A Florida teenager was recently killed in an accident involving an Uber Eats driver. Now, the victim's family is questioning whether these delivery apps encourage speeding and breaking traffic laws. Drivers and the ridesharing companies do not deter speeding. In contrast, drivers are rewarded with bonuses and incentives for completing as many deliveries as fast as possible. 

Even if these companies consider delivery drivers to be independent contractors, shouldn't the companies take responsibility for encouraging unsafe driving? 

Uber Eats Fatal Pedestrian Accident 

In January this year, a Florida teen was killed in Gainesville after she was hit by a car while standing on the sidewalk. The teen was a freshman at the University of Florida and was standing with some friends on the sidewalk. An Uber Eats driver on a delivery crashed into another driver at an intersection, sending the vehicle into the pedestrians, killing Sophia Lambert. 

The teen's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Uber Eats for their role in the fatal accident. According to the family's attorney, UberEats was negligent in contributing to the accident because the driver was not properly qualified, did not have proper training, and was not being appropriately supervised. 

The lawsuit alleges these Uber drivers have no incentive to operate safely. Instead, they are encouraged to pick up and drop off deliveries as soon as possible, even if it means speeding or violating traffic laws. Delivery platforms and rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft offer bonuses and incentives for completing a certain number of deliveries in a set amount of time.

Dangerous Risk Factors and Delivery App Driving

There are a number of inherent risks involved in driving for a delivery app or rideshare business. These companies want to make it as easy as possible for drivers to sign up to increase their labor force. This means lowering the requirements for drivers to only the most basic qualifications. 

Inexperienced Drivers and Denver Accidents

Drivers may only need a driver's license and personal auto insurance policy. In some cases, drivers do not need to undergo training, pass a driving test, or show they understand the traffic laws of the state where they are driving. Using inexperienced drivers alone may increase the risk of an accident, especially when these drivers are operating late at night, on unfamiliar roads, and while looking at the maps on their phones. 

Traffic Violations and Colorado Accidents

Some of these delivery app drivers are almost forced to ignore traffic laws or drive dangerously to complete their deliveries. In the suburbs, drivers may have plenty of room to park to pick up and deliver food. In Denver, Boulder, or other more densely populated areas of Colorado, parking options may be limited. These drivers may end up double-parking or stopping in the middle of traffic to complete a delivery. This puts cyclists and others in danger of getting doored or having to ride into traffic to get around the illegally parked vehicle. 

Distracted Driving and Denver Auto Accidents

Delivery app and rideshare drivers are required to use their phones during the time they are driving. This can lead to distractions, including looking up an address while driving, or following a map while on the road. Distracted driving is known to increase the risk of an accident and the app-based companies know when drivers are using their phones while the vehicle is moving. 

Denver Delivery Driver Accident Lawyer

If you suffered an injury in an accident with a delivery app driver, you could be entitled to monetary compensation. Please do not hesitate to contact accidentdenver.com today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation.