Distracted Uber and Lyft Drivers Cause Serious Car Accidents
Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft continue to rise in popularity as more and more people decide to ditch their vehicles for a ride in someone else's. While there are many benefits to using Uber or Lyft, including limiting drunk driving, there are also several risks.
It seems that too many Uber accidents happen in Los Angeles -- on a daily basis. Many of these accident victims include the thousands of tourists that flood the City of Angels on a regular basis. These tourists have ordered a car on their smartphone, hoping to drive around the city, but end up in a car accident that was not their fault. What is a tourist or Los Angeles resident to do if they are injured in an Uber accident in Los Angeles? Accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers are not like typical auto accident. It is important that you contact an accident attorney experienced in handling Uber or Lyft claims.
So what is the reason behind all of these Uber accidents?
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents across the country. From eating while driving to applying makeup and chatting on the phone or texting, the list of types of distracted driving is long. And if though texting and driving is against the law in California, some drivers choose to ignore the law and text anyway. This can lead to serious car accidents.
2. Mechanical Failures
While the cars driven by Uber and lyft drivers are supposed to be in good working condition, this is not always the case. The car you're driving in may be past due for maintenance. Brake failure or a tire blowout are just two possible scenarios if the car hasn’t been serviced recently.
3. Ignoring Posted Signs
Perhaps your Uber driver is in a hurry and is speeding to drop you off, so he can pick up his next customer. Or maybe he is pulling illegal u-turns in the middle of busy intersections. Whatever the case may be, if your driver is ignoring the rules of the road, he is putting you at risk for serious injury or even death.
What to Do After An Uber Accident
After you or a loved one are involved in an Uber or lyft accident, it is critical that you reach out to an accident attorney who has successfully handled these types of claims before. As noted above, these types of accident claims are not like typical auto accident claims and require an understanding of insurance law as well as personal injury law. And if you are a tourist who was visiting Los Angeles, you will need to speak with a Los Angeles lawyer. For a free, no obligation consultation about your potential case, contact the accident attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm today.