Last updated on October 4, 2019
Ride-Sharing apps have become the new norm for transportation, and have quickly risen to become one of the more opted for modes that people have begun to turn to. More people are choosing to turn on an app on their phones and call in a driver than own their own car and drive around themselves. This added convenience has made this the perfect option, and the phenomenon has been spreading across the world.
With the rising stock prices of some of the biggest ride-sharing companies in the world, it is hard not to resort to the phenomenon of ride-sharing. People all over the world are realizing the numerous benefits associated with this kind of service, and the ways in which they can actually save, and help those who want a job to earn, all in one. While the list of benefits of ride-sharing can extend up to a few pages, it isn’t all good as one would like it to be. Just like any other form of transportation, accidents on the road are an occurrence that is unfortunate, but sometimes, inevitable. Generally, in public modes of transportation, there are certain authorities that impose restrictions that govern the quality of vehicles and the efficiency of the people driving them. These quality standards are upheld because of the wide number of people traveling by them on a day to day basis. For popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, these regulations and restrictions are far less, making it significantly more unsafe.
Accidents On The Rise
A car accident can happen to anyone, at any place, and at any time. Whether you are the person sitting in the car, or a person caught in the crossfire, accidents on the road are always devastating. Over the past year, the number of vehicular accidents on the road has seen an increase, with one particular trend popping out as an alarming factor. A large number of road-based accidents that have happened over the past year in the United States have involved individuals who were using a ride-sharing mode of transportation. This has led to a new subsection of lawyers who specialize in these types of cases. This means that if you are in a ridesharing accident with Lyft for example, you can call on a lyft accident lawyer who will then handle your case.
Urban and suburban areas are some of the main places that have been witnessing the increase in ride-sharing accidents Uber and Lyft, in particular, are two companies that have the highest statistics when it comes to this. There are two main factors that can be attributed to the increase in accidents from both these companies:
- Low Hiring Standards
Driving tests are usually the first point of access that individuals have to pass through when wanting to drive a vehicle. However, there is no additional certification that is required for those who want to drive people for long stretches, or even as a job. Uber and Lyft are known for having opened up job markets all over the world and have provided options for thousands of people who otherwise would have to turn to other avenues for their means of livelihood. These two companies also advertise themselves as having flexible timings, which can work well for a variety of people. In light of these, there are a number of relaxed policies that cause these companies to sometimes hire a workforce that is subpar. Often, Uber and Lyft have been known to hire drivers who are not fit to handle a vehicle, who have some kind of unprofessional behavior, or simply those who are not equipped to handle a vehicle. While they are providing jobs, they are doing so at the cost of other people’s lives. Those who choose to go in for an Uber or Lyft often believe that they will be in safe hands. When the driver, however, is not equipped for the job, the lives of the passengers are being endangered, which is what has led to the increase in accidents that involved one or more of these ride-sharing companies.
- The Earning Model
Another reason for the increase in accidents involving drivers and passengers is the payment model that these drivers have to adhere to. When a driver chooses to work with one of these companies, they are usually paid on a ‘per ride’ basis. This means that they get paid a fixed amount for every ride that they take. This means that drivers have an incentive to help their passengers reach their destination at the earliest, just so that they can get onto the next passenger and earn their due from them. This often leads drivers to break traffic signals and speed down certain roads to be able to reach their destinations faster. This also means that they are putting the passengers at more risk by taking these routes, just to earn a little more. There have been several accidents reported in the United States that have been caused by a ridesharing driver who was speeding, or who intentionally took a wrong route to be able to reach their destination faster.
The rising problems faced on the roads as a result of these practices have led many to a situation wherein they have to call in a personal injury lawyer or a ridesharing accident attorney to help them seek compensation for the damaged caused to them.
What To Do If You Are In A Ridesharing Accident
It has become impossible to completely avoid ridesharing, especially because of the convenience that it offers. However, it is important for passengers to be well aware of what they need to do in an instance where they are in an unfortunate accident that involved a ridesharing vehicle. If you are in an accident of a similar kind, here is what you need to do:
- Check Yourself
If you have been in an accident, it is incredibly important that you first check yourself to ensure that you are alright. Check every part of your body and ensure that you aren’t hurt or bleeding anywhere. If you are, try to seek medical attention immediately.
- Call Emergency Numbers
Calling emergency numbers at the earliest is important in any kind of accident and can help you get to safety. Call the police as well as an ambulance if there is anyone around who is hurt and who may be in need of proper medical care.
- Exchange Information
It is important to exchange contact as well as insurance information of all those who have been involved in the accident. This simple process can help you get in touch with the parties if need be and can help you get the right kind of compensation that you need for the injury and damages that you have sustained. You may also need to provide this to your car accident lawyer, which can help your case.
- Take Pictures
A picture speaks a thousand words, and in an accident, it is one of the best things that you can do to receive the best kind of compensation. A picture stands as proof of the damage that has been done, and taking pictures at the earliest is important, and can significantly help out your entire case. Take pictures of the damaged vehicles, any injuries that you may have sustained, as well as the contact information of those involved in the accident. You may have to share these pictures with your lyft accident lawyer so that they can properly assess the situation later.
- Call A Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been in an accident that involves a ride-sharing vehicle, and you have completed the previous steps, the best option is to call a personal injury lawyer. You can either choose to go in for a car accident lawyer who might be specialized in the field, or a ridesharing accident attorney who is well versed with the subject matter.
