As rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft become a more and more common method of transportation in day-to-day city life, accidents resulting from ridesharing have also become more commonplace, and raise questions regarding passenger safety and liability.
Uber and Lyft passengers have rights to fair treatment and compensation if they’ve been injured as a result of their driver’s negligence. An accident can lead to lost wages from time spent out of work, property damage, medical expenses, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and in extreme cases, wrongful death.
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft who was injured in a car crash in Jersey City, you can contact a Fort Lee Car accident lawyer to handle your claim and help you navigate the many complex legal options.
How Rideshare Accidents Impact Passengers, Drivers, and Pedestrians
Uber and Lyft accidents can affect all parties involved, especially in the case of severe injuries. Some accidents can lead to temporary or permanent disability, extreme discomfort and pain, time out of work, or long-term trauma for anyone involved.
In the New Jersey area, ridesharing services will often have liability coverage, and they can accept vicarious liability, meaning that they will take on responsibility if their own drivers were at fault. Rideshare drivers can also be covered for vehicle damage, though it may depend on their app status at the time of the crash.
In the event of an accident, passengers and drivers should report the collision to authorities, such as the NYPD, and gather evidence to be used later for insurance claims.
Importance of Understanding Accident Causes
Passengers may need to understand the different types of accidents and how they are caused in order to know how their insurance coverage works as well as how much compensation they’re eligible to receive.
Below, this article will go over the several potential causes for accidents and how they may affect your claim.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving may be a result of spending time on a smartphone, eyes off the road, talking while driving, loud music, or other distracting activities while a vehicle is in motion. These can violate Uber’s standards for driving and place legal responsibility on the driver.
Fatigue and Drowsy Driving
Some rideshare drivers could have multiple jobs and drive long hours, which can lead to lack of sleep and fatigue, which impair one’s ability to drive. In these cases, fatigued driving can be considered a risk to the passenger and make the driver liable in the event of an accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is a form of aggressive driving that can be dangerous, and violate traffic laws, and lead to more severe and deadlier crashes.
Reckless driving such as road rage can also be dangerous behavior that can lead to speeding, running red lights, unsafe lane changes, or any other intentional violation of road rules.
Either of these behaviors can make an Uber or Lyft driver liable in the event of a crash or uncomfortable car ride.
Inexperienced or Untrained Drivers
Some Uber or Lyft drivers could be young drivers looking for a quick side gig, or drivers who have never properly chauffeured other people previously. Inexperienced drivers may be more prone to mistakes to which seasoned drivers are less prone.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving could be a result of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which can affect visibility, acuity, and decision making, and is also illegal. Any instance of this behavior violates Uber and Lyft’s driver screening policies and will make a driver liable in an accident.
Poor Road Infrastructure
Sometimes, the government can be responsible for certain accidents if road conditions are deemed as neglected. Dangerous streets, such as potholes and rotted asphalt, may violate regulations and make the government liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
Congested Traffic
In cities like New Jersey, congested traffic is commonplace, and having multiple cars on narrow, one-way streets can sometimes lead to sideswipes or intersection accidents, so following traffic signals and laws will reduce traffic fatalities. A driver’s failure to do so could make them liable for an accident.
Hazardous Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can sometimes lead to accidents, especially in cases of snow, heavy rain, and high winds which can cause slippery roads, low visibility, hydroplaning, and other hazards that could lead to an accident.n such cases, the passenger’s or driver’s insurance coverage may handle the claim.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Interactions
Pedestrians will often have the right-of-way, and crosswalks exist in cities to allow space for pedestrians and cyclists to cross busy roads safely. Most jurisdictions will uphold pedestrian safety and cyclist safety, so in many cases, the driver and/or rideshare service could be held liable.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Poor vehicle maintenance may refer to a failed inspection or having notable defects, like a broken rear-suspension or flat tire. This is a serious risk to the passenger and also violates Uber and Lyft’s safety standards.
Defective Car Parts
Perhaps the vehicle may have had defective equipment, like a malfunctioning steering wheel or braking equipment, which could have been a contributing factor to the accident. The car manufacturer may have to answer for any defective parts that are discovered during an accident investigation.
Failure of Safety Features
In the event that seatbelts, air bags, crumple zones, and other features designed for safety do not work properly in the event of a crash, the car manufacturer could face liability.
Passenger Behavior and its Impact
Passengers may also play a factor in an accident if their behavior disrupts or distracts a driver from the road or threatens a driver in any way. In these circumstances, the passenger may be liable.
Legal and Safety Implications of Rideshare Accidents
Passengers, drivers, and pedestrians in the New Jersey area should be aware of their rights to compensation in the event of Uber/Lyft accidents. A Fort Lee personal injury lawyer at Omni Law can be your legal guidance in the aftermath of a crash. Their expertise in personal injury law can help victims receive a fair and honest settlement, and receive compensation for their expenses.
Schedule a free consultation with our attorneys and find out what your car accident claim may be worth!