What Makes The Rules of The Road Different for Rideshare Drivers?

Millions of people use rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, every day. But some rideshare drivers usually depend on GPS navigation, so they have to constantly peek at their cell phones while driving. All drivers have a legal duty of care to those they share the road with, meaning they must follow the rules of the road and drive defensively.

But commercial drivers and common carriers, including bus drivers, train operators, taxi drivers, pilots, rideshare drivers, transportation companies, and others that transport cargo or people for a fee, have a higher legal duty of care. This means that these individuals and entities must drive more carefully than non-commercial drivers. This higher duty of care is what makes the rules of the road different for rideshare drivers.

Was The Rideshare Driver Negligent?

When carrying passengers, common carriers have a legal duty to:

• Ensure that drivers have undergone proper training and have reasonable and safe driving skills
• Make sure that the vehicles they provide are in good condition and reasonably safe
• Comply with traffic laws
• Exercise all the necessary precautions for the passengers’ safety and the safety of other road users
• Warn passengers of potential hazards that the carrier knows or should have known
• Use extra vigilance and care when transporting passengers

When figuring out whether a rideshare driver was negligent, the standard will always be higher than the state’s common negligence standard. Generally, if the driver breached their legal duty and failed to exercise a higher level of care to ensure the safety of everyone, they share the road with, they will be found to be negligent and liable for an injured party’s damages.

Why Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?

There are various causes of rideshare accidents, including the following:

• Speeding – Rideshare drivers make more money the more rides they complete. This may pressure some drivers to ignore the posted speed limits.

• Distracted Driving – Instead of giving their full attention to driving, drivers may be looking at the GPS, texting or speaking to someone on their phone, or accepting new rides.

• Violating Traffic Laws – Rideshare drivers may engage in reckless driving practices, such as unsafe lane changes, following too closely, aggressive driving, and other risky driving behavior that endangers other road users.

• Driver Inexperience – Rideshare companies don’t require drivers to undergo extra training before working for them, so some drivers may be confused and distracted when driving to and from new places.

• Fatigued Driving – Many rideshare drivers have multiple jobs, raising the risk of fatigue when on the road.

• Impaired Driving – Illegal drugs, alcohol, and prescription or OTC medications can impair a driver’s reaction time, reflexes, and judgment.

• Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Rideshare drivers who don’t regularly maintain their vehicles or ignore repair warning signs place the lives of other people at risk.

Consult With an Experienced Morristown Rideshare Accident Attorney Now

To learn more about your options for compensation after getting injured in a rideshare accident, contact the Leonard Legal Group right away. Scott Leonard is a board-certified civil trial attorney and has been handling car crash cases for over 25 years and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 973-984-1414 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation with our Morristown rideshare accident attorney.