving under influence. Impaired driver are less attentive and have a slower reaction behind the wheel. In addition, drunk drivers can easily fall asleep behind the wheel. These conditions can make them to cause a serious accident.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of ride sharing accidents. Lyft and Uber drivers continually receive notifications of new potential customers and therefore forced to drive above a reasonable speed to get to reach them on time. Many ridesharing drivers ignore speed limits, especially on the highways. The faster someone drives, the slower is their reaction time. This means it is difficult for these drivers to avoid a crash when they are speeding.
Driver Fatigue
Lyft/ Uber drivers work for long hours using several different accounts. It is believed that driver fatigue is as dangerous as driving under influence. A fatigued driver has a high chance of falling asleep while driving. Fatigue also lowers the reaction time to respond to hazards on the road. Just like an intoxicated driver, a fatigued driver is more likely to miss a traffic control signal, such as a stop sign compared to an alert driver.
Other common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in West Palm Beach, Florida include tailgating, running red lights or stop signs, poorly maintained vehicles, road rage, and unsafe lane change. If you believe that a Lyft/Uber accident occurred to the negligence or careless of the driver, you’re eligible to claim for compensation for all injuries incurred during the incident.
Should You Hire a Lyft/Uber Accident Attorney After a Car Crash?
It is recommended to hire an experienced Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer immediately after the wreck. Dealing with ridesharing companies like Lyft or Uber can be tricky as they often deny their driver’s liability and will do everything they can to discourage you from making a claim. An experienced Florida car accident lawyer understands the laws that govern ridesharing companies. The lawyer will ensure that your rights are well-protected during the entire claim process.
If you or a family member has been injured in an Uber or Lyft car crash please contact our Florida accident lawyers at Felice Trial Attorneys today. Our consultations are always free and we do not get paid we get money for you.
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