Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, offer helpful services to individuals who are looking for a quick, safe, and inexpensive way to get from point A to point B. However, these services come with risks. Negligent drivers can put their passengers at risk, especially when they are racing against the clock. Based on how these rideshare companies work, it’s important to question whether or not their business structure indirectly encourages their drivers to ignore or break basic traffic laws.
The Major Flaws with Ridesharing Services
Most rideshare services follow a simple system using smartphone applications. Someone will request a ride, and a nearby driver can accept their request. The rider is sent an ETA and is given a notification once the driver has reached their destination. After entering the vehicle, the passenger will confirm the drop-off destination, and the ride will begin. Once reaching the destination, the driver receives payment, and both parties go their separate ways.
Many believe that driver motivation is the cause for companies to encourage their contracted employees to cut corners indirectly. Like any employee, rideshare drivers often have their sights set on making as much money as they can during their time on the clock.
The more rides a driver completes, the bigger their paycheck is.
Drivers choose their hours. Many times, rideshare drivers are clocking in as their “side hustle,” meaning they are looking for some extra cash. This may impact the way they drive, as they are likely to cut corners by speeding, running stop signs, and making unsafe lane changes.
Rideshare drivers are often guilty of distracted driving—something that claims many lives each year. They must manually check their phones for new passengers and accept or deny new fares. These actions result in both visual and physical distractions.
Finally, because rideshare drivers make their own hours, they can work as long as they wish without worrying about getting overtime cleared. Working long hours may lead to drowsy driving, which accounts for an average of 70,000 annual accidents.
Serious accidents can occur when a driver values the amount of money they can make over the safety of those around them.
Rideshare Companies May Need to Monitor Their Drivers More Closely
Neither Uber or Lyft directly encourage their drivers to act negligently, but money is a motivating factor for many of their contracted employees. Drivers will unlikely change their negligent actions until rideshare services address these loopholes.
If you or a loved one suffers an injury in an accident while using a rideshare service, you may face a tough legal battle. These companies have all-star teams of attorneys, and you will need help to pursue the maximum possible compensation for your situation.
At The Chopin Law Firm, our team of New Orleans car accident attorneys has been helping pursue compensation for over 50 years. We will fight for the compensation you deserve to help you return to your pre-accident lifestyle to the best of your ability.
Give us a call today (504) 475-2429 or schedule your free consultation online. We can help you recover.
