A ridesharingdriver is not unlike any other driver along Tampa streets and highways. The same type of dangers can take place behind the wheel, placing you as the passenger at risk for serious harm.
The following are just a few examples of actions that may cause your ride to go horribly wrong in a second:
Distracted driving. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines distracted driving as any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving. According to the CDC, approximately nine people die each day in distracted driving-related crashes, and approximately 1,000 people suffer serious injuries.
Drunk driving. Despite the known risks, drunk driving continues as a serious problem on our nations roadways. Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows that more than 5,900 alcohol-related crashes occurred in just one year alone. Alcohols effect on the brain can trick a driver into feeling invincible, according to research. If your driver caused an accident due to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, seek justice by contacting an attorney.
Aggressive driving. Navigating crowded streets and heavy traffic can stress the calmest driver. For a ridesharingdriver who is eager to get as much work as possible, speeding and tailgating can escalate into road rage. As a passenger, you are at the mercy of the driver who may run a red light, endangering your life and potentially even resulting in serious injuries for you.
Drowsy driving. A lack of sleep can lead to drowsy driving—a condition similar to drunk driving due to the lack of judgment and poor reaction time that drowsy driving causes. A survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 96 percent of those drivers stated that they view drowsy driving as a real danger. Twenty-nine percent of survey participants admitted to driving drowsy within the past month.
These are just a few examples of how your Uber or Lyft ride can turn tragic due to dangerous driver behavior. Your serious injuries were most likely preventable, had the driver used proper care. You should not pay for medical bills that result due to another partys negligence. If this happened to you, you should contact us today.