As rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have become more popular over the past few years, they have increasingly faced troubles due to accidents caused by their drivers. This, naturally, can lead to serious injuries, as well as all the other complications that come with being in an auto accident. But what happens if you get into a rideshare accident, and what should you do if it happens to you or someone you love?

What is a Rideshare Accident?

A rideshare accident is, quite simply, when you get into an auto accident while in a vehicle you hired through a rideshare app, such as Uber or Lyft. The primary difference is that, as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you have an expectation that your driver will drive safely and do their best to avoid an accident. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, leading to accidents that might otherwise have been preventable.

How Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?

Rideshare accidents can happen for any of the reasons that an auto accident happens, with some additional complications. First, drivers for rideshare companies are more likely to be distracted than other drivers, as they need to pay attention to the app to know where to go. Second, these drivers often must work long shifts, making exhaustion a serious issue. Finally, although rideshare companies are supposed to conduct background checks on their drivers to ensure they are able to do their jobs safely, those checks are not always as thorough as they should be.

Who is Responsible When a Rideshare Accident Happens?

When this type of accident happens, it can be difficult to determine exactly who is responsible. Of course, the rideshare driver themselves may have been negligent, as could any other drivers involved in the accident. However, it may also be possible to hold the rideshare company itself accountable, if their hiring practices were negligent and they allowed someone to drive for them that they should not have.

What Should You Do if You Get Into a Rideshare Accident?

If you or someone you love gets into an accident while riding in a rideshare, you should contact a lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases. They can help you explore all your legal options, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work on your case.

If you have 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.