Rideshare drivers must take all appropriate steps to care for their passengers. And passengers do rely on a "gig economy" worker's professionalism. Drivers who speed or ignore violate traffic laws put lives at risk and could be held liable for an injury. The same would be true when taking a poorly maintained vehicle out on the road. And there are no maintenance steps too small to address. Driving with bad brakes or dry rotted tires reflects gross negligence. Using aged-out windshield wiper blades that can't operate effectively can be just as bad. If an accident results from using old, ineffective wiper blades, the driver runs the risk of a lawsuit. Perhaps the rideshare company does, too.

The Purpose of Windshield Wiper Blades

Windshield wiper blades make it easier to see the road during rainstorms. The rubber blades wear down over time. After a certain point, the blades cannot perform their job effectively. That means the driver won't be able to see on the road in a rainstorm or, for that matter, when spraying windshield wiper fluid on the glass. A temporary obstruction of visibility could cause an accident. For this reason and more, drivers must make the necessary effort to keep on top of routine maintenance.

Rideshare Companies May "Share" Responsibility

Even the rideshare company could "share" in the liabilities if the company knew about any deficiencies. Imagine if the driver received a bad review for poor driving due to the windshield wiper troubles. The reports should alert the company about a dangerous driver. Failure to admonish or suspend the driver until he/she fixes the windshield wipers could drag the company into litigation.

The Inspection Issue

The rideshare company cannot take a hands-off approach to its drivers and their responsibilities to care for their cars. That's why vehicles must go through annual inspections to ascertain continued suitability for the road. If a problem such as worn wiper blades was overlooked, that would indicate negligence by the rideshare company. So, the company may find itself liable in court due to its omissions. If the company works with a third-party garage for the inspection duties, the service station might also find itself in civil court.

Contacting a Car Accident Attorney

Have you suffered an injury after requesting a ride? Speaking with a car accident attorney, such as the ones at Labine Law Firm, who understands rideshare litigation, would be helpful. A skilled attorney can examine all possible angles of negligence to build a case.