There are a large number of circumstances when driving yourself to a destination is not reasonably possible. In these situations, you might call for a taxi or opt for a much more flexible and convenient rideshare service.
Regardless of which service you choose to use, entering someone else’s vehicle means putting your safety in their hands. For that reason, it is important to know some of the major causes behind Uber and Lyft accidents.
1. Distracted driving
Uber and Lyft drivers are under constant distraction as they navigate with their GPS devices or frequently interact with the rideshare app in search of more passengers.
2. Speeding
It is all too common for rideshare drivers to rush between destinations so they can pick up the next passenger and receive more fares.
3. Fatigue
Drivers who are eager to reach a certain self-imposed quota might spend many hours of the day on the road, leading to dangerous levels of fatigue.
4. Unfamiliar roads
It is not especially common for rideshare drivers to fully scout the roads in their service area. Accidents are more likely to happen when an Uber or Lyft driver accepts a passenger heading to an unfamiliar area, especially if the route entails using one of New Jersey’s most dangerous roads.
5. Inexperience
Rideshare companies do not provide driver training nor do they require any special certification, so your rideshare driver could be a novice vehicle operator unprepared for difficult circumstances on the job.
One way to ensure your safety when using a rideshare service is to check a driver’s rating in the app before pickup. If you experience an accident despite your best efforts to protect yourself, you likely have the right to pursue legal action against the driver or the service.