The Pressures of the Gig Economy Are Increasing Rideshare Crashes
There are a ton of different factors that can potentially contribute to a car crash in New Jersey, with distracted driving and drunk driving being among the most commonly discussed crashes for accidents across the country. Recent studies show that rideshare drivers may be even more vulnerable to causing crashes for new factors that weren’t present before the rise of the gig economy. The unique pressures of the gig economy can cause drivers to experience job fatigue along with other pressures that can greatly increase the risk of causing or being involved in a serious car accident in New Jersey.
The Unique Pressures of Drivers in the Gig Economy
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are just one part of the so-called gig economy. This refers to the labor market composed of freelance workers and other short-term contracts. This economy, understandably, exists in sharp contrast to more traditional positions that are more permanent in nature.
In a world where freelancing workers are continually making up a greater portion of the United States workforce — with projections predicting that they will soon make up the majority of workers in the country — it’s clear that millions of drivers for Uber and Lyft are a significant portion of the gig economy. However, recent research conducted by researchers at the University College London found that nearly two in five gig economy drivers who participated in the study reported vehicle damage resulting from a car accident.
Almost half of those who were questioned for the study indicated that the time pressures associated with their jobs made them more likely to exceed the speed limit. Other factors that increased the risk of a crash, including cellphone distraction, are arguably a significant part of the job for millions of Uber and Lyft drivers.
There are other factors, including overworked driver fatigue due to long hours on the job, that are well within the control of the driver. Even still, the rideshare industry’s longstanding practice of treating drivers as independent contractors creates greater pressure for drivers to work longer hours. The hourly rates of Uber drivers nationwide — combined with the tax dynamics of working as independent contractors that are not categorized as Uber employees — contribute to a work culture that, in many ways, incentivizes drivers to overwork themselves.
The study points out specifically that more drivers are entering the gig economy, creating more intense competition and therefore increasing the distances driven and the hours worked by drivers who are striving to earn a stable and liveable income.
Other findings from the study revealed that 2 in 5 drivers who used the app found them incredibly distracting, and 3 in 10 drivers ran a red light due to pressures associated with the rideshare industry.
What Does This Study Mean for New Jersey Rideshare Accidents?
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have for years touted that the ridesharing industry is a meaningful and effective tool to cut down on the rate of drunk driving collisions across the country. However, these statements shouldn’t be used to conflate a reduction in drunk driving crashes as a reduction in the overall rate of accidents. As demonstrated in the findings of this study, the ridesharing industry presents unique issues and potential safety concerns that can potentially jeopardize public safety on American roadways, as well as the streets of New Jersey.
If you or a family member has been injured or suffered following a rideshare collision through Lyft or Uber, it’s crucial that you protect your legal rights by contacting an experienced New Jersey rideshare accident attorney at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC.
Our firm has established a reputation helping car crash victims obtain millions of dollars in compensation after a rideshare company or driver bears liability for the collision.
Contact us today to discuss your case with a qualified personal injury lawyer and see how we can help your case.
Uber & Lyft Crashes in New Jersey
Ridesharing is the relatively new trend of summoning a driver from an app on your phone to take you to a pre-chosen destination. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have reshaped the transportation industry, offering affordable trips to people all over the country. However, with this convenience comes a cost. Many people are injured in these crashes who are unsure of how to recover the compensation they deserve.
While many often claim that the ridesharing industry has made the roads safer, some studies say that the opposite is true. A recent study found that, since the creation of Uber, roadway fatalities have increased by nearly 3 percent, with as many as 1,100 additional deaths each year. The study claims that with the increased number of cars on the roads nationwide, there is a greater chance for collisions. More and more people are joining the gig economy each year as rideshare drivers, making the roadways more and more congested.
In a normal car accident, if you’re involved in a crash, the at-fault driver is liable for your damages. However, when the driver is working, their employer is deemed responsible for your injuries. There is a lack of regulation regarding the ridesharing industry, meaning that companies like Uber and Lyft are able to do things that are companies can’t With ridesharing collisions, liability is a confusing and often contested factor, meaning that injured parties should rely on the help of a qualified New Jersey rideshare crash attorney to pursue their deserved compensation.
The firm of Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC understands the law and can help you recover the full value of your claim after a serious ridesharing accident. We know the tricks used by these rideshare companies in order to avoid responsibility for the actions of their drivers. It’s our goal that we will get you the compensation you deserve and that the responsible party is held accountable for their injuries. Contact our law offices today at (201) 997- 0030 if you or a loved one has been unfairly injured by a rideshare driver in New Jersey.