Safety, Liability, and the Law: Ridesharing Accidents on Dangerous Roads

All, if not most, have been in a situation where you are running late, only to find yourself stuck in traffic along with other commuters. Fortunately, with the rise of ridesharing applications, transportation has revolutionized, providing a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional services like taxis.

However, with the increased numbers of vehicles, especially on dangerous roads and highways, there are also apparent risks attributed to the growth of ridesharing applications. From the rise of this alternative up until now, ridesharing accidents have significantly skyrocketed.

If you find yourself involved in a car accident involving ridesharing vehicles, you may wonder if you have the right to receive compensation for the damages of the crash. In this article, you will understand the legal implications of such collisions and what you can do to protect yourself.

Do Ridesharing Applications Do Us More Good than Harm?

There are pros and cons to using ridesharing applications, and understanding these will help determine if such alternatives should be patronized.

Traffic has been an ongoing economic and public health issue in the United States for many years. According to transportation studies, congestion incurs an annual cost of $160 billion, encompassing 7 billion hours wasted in traffic and an additional 3 billion gallons of fuel consumed.

Fortunately, according to a 2017 MIT study, enhancing traffic conditions can be achieved through ridesharing. The research suggests that utilizing carpooling services offered by companies such as Uber and Lyft has the potential to decrease the number of vehicles on the road by a factor of three with minimal impact on travel time.

Aside from the increased convenience and accessibility, ridesharing services provide career options for drivers looking for flexible work schedules.

However, one significant disadvantage of ridesharing platforms is the heightened risks and number of traffic accidents. The UChicago News reported a 3% rise in motor vehicle accidents associated with ridesharing applications in 2019.

Moreover, according to a study titled "Ride-Hailing and Road Traffic Crashes: A Critical Review," while the technology likely decreases alcohol-related crashes, any reductions in such collisions may be entirely counterbalanced by increases in other types of accidents and might not be consistent across all urban environments.

Adverse effects on various public health aspects, including air pollution, worker rights and protections, and passenger safety, could also nullify the positive impacts of ride-hailing on traffic crash outcomes.

The ongoing discussion over whether ridesharing apps are advantageous or detrimental entails balancing these benefits against the drawbacks. However, note that human behavior and errors also impact such effects. After all, we can benefit from ridesharing applications for transportation if drivers prioritize road safety.

Causes of Ridesharing Accidents on Dangerous Roads

Several factors may influence safety regarding ridesharing incidents on hazardous roads. While dangerous road conditions, such as poorly maintained surfaces or insufficient lighting, contribute to the risk of accidents, several factors may come into play, including:

Distracted driving
Drowsy driving
Speeding
Tailgating
Unfamiliarity with the area
Difficulty navigating complex road systems

According to MiTechNews, 25% of pedestrian fatalities result from rideshare drivers failing to pay attention when initiating their driving or backing out of parking spaces. With this, human behaviors and other factors should be addressed to improve safety and reduce ridesharing accidents on dangerous roads.

Legal Insights: What Happens If a Ridesharing Vehicle Gets in an Accident?

If a ridesharing vehicle gets into an accident, the victim in such a scenario can recover compensation for the damages incurred. However, it is essential to remember that a victim may only file a claim for compensation if the accident results in someone else's wrongful actions.

In such cases, you must have sufficient evidence showing that the at-fault driver's negligent actions caused the crash, such as photos of the scene, witness testimonies, and police reports.

The Passenger's Perspective

Suppose you are in a ridesharing vehicle, and another driver acts negligently, causing a collision with the car you are in. In that case, you may pursue a case against that driver to recover compensation. In most cases, drivers have car insurance, which can cover the medical bills and other costs related to the injuries from the accident.

Meanwhile, if the ridesharing driver causes the collision, resulting in your injuries, the driver should pay the damage expenses.

When filing a claim, it is best to seek legal help, especially when collecting evidence and calculating the total damages from the crash. This way, you can maximize your compensation.

The Driver's Perspective

If a Lyft or Uber driver who is not currently working hits you, you may receive compensation through their auto insurance. Rideshare companies mandate that drivers maintain individual auto insurance to cover vehicle damages, mainly when operating their vehicles outside their designated working hours.

There are also specific circumstances that can hold the ridesharing company liable for the crash, such as when:

The driver's mobile app was active during the incident and was anticipating a ride request.
The driver has acknowledged a ride request and is in the process of waiting for the passenger.
The driver is en route to pick up the passenger. The driver has the passenger on board and is en route to the designated destination.

These mobile rideshare applications in the United States must have insurance coverage of $1,000,000 for injuries, property damage, or wrongful death resulting from a car accident caused by their drivers while actively engaged in mobile operations.

When involved in a ridesharing car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer who can assess the facts of your crash and determine liability.

Challenges of Ridesharing Accident Claims

Car accidents involving ridesharing vehicles may be one of the most challenging personal injury claims a victim may deal with. Usually, large companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have a legal team that can defend their side of the story, lifting their legal responsibility for the crash.

Aside from this, filing a claim against ride-hailing companies may lead to court trials. In such instances, you will need a lawyer for the car accident to protect your legal rights. They will assess your situation, collect evidence, and prove liability for you to receive the compensation you deserve.

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