Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are incredibly popular, with Uber employing more than seven million drivers across the United States alone. Unfortunately, this rise in rideshare services has also come with a dramatic increase in the number of rideshare accidents, leading to severe injuries or deaths. But how exactly do rideshare accidents happen, and how do these companies contribute to the risk of an accident?

What is a Rideshare Accident?

A rideshare accident is, essentially, what it sounds like: a motor vehicle accident that involves someone driving for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft. These include both accidents that occur while a passenger is in a car, as well as accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists hit by a rideshare driver. People may also be injured by a rideshare driver while waiting for them to arrive, if the driver is not paying attention or does not see them in time to stop.

What Can Cause Rideshare Accidents?

Like any other type of auto accident, rideshare accidents can easily be caused by a number of factors. A driver may be distracted, tired, reckless, or even intoxicated while on the job, and you may not realize it until you are in the vehicle with them. Since drivers are also responsible for maintaining their own vehicles, there is also a chance they may not have kept up with maintenance and repairs, increasing the chances of mechanical failures that may cause accidents.

How Do Rideshare Companies Contribute to Accidents?

Of course, rideshare companies can make all of this worse by being negligent in their hiring practices. While they are theoretically supposed to conduct background checks to ensure dangerous drivers are not allowed to drive for them, people with a history of reckless or dangerous driving still sometimes manage to get hired. This, combined by the often demanding schedules required by these services to make a decent income, can dramatically increase the risks of an accident.

What Should You Do if it Happens to You?

If you or someone you love gets involved in a rideshare accident, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury matters. They can go over the facts of your case and help you review all of your potential legal options, crafting a legal strategy that best suits your needs. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.