The increased use of ridesharing services in Philadelphia, such as Uber and Lyft, has led to an increase in the risk of passengers getting hurt while utilizing these services. This risk is expected to continue to rise in the foreseeable future. Accidents and injuries can still happen even though rideshare firms have included safety elements such as background checks, GPS tracking, and insurance plans. This is because rideshare drivers can be irresponsible.
If an incident does occur, a rideshare accident attorney is what you need since they can help you obtain compensation for your losses. Given below are the common injuries caused by rideshare drivers.
Driving While Distracted
One of the most common reasons for collisions involving rideshare vehicles is distracted driving. While simultaneously attempting to maintain their concentration on the road, drivers for ridesharing services are frequently expected to utilize their mobile devices to navigate, chat with passengers, and access the app. This may cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, ignore traffic signals, or fail to respond quickly enough to avoid collisions.
Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly is another prevalent factor that contributes to rideshare accidents. To maximize their revenue, drivers for ridesharing services are under intense pressure to pick up and drop off customers in the shortest amount of time feasible. This can cause drivers to accelerate, run red lights, and make erratic lane changes, all of which increase the risk of being involved in an accident.
Fatigue
It is necessity for many drivers who provide ridesharing services to put in long hours to make a living. This can result in weariness, which can impair drivers’ judgment and reaction times. An overly fatigued driver increases their risk of missing traffic signals, swerving out of their lane, and failing to respond in time to avoid a collision.
Vehicle Maintenance
Ridesharing services mandate that their drivers keep their vehicles in operating condition; nevertheless, not all drivers comply with these guidelines. It’s possible that some motorists won’t perform fundamental maintenance jobs like replacing worn brakes or tires, which can lead to an increased risk of collisions.
Intoxication
Even though drivers are prohibited from operating their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol by rideshare firms, some drivers may choose to disobey this regulation. A drunk driver is more likely to make poor decisions, lose control of their vehicle, or cause an accident than a sober driver.
Assault
In Philadelphia, there are passenger reports of assault by rideshare drivers, but such incidents are extremely rare. This may occur if a passenger feels unsafe in the vehicle and makes an attempt to exit it or if the driver becomes furious or aggressive as a result of a quarrel with a passenger. Sometimes drivers will even go so far as to sexually attack or abduct their victims.
What actions should passengers take to lessen the risk of getting hurt?
While using ridesharing services in Philadelphia, passengers can take precautions to lower the chance that they will sustain an injury. The following are examples of some of these steps:
- Choose a ridesharing company that is reliable and has a solid track record when it comes to safety.
- Before getting into the vehicle, check the driver’s rating as well as any reviews that have been left for them.
- Rides with drivers who appear to be sleepy, preoccupied, or inebriated should be avoided.
- Buckling up and making sure that everyone else in the vehicle does the same is an important safety measure.
- Notifying both the ridesharing business and the police of any accidents or issues that may occur.
Ridesharing services might provide convenience and cost savings, but they also come with several potential dangers. While utilizing these services, passengers should be aware of the risks involved and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. There are additional measures that ridesharing businesses can take to increase safety, such as implementing more stringent driver screening, training programs, and enforcing rules for vehicle upkeep. In the end, it is up to the interested parties to collaborate and establish a more secure atmosphere for those using ridesharing services in Philadelphia.
