Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents and Injuries

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents and Injuries

Since Uber and Lyft launch, ride-sharing has increased in popularity year-over-year. With Uber and Lyft, you can schedule your ride from an app, and are picked up wherever is convenient. This would have to be safe, right? Not necessarily. The number of accidents and injuries during Uber or Lyft routes have increased, and so have the legal implications related to this new mode of transportation. Let’s take a look.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents and Injuries

Accidents and injuries related to Uber or Lyft may include auto accidents or injuries related to contact with a driver or other passenger. Here are some of the most common accidents and injuries:

Auto Accidents:

-Distracted Driving, such as looking at apps, GPS, or making calls.

-The driver may be in a hurry to get from one stop to the next, which can lead to speeding or aggressive driving.

-Drivers may not be suited for the job and may drive while fatigued or intoxicated, or may not obey traffic laws.

Other Injuries:

-Physical violence

-Rape or sexual assault

-Theft

Who is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Employers are generally liable for the actions of employees, but who is responsible for independent contractors? This is a gray area.

You may be able to argue that the company has some level of responsibility for the actions of those they contract, but that can be difficult in court. Liability will also depend on the facts of the case, such as whether it was an auto accident, or an assault or other criminal act.