Study suggests link between ride-sharing and car crash deaths

In Missouri and across the U.S., there are debates and discussions as to the real causes of auto accidents and how to reduce their frequency. Many factors are commonly cited including, distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, recklessness and more. A correlation between ride-sharing services and road fatalities is being cited as a potential reason for the rise in car accident deaths.

In a paper from Rice University and the University of Chicago, ride-sharing services are connected to an increase in fatalities. Since 2010, when the U.S. had its least number of fatalities since 1949, the numbers have steadily risen. The researchers used safety data from across the nation from the time at which the dominant ride sharing companies, Lyft and Uber, began operation. Next, it assessed the rate of accidents per miles driven in those cities.

Although the researchers acknowledged the benefits of these services, especially to the disabled, minorities, and with providing flexible jobs for people, the link between the fatalities and the services is evident. Accidents in which there was not a fatality were not calculated, as the data were not available. For their part, the companies did not respond to the implication that fatalities had risen as their presence grew.

People who have been injured or lost a loved one in an auto accident will face severe life changes in the aftermath. These will encompass financial, personal and emotional upheaval. As the case is assessed, they should not ignore any potential cause as to why it occurred. This can be key to receiving compensation for medical costs, lost wages, loss of companionship, funeral costs and more. Calling a law firm that has experience in assessing research studies related to car accidents can be the most important factor in a successful legal filing.