For years, Uber and Lyft drivers have relied on their respective apps to match them with passengers needing a ride. When signing into the mobile app and frequenting the most popular spots for ridesharing services around Miami, these transportation network company (TNC) drivers could maximize their earning potential simply by making themselves available. However, a new app could soon change this workflow and help ridesharing drivers increase earnings: Gridwise incorporates technology that collects data on passenger trends and identifies key metrics to predict when and where Uber/Lyft can make the most money.
While this is excellent news for TNC drivers, an uptick in traffic can also lead to a higher risk of auto collisions. There are multiple factors at play, all of which combine to create a potentially dangerous situation. You should talk to a Miami ridesharing accident attorney about your legal options if you were hurt, and read on for some of the basics.
Implications of Increased Uber and Lyft Traffic in Miami
To many of those who use ridesharing services on a regular basis, the Gridwise app is a welcome development. The technology streamlines the process and matches riders up with drivers when and where they need them. However, there are also some unintended consequences of this increase in traffic around Miami, as more TNC drivers on the road pushes the limits of the already-congested streets. The biggest impacts will be:
- Morning and evening rush on Interstate 95;
- Urban streets around Miami Beach, Brickell, and Coconut Grove on weekends;
- The MacArthur Causeway; and,
- Around Miami International Airport.
Besides the increase in traffic, there are dangers associated with a practice known as “deadheading” by Uber and Lyft drivers seeking to optimize revenue. Many will come in from outlying areas to make money during peak hours, so they are unfamiliar with the streets and traffic patterns that typify Miami. In their confusion, haste, and frustration, TNC drivers are more likely to engage in unsafe acts behind the wheel.
Your Rights and the Legal Process After a Ridesharing Accident
Fortunately, some of the same legal concepts apply to Uber/Lyft collisions as other motor vehicle crashes. You can recover compensation if you were hurt while:
- Riding as a passenger/user of the mobile app;
- Driving in your own vehicle; and,
- Walking or riding your bicycle.
Note that the legal process may vary based upon the TNC driver interaction with the app, such as when traveling for a pickup, while transporting a rider, or deadheading. If the driver was logged in, you seek compensation through the Uber or Lyft insurance policy, which covers up to $1 million in damages.
Contact Our Miami Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers About Your Options
Negligent ridesharing services drivers put your safety at risk as they work to maximize profits, but you can trust our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA to protect your interests. For more information on your legal remedies, please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. We can set up a no-cost consultation to review your circumstances and advise you on the laws.