Top 5 Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Colorado

 Posted on December 07, 2021 in Car Accident

Rideshare services are a popular and often convenient way to get around. They are less expensive than traditional cabs and often easier to find, but there are some drawbacks. Rideshare drivers do not have any special training or licensing. Very few qualifications aside from having a valid driver’s license are typically required. So, it is no surprise that some rideshare passengers become involved in car accidents caused by careless drivers. If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, you will want to call a qualified lawyer as soon as you can, as claims against rideshare services can be quite complicated.

Why Rideshare Drivers Crash

It is important to remember that rideshare drivers are not trained professionals. Many drive in their spare time occasionally and have other priorities. Reasons rideshare drivers may cause accidents include:

• Distraction - Drivers may be focused on using their rideshare app to navigate or manage the ride. Those who have other jobs may simply be focused on something else going on in their life, possibly using their cell phone for another purpose such as sending emails or checking messages.
• Inexperience - Young people often drive for rideshare services because it is a convenient way to bring in extra money. However, drivers in their early twenties may not have much driving experience. Some rideshare companies only require drivers to have held a license for one year. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make a mistake and have an accident.
• Fatigue - Many people work multiple jobs to get by in this difficult economy. A driver who is already exhausted from working long hours elsewhere may not be able to use good judgment or stay awake on the road.
• Speed - For rideshare drivers, more rides mean more money. This can motivate drivers to speed, ignore other rules of the road, and make reckless decisions that lead to crashes. This is particularly dangerous in the winter, especially in Colorado’s mountainous regions.
• Intoxication - Rideshare companies typically do not drug test their drivers, who are independent contractors rather than employees. There is little to no oversight ensuring that people with drug or alcohol issues do not become rideshare drivers. It is not uncommon for a rideshare driver to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In rideshare accidents, multiple parties are often involved, including the driver’s insurance company, the rideshare service’s insurance company, and the rideshare service itself. You will need competent legal counsel to guide you through the process of filing a claim against a rideshare company.

Call a Larimer County Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you were injured by a careless rideshare driver, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. may be able to help you recover compensation. Our skilled Fort Collins rideshare accident lawyers will advocate for you at every step in the claims process. Call us at 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ridesharingdriver.com/lyft-driver-requirements-meaning/