Uber and Lyft Distracted Driving Crashes

You may take an Uber or Lyft because it is more convenient, cost-effective, or safer than taking your own vehicle. However, before taking your next rideshare, it is essential to consider the risk of getting hurt in a distracted rideshare accident and what you should do if a crash occurs.

Why Uber and Lyft Drivers May Be Distracted Drivers

Uber and Lyft drivers face all of the driving distractions that other motorists face on Wisconsin roads each day. For example, they may be:

• Texting while driving
• Using their phones while driving
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Changing the music they listen to while driving
• Daydreaming while driving
• Taking any other actions that remove their hands from the wheel, their eyes from the road, or their concentration from driving safely

Additionally, Uber and Lyft drivers face particular distractions because of their jobs. These distractions include:

• Rideshare apps. Uber and Lyft drivers are notified of new rides through the rideshare app. They have just seconds to respond or they lose the potential fare. This business practice encourages rideshare drivers to always have their app on and to respond to ride requests even when they already have passengers in the car. Using the app while driving may take the driver's eyes off the road to look at the screen, hands off the steering wheel to respond to the request, and concentration away from driving safely while the driver considers whether to accept the request.
• GPS. Uber and Lyft drivers may often drive unfamiliar routes. GPS may give them step-by-step instructions, but it must be used safely. For example, if a driver turns down the volume to listen to music or talk to a passenger, then the driver may need to look at the GPS screen to get directions and look away from the road. Additionally, some drivers follow the GPS without carefully checking the road. These drivers may go through a red light or go the wrong way down a one-way street because the GPS told them to turn.

App and GPS distractions are not unique for rideshare drivers, but they may occur more often because of how rideshares work.

Protect Your Rights After a Wisconsin Uber or Lyft Accident

You didn't cause the crash and you shouldn't have to pay for your accident injuries. However, it can be complicated to determine whether it is the rideshare driver, Uber, or Lyft that is legally responsible for paying for your accident. An experienced car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the crash and identify the right defendants for you.

Before you can make that recovery, however, there are things that you need to do, such as:

• Calling the police to the scene of the crash to investigate the accident
• Taking pictures at the accident scene as evidence for your case
• Gathering witness information as evidence for your case
• Watching what you say to the driver and others so that you don't make a mistake that could hurt your claim
• Getting medical attention for a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan
• Following medical advice after you have a diagnosis and treatment plan
• Calling a rideshare accident lawyer for help protecting your rights

Together, these steps can help you make a fair recovery for your past and future:

• Healthcare costs
• Lost income
• Physical pain
• Emotional suffering
• Other accident costs

You don't have to handle all the confusion and stress of a rideshare accident on your own. Over the past 50 years, our personal injury lawyers have helped more than 70,000 people recover more than $1 billion in damages. Insurance companies know that we mean business and are often willing to offer fair settlements to avoid going to court. The insurance companies know that we will be ready to defend our clients in court if they don't offer fair settlements.

You have suffered enough. We don't want legal representation to be a financial burden for you. Accordingly, we always offer free, no-obligation consultations and we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. You won't pay us an hourly fee. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our Wisconsin car accident attorneys.

Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?

If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.