Are Uber and Lyft Drivers Encouraged to Ignore Traffic Laws?

Rideshare services can be a quick and inexpensive way for people to get around. For drivers, it can be a great way to make some money on their own time.

Because income from driving for rideshare services is only limited by the number of fares available and your own time, some drivers might be inadvertently encouraged to ignore traffic laws to get to where they need to go faster in order to give more rides and get more money. This puts not only the driver at risk, but potentially the passengers they’re transporting and others on the road as well.

As independent contractors, Uber and Lyft drivers can work as much or as little as they’d like, without having a set schedule. This could lead to drivers working longer hours and possibly late at night or early in the morning to make extra money.

Drivers could also feel pressure to pick up and deliver as many fares as possible to maximize their income and might drive aggressively or recklessly as a result. Some traffic violations that rideshare drivers might be indirectly encouraged or rewarded for include:

• Speeding
• Disobeying traffic signals or stop signs
• Failing to yield right of way to pedestrians or other drivers
• Failing to share the road with cyclists
• Driving while drowsy
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (illicit or prescription)
• Distracted driving such as paying attention to a smartphone, rideshare apps, and GPS while driving

If a rideshare driver disobeys traffic laws and causes a severe injury accident, you could be owed significant compensation for your losses.

What to Do If In a Rideshare Accident in Sacramento

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, seek medical attention right away. Most severe injuries will require immediate transportation to the emergency room by EMS, but others may not be immediately noticeable. Because symptoms of some injuries (for example, brain injuries, internal organ injuries, and others) may appear later, be sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible after the crash to get a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.

Make sure that law enforcement responds to the scene. Either contact them yourself or have someone else call if you’re too injured to do so. They will perform a preliminary investigation of the crash, may issue a citation or arrest drivers who have violated the law, and they will complete and file a crash report that could provide vital information if you need to file an injury claim.

Take pictures of the scene, or have someone you trust do so for you. Capturing the scene after the crash is often essential, since vehicles will be moved or towed away, and valuable evidence will be cleaned up or will disappear over time.

Report the accident to the rideshare company. You need an experienced lawyer on your side to make sure that your rights and interests are protected. Hire a lawyer who understands the complicated insurance policies and rules for filing injury claims after rideshare crashes.

While there is likely insurance available to compensate you for injuries you’ve suffered, damage to your vehicle or other personal property, and other financial losses, determining liability and pursuing this compensation is often challenging. A qualified attorney can help you seek every dollar that you’re owed.

How Can Demas Law Group Help Me?

Our team of rideshare accident lawyers at Demas Law Group can help you if you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident. If a rideshare driver disobeyed the rules of the road and caused you harm, you have the right to seek fair compensation.

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re ready to get to work on your case. Call us or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation now.