Uber and Lyft are convenient. They provide door-to-door service, so people do not have to worry about navigating through traffic or trying to find a close parking space. In recent years, more and more people have started to use rideshare services to get around Katy. Unfortunately, the gaining popularity of these services has led to a corresponding increase in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
Anyone who gets hurt in Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Katy should reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The auto accident attorneys at KGS Law Group could offer clear guidance on what options may be available for pursuing compensation.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
In Katy, Uber and Lyft accidents occur for many of the same reasons as crashes involving passenger cars. However, given their job duties, rideshare drivers are more prone to specific driving behaviors and errors that increase the likelihood of collisions.
Distracted Driving
Uber and Lyft drivers cause accidents by not paying attention to their driving responsibilities. While any driver today might feel tempted to look down at their phone to read a text, rideshare drivers need to rely on their phones as part of their jobs. Rideshare drivers must constantly check and confirm on their phone’s apps to book rides with passengers and communicate with their prospective clients. They also need to use their phone’s GPS to figure out how to navigate unfamiliar locations.
Fatigued Driving
Rideshare drivers make their money by accepting jobs. If they do not drive passengers, they do not make money. Consequently, some drivers push themselves to drive for longer than they should. They might take on a rideshare job as a second job to supplement their income and drive late at night without getting enough sleep. Being fatigued can cause a driver to make serious driving mistakes.
Reckless Driving
In order to make more money and accept more jobs, some Lyft drivers might be tempted to speed, ignore traffic signs and signals, or drive recklessly. Sudden stops and starts can also lead to accidents.
Driver Inexperience
Rideshare companies do not require their drivers to pass any additional tests to drive, and they do not provide training. Without these preventative measures, it is possible for inexperienced drivers to work for these services and make reckless mistakes.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
People who drive Uber tend to put a lot more miles on their car than most other drivers, which could lead to wear and tear. A worn-out brake pad or other faulty part could lead to a crash.
A dedicated legal team could determine why a crash occurred and who is potentially to blame.
Can Uber or Lyft Be Held Liable for a Vehicle Accident?
Insurance claims involving Lyft and Uber vehicles can be complicated. If a negligent rideshare driver caused an accident due to careless driving or improper vehicle maintenance, an injured person could pursue a claim directly against the driver. However, the driver’s insurance might not be sufficient to cover the injured person’s losses. In some situations, a claimant can also collect damages and insurance benefits from the rideshare company. Lyft and Uber both provide their drivers with additional insurance coverage depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. For instance, if the driver was carrying a passenger at the time of the crash, the rideshare company would provide additional coverage. If the driver was offline, the company’s insurance would not apply. If the driver was logged into the app but did not have a passenger in the vehicle, different insurance limits might apply. A knowledgeable Katy attorney could explain what kind of insurance coverage may be available based on the specifics of a rideshare collision.
Talk To a Katy Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Accident Attorney
Trying to recover fair compensation after Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Katy can be considerably more complicated than after most other traffic accidents. A skilled attorney could investigate your accident to determine who is legally responsible for your losses. They could skillfully negotiate with all involved insurance companies in pursuit of the maximum possible compensation. Call KGS Law Group to learn more.