Screen Time, Rideshares, and Vehicular Collisions
Smartphones are integral to our daily lives, and for rideshare drivers working for companies like Uber and Lyft, these devices serve as a lifeline, connecting them with passengers and providing navigation. Yet screen use behind the wheel introduces significant risks, and when combined with the high demands of rideshare work, the potential for vehicular collisions increases. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, discuss your damage recovery options with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
Screen Use and Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicular accidents, and smartphones are a major culprit. Distracted driving comes in three forms; manual, visual and cognitive. When it comes to screen use, manual refers to taking hands off the wheel to interact with a screen, visual is not looking at the road to view the screen, and cognitive distractions are when mental focus is diverted from driving to process on-screen information.
For rideshare drivers, screen interaction is often unavoidable. They rely on apps to accept rides, navigate routes, and communicate with passengers. That said, frequent glances at a screen, especially while driving through busy intersections or highways, can result in delayed reaction times and accidents.
In short, rideshare drivers face unique challenges that make screen-related distractions even more concerning.
- Frequent app interaction. Drivers must continually monitor apps for ride requests, updates, and passenger information.
- Route adjustments. Navigating unfamiliar areas requires constant attention to GPS, increasing the risk of visual and cognitive distraction.
- Pressure to multi-task. Balancing communication with passengers, monitoring routes, and driving safely creates a high-pressure environment where distractions are more likely.
While all drivers should minimize screen use, rideshare drivers often have to prioritize their devices to fulfill job requirements, creating a gray area between necessity and negligence.
Compensation After a Rideshare Collision
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident caused by a driver’s screen use, pursuing compensation can involve unique complexities. For instance, you may need to prove that screen use caused the accident. This may be possible through phone records, dashcam footage, or witness statements. An experienced attorney can help gather and present this evidence.
While rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, companies may still face scrutiny for failing to implement adequate safety measures or policies to minimize screen-related distractions. Insurance companies may attempt to downplay your injuries or argue against liability.
Screen time is a growing concern for all drivers, but the stakes are higher for rideshare drivers who depend on their devices for work. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare collision connected to screen use, a skilled Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can negotiate with insurers on your behalf and, if necessary, pursue legal action. Lean on a professional. Don’t let distracted driving disrupt your life, seek the justice and recovery you need today.
Have you been hurt because a rideshare driver kept looking at their phone? Talk to the injury lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez to learn about your compensation options following a collision in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach. Call 561-660-9421 today to schedule a confidential consultation.
