How Rideshare Services Endanger Motorists and Pedestrians
The rise of rideshare services has introduced new hazards on Texas roads, with motorists, passengers, and pedestrians bearing the brunt of these risks. Rideshare drivers who are hustling to make money are often fatigued and racing to meet their next client. This is an extremely dangerous situation.
If you have been struck by a rideshare driver as a pedestrian, an injured rideshare passenger, or someone in a vehicle that was involved in a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver in Texas, you have the right to seek compensation to cover the cost of your injuries and other expenses. If the rideshare driver was using the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash, you may be eligible to seek up to one million dollars in compensation.
To find out what your rights are, you’ll want to speak with a Houston rideshare accident attorney right away.
What Causes Rideshare Driver Accidents?
Rideshare services have increased astronomically in urban and suburban Texas, but this growth has come with increasing accident rates involving these services. Rideshare services introduce serious risks to pedestrians and others on the road; the rapid growth of rideshare companies has outpaced the development of regulatory frameworks in Texas, resulting in a lack of consistent oversight.
Unlike traditional taxi services, which have long been subject to stringent regulations, rideshare services operate under less rigorous scrutiny. This has led to a dangerous situation where people in Houston are subject to the following hazards:
- Driver distraction could result from the constant pressure to respond quickly to ride requests and navigate to multiple destinations, often requiring drivers to interact with their apps while on the road. This split focus diverts attention from the road and can lead to slower reaction times or missed traffic signals.
- Driver fatigue is a result of the nature of the gig economy that incentivizes drivers to stay on the road for extended periods, often without sufficient breaks. This can cause decreased alertness and slower reaction times, making fatigued drivers a hazard to themselves and others on the road. The risk is especially high during late-night hours when the demand for rides may surge, and drivers are naturally more tired. Fatigue not only affects a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely but also their decision-making abilities.
- Limited background checks for rideshare drivers present a critical safety concern in Texas. While rideshare companies typically conduct some level of background screening, these checks may not be as thorough as those required for traditional taxi services. Shortcomings can include a lack of fingerprinting or failure to examine a driver’s full driving history. This creates a situation where individuals with problematic backgrounds or unsafe driving records can become rideshare drivers, potentially putting passengers and the public at risk.
- Lack of driver training in the rideshare industry is another aspect that contributes to the risks. Unlike professional drivers who undergo extensive training, rideshare drivers are often given minimal instruction that focuses more on the use of the app than on passenger safety or advanced driving skills. This gap in training means that many rideshare drivers may be ill-equipped to handle complex traffic situations or emergency scenarios.
The Risk of Rideshare Drivers for Houston Pedestrians
Rideshare accidents in Houston are becoming more prevalent. Pedestrian injuries caused by rideshare drivers stem from a mix of driver distraction, failure to yield, and the pressure to keep up with a demanding schedule. Rideshare drivers are also frequently navigating unfamiliar areas and relying heavily on GPS devices, which can lead to inattention.
The urgency to pick up and drop off passengers promptly can also result in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, abrupt lane changes, and not adhering to traffic signals, further increasing the risk of injuring pedestrians.
Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident
Determining liability in rideshare pedestrian accidents is a complex process that involves several factors. This includes whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app, in transit to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a customer.
Texas law requires rideshare companies to insure their drivers with a $1 million policy for injuries and damages when a passenger is in the vehicle. Liability may fall on the driver’s personal insurance if they were not engaged in rideshare activity. But if the driver was operating under the rideshare company’s time, the company’s insurance policy may come into play. In some cases, both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance may share responsibility.
Finding the right car accident lawyer is vital when it comes to seeking the money you deserve.
Rideshare Accident Victims and Your Houston Car Accident Attorney
At DK Law, we’ve won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients — including victims of car accidents. Our founder and lead attorney, Mr. Khosravian, has been chosen among the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and he’s a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
You won’t owe us anything unless we win. Contact our Texas office online or call our experienced Houston personal injury lawyer at (281) 402-8856 to schedule a FREE consultation today.