Five Types of Crashes Caused by Distracted Uber Drivers

• Distracted driving while using a mobile phone

Uber drivers are always on their mobile phone for navigation and notifications from passengers. That is why it is the top reason for distracted driving accidents from Uber drivers.

In 2018, a woman passenger from Detroit sued both Uber and Lyft for a high-speed collision accident. Her driver was logged in to Uber and Lyft smartphone apps when their car rammed into the rear of a stopped trailer truck on the highway. This accident left the driver with critical injuries, and the passenger was unable to work after suffering from the spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.

• Distracted driving while talking to passengers

Friendly Uber drivers are always nice to travel with, but be mindful if they are overly engaged. Driving while talking to passengers may cause Uber drivers to lose their focus from the road. While communicating with passengers is a must, especially when talking about directions, chatting during the trip may pose safety issues. According to 2017 statistics in Michigan, 6% of distracted driving accidents are due to passengers, on top of 32% from other activities inside the vehicle.

• Mechanical failure unnoticed by distracted Uber driver

Uber cars spend a lot of time on the road, so they are more in need of routine checking and maintenance than other cars. A distracted driver may often forget to check the tires or engine of their Uber car before making trips. The next thing you know, a blown tire, faulty brake, or overheating engine leads to an accident. Although it may seem like a simple mechanical failure at first, the Uber driver may actually be liable for negligence.

• Uber accident at the intersection because of a distracted driver

Being on the road itself is actually a dangerous activity, but safety is challenged even more each time you cross an intersection. A distracted driver may not notice the traffic light or oncoming cars.

Injuries at intersection auto accidents can be very severe, involving not only the driver in front but also the passengers at the back. The most dangerous intersection in Michigan is at Telegraph and 12 Mile roads, where a total of 145 crashes were recorded in 2018.

• Robbery and other crimes from distracted Uber drivers

There are a lot of crimes on the streets, and your Uber car is more prone to being a victim if your driver is distracted. Uber car robberies can also happen, as well as your driver getting shot, leading to an accident. Although it is unusual, an Orlando Uber car met the same fate in 2018. The driver was shot in the abdomen, forcing him to lose control of the vehicle and collide into a construction site.