Rideshare drivers are responsible for the safety of their riders, just like those who are bus drivers. Yet, the rules are often misunderstood, and often, riders do not know who to turn to when there is a risk. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may have the right to file an injury lawsuit to seek financial compensation for injuries and damages suffered. An experienced attorney will be able to help you determine whether you have a strong case.

Common Rideshare Accidents

People across the United States face thousands of dollars in medical bills and other losses due to rideshare accidents. If you or a loved one are involved in a collision, an Atlanta Lyft and Uber accident lawyer may be able to provide assistance. Some of the most common reasons these accidents occur include the following:

• Unsafe parking. Rideshare drivers must be able to stop and park to pick you up. If they do not do that, such as failing to put the vehicle into a parked position, that creates a risk that you could be hurt when getting into the car.
• Unsafe pickup locations. There are some instances in which the location they want to pick you up from is unsafe, such as on a busy street or near an intersection where the risk of an accident is high.
• Speeding. Reckless driving is a common cause of car accidents, and it is no different here. If the rideshare driver is speeding, switching lanes without signaling, or otherwise engaging in reckless behavior, they are putting you at risk.
• Distracted driving. Rideshare drivers, like everyone else, need to be focused on the road and not on their phones, GPS systems, apps, or engaging in activities like eating while behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a common reason accidents occur.
• Vehicle maintenance. Blown tires due to improper maintenance and care, for example, are a common cause of an accident. The brakes may malfunction, or there may be tire issues that develop that could have been prevented.

While understanding the most common types of rideshare accidents is important, you also need to know your own rights. If you are hurt for any reason while in a rideshare vehicle, you may have the right to obtain financial compensation for those losses. We encourage you to pursue legal counsel to help you through this process.

Steps to Follow After a Rideshare Accident

When you choose to call an Uber, Lyft, or other type of rideshare vehicle, you put a lot of faith in your driver to get you to your destination safely. When they fail to do so and you are involved in a collision instead, it’s essential to know what to do. After a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to:

• Get to a safe space, away from wrecked vehicles or environmental hazards
• Call 911 to receive assistance from law enforcement and paramedics
• Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel like you suffered serious injuries
• Take down the contact details of your rideshare driver, other drivers involved in the crash, and any witnesses
• If the scene is safe, take photos of the crashed vehicles, any evidence of the accident, and any factors that may have contributed to the wreck
• Call a local rideshare accident attorney with experience litigating similar cases

Although we sincerely hope you will not need to use these tips anytime soon, being prepared for anything is generally a wise course of action. Make sure to prioritize your safety the next time you call an Uber or Lyft and don’t feel afraid to cancel the ride if anything seems off when your driver arrives.