The 8 Most Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

Over the last decade, ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber have dramatically changed how people travel. With a few taps, you can easily hail a ride for less than the cost of a traditional taxi. But how safe are these services? How likely is a Lyft passenger or driver to be involved in a car accident?

Recent statistics highlight that most rideshare trips are completed without any safety issues reported. 

However, it’s important to remember that accidents can and do occur. Lyft drivers, like any other driver, have the potential to cause catastrophic accidents. 

Today, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of Lyft accidents and discuss the steps you must take if you were involved in one. 

Eight Common Causes of a Lyft Car Accident

Lyft car crashes are commonly caused by:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of Lyft accidents. Unlike the average driver, Uber and Lyft drivers have to multitask while on the road. 

They must monitor their smartphones, navigate their GPS, and talk to passengers, all while driving. It’s a demanding job that requires them to make split-second decisions and be constantly aware of their surroundings. 

Speeding

Some Lyft drivers try to collect as many rides as possible, which typically leads to speeding.

Speeding increases the risk of accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says over one-quarter of all traffic accidents nationwide are attributed to speeding. 

In addition, it also increases the damage they cause. Every year, over 9,000 people are killed in incidents caused by speeding. 

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is another common cause of Lyft car crashes. It’s very common for Lyft drivers to take trips during the early hours of the morning or late into the night. Some drivers also work excessive hours, causing them to become overly fatigued. 

According to the American Automobile Association, driver fatigue can be as dangerous as drunk driving. It can affect a driver’s ability to concentrate and react to hazards. 

Unfamiliar Routes

Familiarity with the local traffic patterns and road conditions is crucial for a safe driving experience. If a Lyft driver is unfamiliar with an area, they become more prone to making sudden turns or abrupt stops. These unexpected maneuvers could cause collisions. 

Unsafe Pick-up Locations

Lyft drivers are taught to make quick pick-ups, so they park their cars in undesignated areas such as busy intersections and narrow streets. This practice can cause traffic congestion and even lead to safety hazards. 

Poorly Maintained Vehicles

Vehicle malfunctions can also cause a Lyft car accident. Brake failures and engine malfunctions can lead to serious collisions. 

Although Lyft requires its drivers to conduct regular maintenance checks on their vehicles, this does not guarantee that they will adhere to these guidelines diligently. 

Reckless Driving

Aside from speeding, other forms of reckless driving, such as failing to yield the right of way, running a red light, and tailgating, can cause Lyft car crashes. 

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol and other similar substances can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and cognition. 

Common Injuries Sustained in Lyft Car Accident

Depending on the severity of the Lyft car crash, victims can sustain the following injuries:

• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Joint damage
• Burns
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

What to Do After A Lyft Car Crash

If you’ve been in a Lyft accident, here’s what you need to do:

• Get to a safe place: The first thing you must do after a Lyft car crash is to get to a safe place. Move your vehicle away from oncoming traffic. 
• Call emergency services: Once you ensure your safety, call emergency services. You must get immediate medical attention, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
• Call the police: After you get the proper medical treatment, call the police and ask them to make an official police report on the incident. Police reports help establish when and where the incident occurred, which is crucial when filing a claim. 
• Report the incident: Contact Lyft and report the incident to one of their Claims Customer Care team. Like Uber, Lyft also has insurance coverage for any accidents that occur during a ride.
• Exchange information: Exchange information with the Lyft driver. Ensure you get their name, contact information, plate number, insurance company, and policy numbers. 
• Take photos: Take photos of the incident and your injuries. These photos will serve as evidence for your claims. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information so you can ask them for testimony if needed. 
• File a claim: If you sustained serious injuries from the incident, consider filing a personal injury claim against the Lyft driver. A personal injury claim will help you get compensation for your losses. 

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer After a Lyft Accident?

Although no law mandates that people hire lawyers when filing a personal injury claim, some victims seek legal counsel after a Lyft car crash.

Ridesharing accidents are much more complicated than a typical collision. They involve more parties and are typically subject to complex insurance policies and regulations. 

Navigating these cases requires a thorough understanding of personal injury and ridesharing laws. That said, it would be best for you to hire an experienced lawyer specializing in Lyft accidents. 

A Lyft accident lawyer will not only guide you through the process of filing a claim but also assist you in building a robust case. They will help you understand the nuances of ridesharing collisions and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. 

Consult a Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

File your Lyft accident claim today with Adamson Ahdoot’s help. 

Adamson Ahdoot is one of California’s leading civil litigation firms serving clients in Los Angeles and neighboring cities. 

With a combined legal experience of 100 years, our legal team has handled several ridesharing claims, including Lyft accidents. Our lawyers will be your guide in filing a personal injury claim. They will advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Adamson Ahdoot is dedicated to providing its clients with expert legal representation and personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. 

Contact us today at (800) 310-1606 to schedule a free consultation with one of your Lyft accident lawyers.