The rideshare industry has bloomed in modern society because everyone loves convenience. Platforms like Uber and Lyft provide people with great alternatives to traditional taxis. Under the surface of efficiency and comfort, there is a dark story that highlights the risks and flaws of this modern form of transportation.
About 9% of adult Americans use ridesharing services weekly or daily, and many of them fall victim to accidents. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you should immediately file a rideshare accident claim and let your lawyer handle the situation for you. Let’s discuss the dark side of the ridesharing industry in detail.
What is Ridesharing?
An online platform that links drivers and passengers for the sharing of rides and other transportation services is called ridesharing. Users can use these services on their smartphones by requesting rides from drivers in their area.
When you compare ridesharing to traditional taxis, it is believed to be more efficient and convenient. That is why this industry gained so much popularity in little to no time around the world.
The Dark Side of Ridesharing
From 2020 to 2027, the ridesharing market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4%. But, with convenience come drawbacks. There are drawbacks to the ridesharing industry that can lead to serious complications for users. The two following issues are usually highlighted:
Unprofessional Behavior by Drivers
Ridesharing platforms have an independent structure. That means that anybody with a car and a driver’s license can work as a driver. This accessibility can act as a downside because some drivers may end up acting impolitely or unprofessionally. 3,824 sexual assaults and 20 total deaths were recorded during Uber rides between 2019 and 2020.
Many passengers have reported several cases of uncomfortable conversations, harassment, or even more serious allegations of assault. This issue gets worse because of incomplete background checks and poor regulatory control. This puts passengers at risk of harm, as some passengers even reported jumping out of the car.
Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are another example of the dark reality of this industry. With an increasing number of rideshare cars on the road, the chances of rideshare accidents increase. The incidents can be minor or deadly.
These accidents mostly leave the victims or other third parties in a difficult financial and legal situation. The problem gets more complicated because of the uncertainty around insurance coverage and responsibility in these kinds of accidents.
What to Do in the Case of a Rideshare Accident?
The steps you take in case of a ridesharing accident can have a major impact on both your legal rights and your safety. Here’s what you should do:
- Get Medical Help
Your health should be your priority. Even if you think the injuries are minor, you should consult a doctor immediately. Some injuries are not apparent and may take a few days to appear.
- Take Pictures
If you are able to, take detailed pictures of the accident as evidence. You can take pictures of the vehicles involved, the license plate, the injuries, and the state of the road. These pictures act as proof in case you decide to file a rideshare accident claim.
- Contact the Rideshare Company’s Customer Service
Inform the ridesharing company about the accident as soon as you can. In such cases, most companies have a system in place. If you have not consulted a lawyer yet, be cautious before signing any paperwork or taking any compensation offers from the ridesharing company or insurance providers.
- File a Report
You should file a report with the police to make sure the accident is officially documented. It can be helpful in cases of insurance coverage and legal proceedings.
- Contact a Lawyer
Handling everything that results from a ridesharing accident can be difficult. You can learn more about your legal rights from a rideshare accident lawyer who focuses on these types of cases. They can also help you get compensation for your losses and injuries.
Rideshare Accident Insurance Coverage
Ridesharing companies usually have insurance policies that cover accidents; however, the coverage varies based on the conditions. In general, there are three situations where this coverage is applicable:
- When the driver is on his way to pick up a passenger
- When the driver is waiting for a ride request
- The driver is transporting the passenger
A ridesharing accident lawyer can help you understand these differences. Additionally, they help you get the necessary coverage after the accident by negotiating with the insurance provider.
Conclusion
The ridesharing industry has transformed urban transportation. It provides millions of customers with ease and flexibility globally. But there have also been drawbacks to this invention.
The complications involved in ridesharing accidents suggest the need for stricter laws and improved safety procedures. Some of these risks can be reduced by customers being aware and cautious while using these services and hiring lawyers in case of accidents.