Rideshare companies offer riders a way to travel when they may not otherwise have access to a vehicle. With the popularity of rideshare services, such as Lyft, it is no wonder that rideshare accidents are on the rise.
If you have been in a Lyft accident, seek representation from an attorney who understands the idiosyncrasies of these types of personal injury cases. If you are looking for exceptional representation, look no further than John Price Law Firm, LLC.
Proving Liability in a Rideshare Accident
A rideshare accident is caused by a driver’s negligence or lack of reasonable care while operating their vehicle. In a Lyft accident, the driver or another driver may be liable.
For a successful claim, the following elements must be established:
- Duty: You must establish that the wrongful party (the at-fault driver) owed you a reasonable standard of care. All motorists have a duty to follow traffic laws.
- Breach: You must establish that the at-fault driver violated this duty of care. In a Lyft accident, either the driver or another driver did not adhere to traffic regulations.
- Causation: You must establish the relationship between the at-fault driver’s actions and your injury (actual cause) and that your injury was a foreseeable consequence of the driver’s actions (legal cause). Typically, both types of causation must be proven for a successful Lyft accident claim.
- Damages: You have suffered measurable losses and injuries due to the driver’s behavior.
Causes of Lyft Accidents
A Lyft accident can be caused for any number of reasons, including:
Distracted Drivers
In a recent year, more than 3,300 lives were lost due to distracted driving. Between looking at messages, following a navigational system, and interacting with the Lyft app, Lyft drivers are prime examples of distracted drivers.
Fatigued drivers
Lyft and other rideshare drivers are at a higher risk of fatigue while transporting passengers. Although Lyft drivers in South Carolina are required to take a consecutive six-hour break after working 12 hours, it is still possible for drivers to become fatigued.
Inexperienced Driving
Although Lyft drivers are required to pass a driver screening test, less experienced drivers are dangerous to others on the road. While some states require Lyft drivers to have a driver’s license for at least a year before driving with Lyft, South Carolina is not one of them. This lack of experience puts everyone in danger inside the car and on the road.
Scanning for Passengers
Lyft drivers may be unfamiliar with the location where they may pick up or drop off passengers. This can cause a driver to stop abruptly or to make sudden turns, resulting in a collision.
Disobeying Traffic Regulations
Transporting more passengers means more money. Lyft drivers may run a red light, speed, or tailgate another vehicle to reach their destination quickly. Failing to follow the rules of the road results in countless crashes.
A Charleston Lyft Accidents Attorney Who Truly Cares
A Lyft driver owes you and all road users a duty to behave safely while behind the wheel. A Lyft accident can result in devastating injuries, keeping you from earning an income, with your time consumed by doctors’ visits and surgeries.
If you have suffered an injury in a Lyft accident, now is the time to speak with our legal team. Contact us online or by phone to schedule your free consultation. Proudly serving Charleston and the surrounding areas.