When you drive down the streets of many Texas streets, something alarming will grab your attention the moment you stop at a red light. Chances are you will pull up next to an Uber or Lyft driver, who most likely will have three phones suctioned onto their dashboard. Imagine having this many smartphones on your dash and the likelihood these will distract a driver who’s two eyes should always be on the road. A distracted driver is more likely to be involved in a car accident and we are seeing a huge increase in Uber and Lyft driver accidents. If you or a loved one have been involved in an Uber of Lyft car accident it is important that you retain the services of an experienced Uber and Lyft car accident attorney. They will be able to guide you through this complex legal process and help you maximize your claim.
Smartphones are Central to Ridesharing
Companies that offer ride-sharing services require their drivers to use smartphones constantly. These drivers depend on the Uber or Lyft app to provide them the passenger location and also directions to the drop off point. Often, a driver will try to take advantage of numerous ride-sharing opportunities, so they have at least two or more phones working together at the same time.
Ride-sharing services do not have a central dispatch unit that instructs their drivers where to go to pick up their passengers. Everything happens on the app, which is located in the smartphone. Both drivers and riders have to connect using Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing apps to arrange the trip route and negotiate the price. It is a fairly common occurrence to see drivers texting or fiddling with their apps while they are operating their vehicle.
Texas car accident attorneys are asserting that this kind of technology violates the distracted driving laws of the state. Uber and Lyft drivers are placing other Texan drivers and passengers at risk because they are distracted due to the fact that they need to constantly be monitoring their ride-sharing app.
Texas Regulations on Distracted Driving
Effective September 1, 2017, texting while driving has been made illegal across the state of Texas, which is a result of the texting-while-driving ban that was passed in the 85th Legislative session. This law prohibits motorists from reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while they are inside a moving vehicle.
For those under 18 years old, the Texas law is even stricter banning all forms of cellphone use, including hands-free connection, except during emergencies. In addition, all drivers are banned from texting or using their cellphones while driving in school zones.
This strict law is being enforced because of staggering statistics that show that one in five crashes in Texas is a result of distracted driving. On top of that, in 2016 alone a year before the law was enforced, there were 109,658 traffic crashes in Texas due to distracted driving. Those accidents led to 455 deaths and 3,087 serious physical injuries.
Car Accident Attorneys Work for Higher Penalties for Violation
A Texas car accident attorney said that the message should be clear to everyone: put away your phones and focus on the road. The hope of the law is to reduce injuries and fatalities, as well as prevent anymore destruction to property. Saving lives is paramount so it is critical for you and your loved ones to make smarter choices by keeping away from the smartphone while you are driving your car.
Those who violate the law will face serious repercussions because they make the fatal mistake of risking injury and death to others and to themselves. Drivers who violate the law will face stiff penalties from fines to revocation of licenses under the new statewide law. For instance, a first minor offense is punishable by a fine up to $99; any subsequent offense increases that to $200. It is also important to note that some cities have more restrictive ordinances. Remember, being ignorant about the tenets of the law does not excuse you.
Uber and Lyft car accident attorneys aggressively work to maximize your settlements when you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. These accidents tend to be a little more complex due to whether or not the driver’s insurance will cover the accident ,or if Uber or Lyft insurance will cover the accident.
If you or any of your loved ones find yourself in an accident caused by these negligent ride-sharing drivers, do not hesitate to call us. Call our law offices today at any of our convenient locations and get a free consultation.
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