By Lesa 
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people get around cities, offering convenience and flexibility at the tap of a phone. However, as ridesharing has grown, so too have the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles. When these collisions happen, injuries can be severe — and figuring out liability often becomes complicated. If you’re injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, consulting a Boynton Beach rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Understanding why rideshare crashes occur is an important part of preventing them and protecting your legal interests after an accident. Here are five of the most common causes:
1. Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of rideshare accidents is distracted driving. Rideshare drivers often rely on GPS navigation apps, constantly adjusting routes, checking incoming ride requests, or interacting with passengers while behind the wheel. These distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Even a momentary glance at a phone screen can delay reaction time and contribute to a collision.
Unlike a private driver who may only be focused on their route, a rideshare driver’s responsibilities are multifaceted — navigating traffic, communicating with passengers, and tracking app updates — all of which can increase the likelihood of distraction. When an accident occurs because a driver’s attention was split, fault may rest with the driver or even the rideshare company under certain circumstances.
2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Rideshare drivers are often under pressure to complete more rides and maximize earnings. This can lead to risky driving behaviors such as speeding, aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or failure to properly yield. Driving above the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time and increases the force of impact in a collision, resulting in more severe injuries.
Aggressive driving isn’t just dangerous for the rideshare passengers but also for other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians sharing the road. Speeding and aggressive maneuvers can escalate situations that might otherwise be minor, turning them into significant accidents with costly medical bills and long recovery periods for those involved.
3. Driver Fatigue
Many rideshare drivers work long hours, often juggling rideshare work with other jobs or personal responsibilities. Fatigue can diminish a driver’s ability to concentrate, slow reaction times, and impair judgment — all of which significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Unlike professional commercial drivers who are subject to regulated hours of service, rideshare drivers don’t always have the same restrictions. Fatigued driving has been linked to serious crashes and can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. When driver fatigue contributes to a collision, proving the driver’s lack of alertness can be key in establishing liability.
4. Inexperience with Local Roads
Rideshare drivers frequently travel through unfamiliar areas as they pick up and drop off passengers. Navigating new routes, reading unfamiliar traffic patterns, and making last‑second turns to reach a destination can all contribute to crashes.
Drivers relying heavily on GPS directions may miss important signs, fail to anticipate traffic changes, or make unsafe maneuvers. This is especially true in busy urban settings or complex intersections where quick decisions are necessary. In these cases, a failure to adapt to local driving conditions can be a significant factor in rideshare accidents.
5. Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Car maintenance plays a crucial role in preventing accidents. Worn brake pads, bald tires, malfunctioning lights, or steering and suspension issues can all increase the likelihood of a crash. Rideshare vehicles generally cover more miles than the average personal car, which can accelerate wear and tear.
When rideshare drivers ignore or delay necessary maintenance, the risk of mechanical failure on the road goes up. If a collision occurs due to a vehicle defect or lack of proper upkeep, both the driver and the party responsible for maintenance could be held liable.
Final Thoughts
Rideshare accidents are often complex, involving multiple parties and layers of liability. Distracted driving, aggressive behavior, fatigue, unfamiliar roads, and poor vehicle maintenance are among the most common causes of these collisions. Each factor represents a different component of risk for both drivers and passengers.
If you’re involved in a rideshare crash, an experienced attorney can help you untangle the details and build a claim that reflects the true impact of your injuries. Understanding the common causes of these accidents not only highlights the importance of responsible driving but also underscores the need for knowledgeable legal support when seeking compensation after a rideshare collision.
Key Takeaways
- Distracted driving, including GPS use and phone interactions, is a leading cause of rideshare accidents.
- Speeding and aggressive driving by rideshare drivers increase the likelihood and severity of collisions.
- Driver fatigue impairs judgment and reaction times, contributing to serious crashes.
- Inexperience with local roads and reliance on GPS can lead to unsafe maneuvers and accidents.
Improper vehicle maintenance, such as worn brakes or tires, can result in preventable collisions.