Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

The Rush to the Next Fare Creates Danger

You hop into a rideshare, expecting to get from point A to point B without a second thought. Quick. Easy. Safe. But then everything changes. Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers can wreck your body, your finances, and your sense of security. That’s where rideshare car accident attorneys step in, to help you understand what happened and fight for what you're owed.

At Horn Wright, LLP, you’re not just another case. You're a person who's shaken, in pain, and wondering what comes next. Whether you were riding, walking, or just in the wrong place at the wrong time, our team helps you make sense of it all and move forward with strength.

Fault laws aren’t the same everywhere. New York and Vermont follow what's called "pure comparative fault." That means even if you’re mostly to blame, you could still recover damages. But in Maine and New Hampshire, the rules are tougher. If you're found 50% or more at fault, you might get nothing.

Racing Through Red Lights Just to Make a Buck

Uber and Lyft drivers are under constant pressure to pick up as many passengers as possible. In busy urban environments, where rides can be short and traffic is nonstop, that pressure often leads to risky behavior.

To maximize earnings, drivers may accept the next ride while still completing the current one. That shift in focus, from the current ride to the next fare, opens the door to bad decisions. This can look like:

• Accelerating to beat a red light at major intersections.
• Making quick, aggressive turns through tight city blocks.
• Darting through heavy traffic to trim travel time.

When drivers prioritize speed and pickups over safety, serious accidents can result, often involving passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians. These crashes may involve complicated legal issues, especially when drivers are operating under company time, potentially triggering vicarious liability for the rideshare company.

Speeding Through the City with Eyes on a Screen

Speeding and distracted driving go hand-in-hand in rideshare crashes. To boost earnings, many drivers speed through 25 mph zones while glancing at GPS updates or tapping app screens. These distractions steal attention from the road.

Under New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1180, drivers must maintain a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. Violations of this law are often cited in rideshare crashes, especially those involving excessive speed.

Typical distractions include checking route updates in traffic, accepting new fares mid-turn, and navigating app options while moving

When distraction and speed combine, the result is often a serious collision, especially on crowded roads with limited visibility. Speeding car accidents remain among the most dangerous types of crashes, typically appearing in cases handled by rideshare car accident attorneys.

When Technology Turns into a Trap

Smartphones are the core tool for rideshare drivers. They rely on them to navigate routes, communicate with passengers, and manage app-related tasks. But this dependence increases the chances of distraction-based collisions.

App interfaces require attention, even when drivers attempt to stay hands-free. Incoming ride requests pop up mid-ride. Notifications push drivers to move quickly. Map changes demand quick reactions.

In high-traffic commercial areas, one second of distraction can lead to serious collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Victims struck in these scenarios, particularly those traveling on foot, often suffer catastrophic outcomes.

Running on Empty in the City That Never Sleeps

Long shifts and lack of breaks are common among Uber and Lyft drivers. Many drive for multiple platforms and work late nights and early mornings to meet financial goals. That exhaustion has real consequences, much like what’s seen in the trucking industry, where fatigue is a well-documented contributor to serious collisions.

Studies comparing fatigue to alcohol impairment show that sleep-deprived drivers have slower reaction times and reduced decision-making ability. This is especially risky in fast-paced driving environments with constant stops and unpredictable obstacles.

Fatigued driving increases crash risk in situations like:

• Night pickups after long shifts.
• Drowsy merges on busy freeways.
• Missed signals while driving in heavy traffic conditions.

Without proper rest, even experienced drivers can make dangerous mistakes.

When Uber & Lyft Look the Other Way

While Uber and Lyft claim to prioritize safety, reports show inconsistencies in driver screening and accountability. Background checks exist but are often limited in scope and frequency. Repeat offender drivers may continue operating despite multiple complaints.

Common failures include:

• Inadequate enforcement of fatigue policies.
• Overlooking reports of aggressive or unsafe driving.
• Letting drivers remain active after prior accident involvement.

Riders might assume drivers are thoroughly vetted, but the reality is often less reassuring. When companies delay or avoid addressing complaints, the risk to passengers and the public grows. Transparency around enforcement actions remains limited.

Victims harmed by company oversights are often left wondering why their personal injury case is taking so long to settle or resolve, especially when liability is contested or records are withheld.

When a Ride Turns Into a Lifetime of Pain

Passengers are especially vulnerable in rideshare crashes. The backseat offers limited protection, and side-impact or high-speed collisions can leave victims with no time to react.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal damage
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding

These injuries can disrupt a person’s ability to work, care for loved ones, or live independently. Emotional and financial consequences often follow.

Civil Practice Law & Rules § 1411 allows injury victims to recover damages even if they share some fault. Compensation is reduced based on their level of responsibility.

For those who depend on rideshares, the aftermath of a crash can be life-altering, especially when insurance or platform support falls short. Surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim if a loved one is lost.

Don’t Let One Ride Wreck Everything

When a rideshare driver makes a careless choice, you're the one left picking up the pieces. Bills. Missed time at work. Pain that doesn't just fade overnight. You shouldn’t have to carry all of that on your own.

If you're feeling lost after a crash, talk to the team of rideshare car accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP. We know how to hold companies accountable and we'll fight to make sure your voice is heard.