Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are supposed to make the road safer. Now instead of getting behind the wheel when they are too drunk or tired to drive, someone can call up a ride on their phone and get to their destination safely. It is true that rideshare services can be the safer option sometimes, but it is important to remember that Uber accidents do happen. They are more common than you might think, so you need to know what you should do after a collision and when you need to contact our Monmouth County Uber/Lyft accident attorneys.
How Often Do Ubers Get in Accidents?
The obvious issue here is that having more Uber and Lyft drivers on the road means that you are increasing the total number of cars on the road. This can make accidents more common, especially in crowded urban areas where the vast majority of rideshare accidents happen. Uber and Lyft do not share a complete dataset concerning their crash statistics, but they have released data on fatal accidents for some years. In most of the years that we have data for, both companies have disclosed around 100 accident fatalities per year.
What Causes Uber Accidents?
Uber accidents can be caused by the same factors that lead to other types of motor vehicle collisions. According to Uber’s own data from 2019 and 2020, the two primary causes of fatal accidents were:
- Speeding
- Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol
We are sure that other common car accident causes like drowsy driving and distracted driving were represented here as well. Victims of these accidents included Uber passengers and drivers of course, but they also include more vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle drivers.
What Should I Do After an Uber Accident?
You should treat a Lyft or Uber accident just like any other car accident. If you are able to, you should:
- Call the police and let them know if anyone is injured
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- Take photos of any damage to the vehicles
- Get any medical care that you need
Then you may want to consider talking to an experienced Uber accident attorney.
Can I Pursue Damages After an Uber Accident?
Sometimes you can pursue damages if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. It is like any other car accident, so if you suffered injuries and believe that someone else was to blame for the accident, you can file a personal injury suit.
A lawyer can be helpful here. Not only can they calculate fair compensation and communicate on your behalf, but they can deal with potentially tricky matters like figuring out whose insurance was active at the time, Uber’s or the driver’s.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you believe that someone else should be held responsible for a Lyft or Uber accident that caused you or a loved one harm, contact the Wilton Law Firm. We can schedule a free consultation and tell you more about how we can make things right.
