Automobile accidents happen every day and for a variety of reasons. Some drivers may be distracted, tired, or intoxicated, but also, they may simply be inexperienced. This can be the case with rideshare drivers. People who drive for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies can be a safety risk for other drivers, their passengers, pedestrians, and anyone on the road. Other than being a licensed driver, there are no specific training or driving requirements needed to become a rideshare driver, and this lack of instruction can contribute to vehicle accidents.
Inexperienced Rideshare Drivers and Accidents
An inexperienced rideshare driver may be one without years of driving experience or simply one that is new to driving for Uber or Lyft. Inexperience can be a cause of an accident if the driver is not prepared for the task. There are many factors that can contribute to a rideshare accident, including:
- Being unfamiliar with the routes and speed limits of certain areas
- Being new to using GPS or the rideshare app
- Being tired from long hours of driving
An inexperienced driver may also get distracted by their passengers if they are not comfortable having conversations while driving. It can be dangerous for a rideshare driver to try and focus on their route while engaging in a conversation or listening to others talk in the vehicle. These distractions can all lead to an accident if the driver is not paying attention to the road.
Rideshare Driver Requirements
Although there is no special guidance or instruction given to those becoming rideshare drivers, there are some basic requirements in Florida. These include having a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration, passing a criminal background check and a driving record check, and not being on a federal sex offender registry. For rideshare drivers, there is a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft also have their own requirements for their drivers. These include:
- Must be 21 years of age or older to drive
- Must be licensed to drive in the United States for at least one year—for Uber drivers, this is three years if you are under the age of 23
- Must be able to provide a photo to use as identification for passengers
What to Do After an Accident
If you were injured in a rideshare accident and believe an inexperienced rideshare driver is at fault for your crash, consult with an experienced attorney to help you understand your legal rights. An attorney will help investigate the accident scene, gather the necessary evidence for your case, and help you get compensated for any damages that occurred as a result of the accident.
Contact a Florida Attorney
As a former State Trooper, Attorney Coy Browning understands that there are different mistakes made by rideshare drivers and companies that can put their passengers at risk. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, contact Browning Law Firm. There are never any legal fees unless you receive compensation for your case. To set up a free, no obligation consultation, fill out our convenient online contact form, or call our office today.
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