The emergence of ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft has provided opportunities for passengers to quickly and easily find rides when they need them. With just a few taps on a smartphone, people can call for a ride when they themselves may not be in a position to safely operate a vehicle or when they simply need transportation. Ridesharing is often utilized in Myrtle Beach. South Carolinians enjoy the convenience of these services just like people all across the country, and vacationers to this beach town often find ridesharing an easier and safer way of getting around an unfamiliar area. 
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Myrtle Beach
While many users have had safe, secure experiences with Uber and Lyft, rideshare drivers around Myrtle Beach still may engage in risky driving behaviors. In some situations, this can have dangerous consequences for their passengers. A 2018 study from the University of Chicago and Rice University indicates that fatal vehicle accidents have increased as much as 3 percent since ridesharing became a mainstream form of transportation. The causes of the accidents are varied, but some of the most common causes include:
Speeding
Rideshare drivers make money by giving rides, and the more rides, the more money they can earn. This may tempt some drivers to rush either during a job or getting to the next pickup, violating Myrtle Beach speed limits and putting all those who share the road at risk.
Distraction
When drivers do not give their full attention to the road, serious accidents can occur. Uber and Lyft drivers have many sources of distraction. They may want to be friendly and chat with passengers to increase their ratings. Also, during their rides they may receive notifications or instructions from the rideshare company or another rider. And just like any other driver, they may find it hard to resist distractions such as drinking, eating, or answering a phone call.
Fatigue
Drivers who are employed by Uber and Lyft may spend many, many hours behind the wheel. Research has shown that fatigued driving is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers are less able to focus and take longer to respond to changing conditions, which can cause a crash.
Alcohol Impairment
While passengers reasonably assume that their driver will be sober while conducting his job, this might not always be the case. In 2017, Uber was fined for failing to appropriately respond to reports from passengers that a number of their drivers were suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Obviously, the dangers of drunk driving are well documented, and people are injured and killed every day because of it.
Time of Day
Many rideshare users utilize these services during nighttime hours. This increases the risk of a drowsy driver, and it could impact a driver’s visibility.
If You’ve Been in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Myrtle Beach
No matter what caused your Uber or Lyft accident, if your driver was behaving carelessly, you may be eligible to file a legal claim. Rideshare accident claims can be complicated, as identifying the at-fault party can be difficult. It’s not always clear if the driver’s personal auto insurance will provide compensation for your injuries or Uber or Lyft. The answer likely depends on the nature of your injuries and the amount of insurance carried by the driver. In either case, accident victims have a right to medical care and wage loss compensation in South Carolina.
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