Rideshare vehicles, like Uber and Lyft cars, have changed the way we reach our destinations, both within our local communities and when we travel. Rideshares provide a comfortable alternative to buses and the unmatched convenience of a private vehicle arriving with the touch of an app. Fortunately, most rideshare trips end with a safe drop-off, but it only takes a single accident to change your life, sometimes permanently. If you are injured in a rideshare crash caused by someone else’s negligence, an experienced Washington rideshare accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Because we’ve grown to rely so much on rideshares, it’s important to understand the most common causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Washington and elsewhere. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact Wells Trumbull today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Increased Overall Traffic Due to Uber & Lyft Vehicles
With fewer people using mass transit systems like buses and trains, there’s been a significant increase in the number of individual vehicles on roadways, including in Washington. According to a major university study, there has been at least a 3% increase in overall traffic fatalities since the rise of the rideshare industry. Major contributors to accident numbers include the following factors related to increased traffic:
- Congested traffic conditions
- Aggressive driving
- Driver frustration
- Increased delays
- More frequent road construction
According to the study, traffic accidents rose from an average of 2 per 100,000 people before the rise of the rideshare industry to around 3.5 per 100,000 after rideshares like Uber and Lyft became popular.
Are Washington Uber & Lyft Rides More Likely to End In Accidents?
Rideshare drivers have a monetary incentive to accomplish as many rides as possible per shift. This may increase the chances of accidents caused by the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving due to the driver’s use of an app for navigating and actively booking the next passenger
- Aggressive driving
- Tailgating
- Illegal passing
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Inexperienced driving
- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Uber and Lyft drivers often work their rideshare jobs as a secondary source of income after a full day or night shift in another position, leading to more instances of drowsy driving.
Other Factors That Cause or Contribute to Uber & Lyft Accidents In Washington
While a rideshare driver’s careless or reckless actions are the most common causes of Uber & Lyft car accidents, other factors unrelated to the rideshare industry sometimes cause or contribute to accidents, including the following:
- Negligent road maintenance, such as unrepaired potholes or obstructed road signs
- Road construction contractor negligence, including leaving dangerous debris or obstacles in the roadway
- Negligent road-planning agencies that design dangerous intersections or fail to install adequate street lighting
- Defective auto parts or tires
- Third-party drivers
It often takes an experienced investigation by an Uber and Lyft accident attorney to pinpoint the cause of the accident, identify the liable party, and file a claim against the appropriate insurance policy. Rideshare accident insurance is complex and uses a tiered coverage structure based on the rideshare’s stage at the time of the accident, such as whether the driver was using their vehicle privately, seeking a passenger, or had a passenger booked or in the vehicle during the crash.
How Can a Washington Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
Rideshare insurance providers often exploit the complexity of their coverage to shift blame or point fingers at other policies, such as the driver’s private auto insurance, which has less coverage than the up to $1 million available to injured rideshare passengers. They may also actively undermine or devalue your claim. Call Wells Trumbull to speak to an Uber and Lyft accident attorney about your legal rights and options for financial recovery.