Lyft and Uber are the most popular ridesharing apps in America, accounting for 68% and 30%, respectively, in 2020.  These multinational companies offer services across all regions, urban and rural.  The vast majority of ridesharing trips are made in large cities like those in South Florida.  Nearly a quarter of Uber's 2020 trips were made in five cities: Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City.  These trips generated $5.65 trillion in bookings.

South Florida Ridesharing

Why is ridesharing so popular in South Florida?

Since the COVID pandemic, public transportation has been less popular.  Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are more accessible and cheaper than taxis.  Many South Floridians consider ridesharing the best and most efficient way to get to work.

South Florida taxi use has been declining over the years due to increasing use of ridesharing instead of traditional taxis.  78% of the fleet disappeared between 2014 and 2021.  There are 1,480 licensed taxis in the city, which is why 78% of them have disappeared.

This could indicate that there are less professional drivers operating than ever before.  Lyft and Uber drivers must follow specific regulations under the South Florida Municipal Codes to ensure safety for passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.  These regulations require that rideshare drivers have a background check completed and a driver's license.  They must display a number for complaints on their vehicle.  All drivers must also have personal insurance that covers liability.

There are still risks associated with ridesharing.

Lyft and Uber: The risks

Lyft and Uber can pose dangers such as theft, assault, sexual violence, and accidents.  A driver, another passenger, or the driver could cause theft, assault, or sexual assaults during a pool ride.  Uber and Lyft have to keep you safe in each instance. If they fail to do so, they may be held responsible.

It is difficult to determine the frequency of these incidents due to loopholes in the strict confidentiality clauses that companies have put in place.  Uber's most recent safety report did not include non-fatal accidents or auto accidents in which drivers were at fault. This raises questions about transparency.  It's hard to know what legal recourse you might have if a ridesharing driver puts your safety at risk.

Ridesharing Auto Accidents

Ridesharing drivers may cause accidents  that injures their passengers, other passengers or pedestrians on the streets.  No matter if you are riding in a vehicle, it is important to determine who is at fault when a rideshare driver collides. Ridesharing is more complicated than average accidents. It's important that you understand the facts and consult with an experienced law firm like Beharry Law Firm that will fight vigorously to get any due compensation.

Fatigue is one of the most common causes for Uber and Lyft accidents.  Fatigue is a major factor in slow reaction times, situational awareness, and fatigue.  In order to maximize their businesses, drivers are more likely to drive faster than others.  Drivers can be distracted by cell phones and ridesharing apps, which can lead to dangerous accidents.

Intoxicated ridesharing drivers can be considered negligent.  To determine if alcohol or other drugs were involved in the accident, it is crucial to test the driver as soon as possible.  This will help prevent any future accidents from being caused by negligence.

So, if you were injured in a ridesharing accident, immediately contact a top rated car accident attorney Miami .