However, ridesharing companies have racked up their fair share of controversies. For obvious reasons, they can’t control every driver on their payroll, and are often liable for damages associated with negligent driving and other criminal activity, including attempted murder.

Here’s the gist of rideshare accidents and even attempted murder associated with the likes of Uber and Lyft.

The Most Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

San Francisco rideshare accidents happen for the same reason as other car crashes. The most common contributing factor is driver negligence, driving under the influence, distracted driving, speeding, and violating roadway rules.

Distraction remains a big risk for rideshare drivers because they have to stay logged onto their apps and often consult tools such as Google Maps. Part of the whole gig is to manually respond to new ride requests as and when they arrive. An alarm for a new ride could cause a momentary distraction to a driver, causing them to crash.

Phone distractions remain a key reason for many accidents in San Francisco, and they could lead to significant damage, including death.

Other reasons for rideshare accidents include defects in the vehicle or perhaps driving in an unsafe area. It isn’t uncommon for Uber and Lyft drivers to drive near roadway construction zones only to collide with hazards. Rideshare drives can be at risk of running into potholes and debris on the road. This could cause a rideshare accident in San Francisco.

Some vehicle crashes may occur due to a lack of vehicle maintenance and defects.

Attempted Murders – More Common Than You Think

While most rideshare incidents can be chalked up to accidents, there have been cases of Uber and Lyft drivers engaging in violent behavior including attempted murder. Some of them have often succeeded in their attempts.

A cursory look at crime statistics for Uber will shock you.

A 2018 report uncovered over 3000 sexual assaults that happened during Uber Rides. This includes everything from unwanted kissing to actual cases of rape.

Deaths during Uber and Lyft rides are also not completely unheard of. In recent news, Margie Quibol, a 70 year old passenger died after her Lyft allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel and lost control before hitting a light pole. The South Californian driver has been arrested for vehicular manslaughter. Quibol died from her injuries.

Who is Responsible for Rideshare Accident Injuries?

It’s not always straightforward to determine the liable party in a rideshare accident. The process is very similar to any other vehicle collision. The only difference is the presence of a third party – the rideshare company.

It’s worth noting that rideshare drivers for Uber and Lyft are not considered employees. As such, it is difficult to pursue a claim against these companies because they are treated as a marketplace that merely connects drivers with riders.

However, this area of law is largely unsettled and it is extremely important to discuss your legal options with an attorney.

What To Do if You Are Involved in a Rideshare Accident?

The first step is to call the police and file a report. It is important to stay composed and collect as much evidence as you can. This means taking photos of the crime scene and the road as well as any street signs, getting insurance, and the driver’s license. The evidence will make it easier to determine the liable party for the accident and help you get compensation for your injuries.

Make sure to get medical help because your high adrenaline levels may mask your injuries. Always prioritize your health before anything else.

Once you’re in the clear, get in touch with a rideshare accident attorney in San Francisco. You may be able to sue the rideshare company. Be sure to contact an attorney before contacting your insurance. Rideshare companies will do everything they can to wiggle out of their responsibility to you. Even if they are held responsible, they will try to minimize the compensation for your injuries.

Whether you are the driver, rider, or a third party in the accident, you should be able to receive compensation for property damage, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and others.

Have you or someone you know been injured due to a rideshare accident? Make sure to receive the best legal help for rideshare accidents in San Francisco. Click here for legal consultation.

LA DA GEORGE GASCON CONTINUES TO MAKE WAVES WITH PAROLE CHANGES

Since being sworn in as Los Angeles County District Attorney in December 2020, George Gascon has hardly been out of the headlines. From eliminating sentence enhancements for hate crimes and dismissing gang enhancements to removing firearm allegations and continuing to push for resentencing and sentence commutation; Gascon has shown himself to maintain a progressive approach focused on rehabilitation. His latest changes to the DA’s office have been highly controversial.

Gascon has announced that prosecutors will not be present at parole board hearings to oppose prisoners’ release. Instead, LA’s new DA is creating a new policy to have prosecutors support the granting of parole and early release in writing. This is working off an assumption that prisoners have been rehabilitated and deserve clemency. If a prisoner is high-risk, the policy will mean prosecutors retain neutral on – instead of opposing – the granting of parole. This leaves the decision up to the parole board based on the prisoner’s record and arguments for release.

Gascon’s position that “people evolve” and are deserving of a fair chance at release is consistent with his message of supporting rehabilitation and release. Of course there has been major backlash for this change in department policy. Victims, victims’ families, and advocates believe that this decision leaves the door open for dangerous individuals to be released. Supporters of the new change believe the prosecutors did their part in convicting the individuals and they now deserve a fair chance at being granted parole without objection from an outside party.

What Does This Mean If I Am Or A Loved One Is In Prison?

Gascon’s changes to the approach to California parole are the biggest in decades. Never before has a DA made such major progress toward improving incarceration figures and inmate release. Gascon reminds the public that the original sentence carried the opportunity for parole, which means granting prisoners this fair chance is well within the original sentence. This move by Gascon is the latest in a complete shift in the DA’s office approach to fairness, rehabilitation, and progress in prosecution.

Having your defense attorney review your case and prepare for your parole board hearing is critical. Your attorney will work tirelessly at properly seizing the opening for release before you and covering everything the parole board will want to review. This will result in you being as well prepared as possible to obtain relief and the possibility of parole being granted.

What Do I Do Now?

If you or a relative or friend is currently in custody; you must seek professional counsel about parole options. It is never too early. It is critical you consult with an experienced and qualified Criminal Defense Lawyer. Our California team has years of experience arguing cases successfully before parole boards and seeing prisoners through to release. Remember, you cannot leave your release up to chance. You must be prepared, file worked up, and with your defense team you have the best opportunity. Contact us now for a Free Consultation.