Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
The benefits of ridesharing services are well-known to many people who use Uber or Lyft to get around Miami, but you may not give much thought about the advantages from the perspective of the driver. BuildFire, a mobile app developer, reported some interesting statistics that provide insight:
- Globally, more than 3 million people drive as independent contractors for Uber, fulfilling 40 million ride requests per month;
- The average Uber driver earns $364 per month;
- The average rideshare driver probably makes much more locally, as Miami boasts the sixth highest monthly spending by user; and,
- Lyft drivers also enjoy lucrative earnings, at riders spend around $85 on average throughout South Florida.
The figures reveal the profitability of driving for rideshare companies, without noting a noteworthy downside: How the unique nature of the Uber and Lyft business model increases the likelihood of serious Miami rideshare accidents. Four factors in particular are cause for concern.
Drivers Using the App
The key point of ridesharing services is the mobile app for booking and accepting a trip. Drivers will be logged in when looking for riders, traveling to a pickup point, and throughout the ride. Despite the fact that it is illegal in Florida to use your hands to interact with a mobile device, Uber and Lyft drivers frequently rely on the app for directions to their destination. The distraction can be just as serious as texting while driving.
The Practice of Deadheading
Ridesharing drivers seeking to make more money will often troll through areas of Miami that are popular for picking up passengers. If it was just one person engaging in this practice of “deadheading,” there might not be an increased safety risk. However, when hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers are vying for a rider at the busiest times of day, the streets can become extremely congested and hazardous.
No Limits on Hours or Trips
You may be familiar with the Hours of Service (HOS) rules for truck drivers under regulations issued by the federal government. There are no similar policies implemented by Uber, Lyft, and many other rideshare companies. When striving to make as much money as possible, a rideshare driver might push things too far. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as distracted or drunk driving, putting other road users in danger.
Unfamiliarity with Miami Streets
When the surrounding area is not proving to be profitable, some rideshare drivers will head to Downtown Miami to earn some cash. The problem is that they are not familiar with the streets, even when using the app. Confusion, missed turns, and other issues can contribute to Uber and Lyft collisions.
Our Miami Rideshare Accidents Attorneys can Explain Your Remedies
These are just a few of the factors that can increase the potential for Uber and Lyft crashes, but there are others that put you at risk as a ridesharing passenger, another motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist, or other road user. If you were hurt in a crash, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA right away. We can set up a no-cost consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.