Utah Ridesharing Accident Lawyer

In this 21st Century, rideshare services have become a routine way to travel. Especially in Utah, it’s great to have another option in areas with limited public transportation. The distances between destinations can also be very long, which makes ridesharing make even more sense. Thus, it is not uncommon for locals without a vehicle to use companies like Uber or Lyft to get where they need to go.

Rideshare companies have indeed become commonplace. However, this does not mean that drivers with common sense have become commonplace. Car accidents continue to be a frequent problem on the roads.

Injured parties in rideshare accidents can be paying customers within the rideshare vehicle. They can also be persons in other cars affected by the same collision. If you have been injured in a car accident involving a driver from a rideshare company, let us help.

Arrange to speak with a Fielding Law personal injury lawyer by calling (877) 880-4090. Or fill out our online form to speak with one of our attorneys about your personal injury case and how we can assist you as a client. Our law firm offers free initial consultations concerning personal injury law. Hablamos Español.

Who are the Rideshare Drivers?

The popularity of rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, has surged in recent years. They frequently serve as a cheaper option to taxicab services. Plus, they are well-liked because of their ease of use. Cell phone apps allow quick access to rideshare companies. Uber and Lyft are among the most popular rideshare apps.

Nearly anyone can make use of a rideshare company. The same might also be said about becoming a rideshare driver. In general, there are not many specific driver requirements. Thus, if someone has a valid driver’s license and can use his or her car to carry passengers, that person might qualify to be a rideshare driver.

The qualities of inattention, thoughtlessness, and incompetence that can affect regular drivers can also affect rideshare service drivers. As rideshare apps, users, and drivers increase, the accidents involving them also increase.

What are the Rideshare Regulations?

The process to enact new regulations in the US and in individual states can be lengthy. Considerable time is necessary to determine all the factors that must be regulated in an industry. Additionally, determining how these laws will be administered and controlled can be complicated and time-consuming.

This process can be especially problematic with laws in relation to rideshare apps and services. In some respect, companies such as Uber or Lyft have not existed long enough for many laws to be enacted toward this new means of transportation.

Taxicab companies, on the other hand, have existed for a long time. Consequently, they have many strict rules and regulations attached to their business operations. Further, there are specific and detailed laws regarding their insurance coverage and accountability. 

This is not the case with rideshare companies. Therefore, since elaborate laws may not exist for your rideshare accident scenario, it is crucial for your case that you have a rideshare accident lawyer with wisdom and skill. 

You need a lawyer who can discern and establish who is accountable for the rideshare accident. A Fielding Law personal injury lawyer will have the proficiency this situation requires.

Common Reasons for a Ridesharing Accident

Of course, a rideshare accident can happen at any time and for innumerable reasons. Yet, among the most common reasons persons experience injury in an accident involving a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft are the following. 

Distracted driving

Let us focus on a specific cause of accidents involving a ridesharing company vehicle. Usually, it is someone driving while distracted, whose attention may be divided by using the phone or being distracted by a passenger. These risks are compounded by the nature of a rideshare driver’s job.

For example, it could be that the ridesharing driver was not working, yet his app was active. At such a time, his attention may not be focused on driving as he monitors his app in expectation of receiving notice of a client.

Additionally, drivers of Uber or Lyft and similar services while driving will have their focus in multiple directions when with a customer. As they attempt to reach the destination of their client, they may continue to check the app for subsequent clients or for directions. 

These activities can clearly contribute to accidents by reducing the driver’s attention to potential dangers while driving.

Speeding

Frequently, driving too fast is a contributing factor in accidents involving ridesharing vehicles. Companies such as Uber and Lyft use a work structure that enables drivers to earn more money through accumulated fares during their shifts. As a result, drivers may be inclined to hurry to their destinations. They could use excessive speeds in the hope of finishing with one client and obtaining another.

Driving while exhausted

As independent contractors, rideshare drivers can determine the number of hours that they work for themselves. They may choose to work many hours in a row and at times late into the night. They could drive while drowsy or even fall asleep at the wheel. This may result in serious accidents. 

Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs

Operating a vehicle while feeling the effects of drugs can be dangerous, whether prescribed or illegal. Certainly, drinking and driving are life-threatening. The bad decision to drive under these influences can be a problem for ridesharing drivers. 

How Attorneys Can Confront Resistant Insurance Companies

The insurance company for a guilty party will work hard to avoid having to pay large sums in compensation to the injured parties. If possible, they will attempt to sidestep accountability or even try to shift blame to the injured victims.

A qualified and capable attorney with the Fielding Law legal team can effectively pin liability where it belongs. Using available evidence and documentation such as a police report, an attorney can restrict an insurance company from circumventing responsibility.

Our goal is to help you receive the restitution you deserve for your injuries. While you rest and recuperate, we can take on negotiating with the insurance agency that may be reluctant to help.

Get the Right Legal Help After a Ridesharing Accident

The drivers of ridesharing vehicles and the companies they work for must be just as attentive while driving as individuals driving themselves. If their failure to maintain appropriate care and attention while driving results in an injury and accident, they need to be held accountable.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident with a ridesharing vehicle in Utah? You do not have to navigate this challenging and occasionally unprecedented legal territory alone. Start by talking to a lawyer for free.

For assistance after a rideshare accident involving a ridesharing service, contact a lawyer at Fielding Law today to schedule a free case evaluation at (877) 880-4090.