My Legal Aspirations

For as long as I can remember, the legal field has always fascinated me. While my friends watched sitcoms and cartoons, I chose to watch courtroom dramas and real life trials unfold. There was never really any question as to what I wanted to be when I got older. The only profession for me was that of a trial lawyer. Unfortunately, a serious car accident several years ago changed all that. Now, my injuries prevent me from leaving my home most days. However, my love for the law has never went away. While I may not be able to realize my dreams of becoming a trail lawyer, I still wish to help people with their legal problems. That is why I decided to start this blog. It is my hope that the information contained in these pages will help other accident victims like me when filing their personal injury claims.

Distracted Rideshare Drivers Could Cause Avoidable Accidents

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Many rideshare drivers want a trip to be a positive experience for the passenger. Tips and positive ratings aren't the only things that might sway a driver to converse with a passenger. Some drivers are outgoing, and others wish to alleviate boredom, and a good conversation may improve a passenger's mundane day. Pleasantries are fine, but they come with risks. Rideshare drivers cannot engage in discussions to the point of distraction. Drivers must maintain careful attention to the road, or else an accident might occur. Even a "minor" accident could cause terrible injuries, which is why drivers shouldn't embrace distracting, dangerous behaviors.

Eyes Off the Road

A driver who keeps hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while talking could be much safer than one who turns their head. Someone more interested in chatting might turn and face a backseat passenger for emphasis, a potentially dangerous action. Drivers not looking at the road may not notice a vehicle hitting the brakes unexpectedly or, for that matter, realize cars stopped at a red light. A rear-end collision might result, causing whiplash or head injuries to the passenger and the other vehicle's driver. The rideshare driver and even the rideshare company may face a negligence claim afterward.

Dealing with the Distracted Driver

Rideshare passengers concerned about a driver's attention to the road—or lack thereof—could suggest the driver:

  • Not speak while driving.
  • Not turn their head when talking.
  • Pay better attention to other cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Hopefully, the driver will take the suggestions, but a bored driver may start looking out the side window, choosing to check out the scenery to distract from a dull trip. Again, any behavior that takes attention from the road and the vehicle's safe operation could increase the chances of a collision.

Erratic Behavior Makes Things Worse

A driver lacking professionalism might become annoyed when asked to pay attention better. The driver may commit moving violations, such as not coming to complete stops at stop signs or going through recently changed red lights. Such aggressive driving could serve to end the trip as soon as possible, hoping the next passenger is more conversational. Regardless, moving violations represent negligent behavior that increases collision risks.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries

Persons hurt by a rideshare driver's negligence could file a lawsuit to recover losses. The rideshare company might afford the driver's insurance coverage, and an attorney may negotiate a settlement after an accident.

Contact a law firm like Frenkel & Frenkel for more informatoni. 

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22 December 2021