Rideshare apps are extremely popular, offering the chance to call for a ride exactly when you need it while also helping to reduce the number of cars on the road. However, the popularity of these apps does mean that there are more rideshare drivers on the road at any given time.
Accidents are bound to happen, especially in cities like Los Angeles. A rideshare accident affects everyone involved, but why do they occur? Learn more about the most common causes of rideshare accidents in Los Angeles.
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers often have to drive to places they’re unfamiliar with. This means relying on GPS devices or their phones for navigation. Even with navigational help, however, missing an exit or making a wrong turn is possible. This can quickly escalate to accidents, especially if there are one-way streets involved.
It’s also common for accidents to occur when rideshare drivers are looking for their passengers. Spotting someone they’ve never met before can be tough, especially in a moving vehicle.
Talking to passengers is something else that can distract rideshare drivers. Although it may get the driver a higher rating, it takes their mind off the road, making it easier to miss changes in traffic and slowing down their reaction times.
Speeding
Speeding is something else that can lead to accidents. This doesn’t just mean going over the posted speed limit. Speeding also means driving too fast for the road conditions, so even if the driver is traveling at the legal speed limit, it could still be considered speeding.
Fatigue
Many rideshare drivers take on a lot of work every day. In some cases, they could work a “day job” and then do some ridesharing, which means they could already be tired. Even if ridesharing gigs are their sole job, driving for hours in a car can be exhausting.
Drivers who are tired or sleepy put everyone at risk on the road. Being tired makes drivers less likely to react in time to prevent collisions, and they even run the risk of losing control of the car.
What to Do if You Have Been in a Rideshare Accident in Los Angeles
If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, one of the most important things you can do, whether you’re the driver or a passenger, is to reach out to a personal injury lawyer for help. Rideshare accidents are notoriously complex for everyone involved.
For drivers, proving liability can depend on whether the rideshare app was on or not. If it was on, then the rideshare company could be liable for damages. However, your personal liability insurance might have to pay if it wasn’t on.
Passengers will usually have to deal with the rideshare insurance company, which is never easy. They’re not there to help you but to prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.
Having a personal injury lawyer helping you means you don’t have to worry about dealing directly with insurance companies. You can leave your lawyer to do the negotiating while you focus on healing from injuries and from the strain of being in an accident.
Get Help From Personal Injury Lawyers
It’s never easy to go through a car accident of any kind. If you have been dealing with the aftermath of an accident that involved a rideshare service, it’s important that you reach out to a personal injury lawyer.
At Saeedian Law Group in Los Angeles, CA, we offer the guidance you need to file a claim if someone’s negligence led to your injuries or property damage. Contact Saeedian Law Group to speak with experienced personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, CA.
