Ridesharing services have no doubt led to a dynamic increase in traffic while also increasing the percentage of traffic accidents.
Over the past few years, the rideshare industry has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of the number of rideshare vehicles on the road and the rise in the number of people opting for rideshare services. The advances in technology allow people to hire a car at a swipe or a tap. A 2017 survey showed that 53% of people preferred using ridesharing services and Uber and Lyft are the two main rideshare providers.
Surprisingly many cities and counties have sought to regulate or restrict ridesharing services from operating in their jurisdiction. Missouri on the other hand recently passed a state-wide regulation for ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, allowing them to expand throughout the state. While ridesharing services have made life easier for a lot of us, it has often created issues determining liability for those injured in ridesharing accidents.
Missouri State Laws Regarding Uber and Lyft
Until 2017, both Lyft and Uber only operated out of a few metropolitan areas like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield and at the same rate as local cab companies. With the passing of the HB130, both companies were allowed to expand their services across the state, but only on payment of a licensing fee and adhered to a non-discrimination policy.
Missouri also requires all drivers including those of ridesharing companies to undergo background checks and purchase vehicle liability insurance. An experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer will be able to give you the right information on any ridesharing liability concerns you may have.
How Ridesharing Services Influence Traffic Accidents
Ridesharing services have no doubt led to a dynamic increase in traffic while also increasing the percentage of traffic accidents. Here’s how:
- Increase in the number of vehicles on the road – an increase in transportation options and an increase in the number of ridesharing vehicles, clogged roads, traffic snarls, and accidents become increasingly frequent.
- Different standards and rules – while drivers of vehicles for hire services like cabs and limos are required to hold a commercial driver’s license which requires an intensive licensing process that includes background checks, vehicle-specific tests, a complete examination of the driver’s history, and medical certification as well. Ridesharing companies may have different requirements.
- Speeding in order to get more rides – Many rideshare drivers in their rush to get the maximum number of rides, end up speeding to complete a pick-up and drop. This leads to speeding which results in accidents.
On the positive side, many states have claimed a substantial decrease in drunk driving accidents and deaths since ridesharing services stepped in. A University of California study conducted across 10 different cities also found a significant increase in the number of arrests for DUI since the onset of mobile ridesharing apps.
Despite the pros and cons, ridesharing vehicles like any other vehicle on the road stand the risk of accidents. Compensation claims in such cases are more than complicated, and sorting through the liability and settlement process can be time-consuming and tedious. Reach out to an attorney with experience handling ridesharing accidents in St. Louis, Missouri if you or a loved one has been recently involved in a car accident while using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft.