Introduction
You’re headed to dinner with friends, the theatre, or out of town to visit family but you don’t want to drive and risk getting caught in traffic and missing your dinner reservation, so you take an Uber… Sound familiar? The majority of people use ridesharing services regularly to avoid driving themselves and save money. Ridesharing services have been around for years but only recently has their popularity soared as more people are looking for convenient ways to get from place to place without having to worry about parking, traffic, or operating their own vehicle. You need to understand that ridesharing is a relatively new concept and that there have been a number of recent accidents. To learn more about how our Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles can assist you, contact us today.
Causes of Accidents
Poorly vetted and trained drivers
Uber drivers have been known to have poor vetting and training. The company has been criticized for its lack of driver background checks, inadequate driver training, and lax oversight. These factors could lead to increased accidents while on the job. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found that drivers with Uber’s services were twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those who drive with traditional taxis.
Distracted driving
One of the most dangerous things that drivers can do is use their cell phones. It takes a driver’s attention off the road for about five seconds. This is enough time to cover a football field, and if you’re going 60 miles per hour, that’s more than enough time to cause an accident.
Long hours with little rest
Ridesharing is a convenient way to get from point A to B but it can have consequences. More and more accidents involving rideshare drivers are happening due to long hours without rest or sleep.
What to do if you’re in an accident?
If you’re in an accident, be sure to call the police and request that they send a patrol unit to the scene. You’ll also want to get ahold of your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. You can do this by calling them, going on their website, or filling out a contact form on their site. They should be able to provide you with information about what steps you need to take next.
Conclusion
It is important for riders and drivers to be aware of their surroundings when using rideshare services. There may be a reason why there has been a recent uptick in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Thank you!
