While some West Virginia residents may rely on rideshare companies to get around town, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine noted that there were some inherent safety risks that may be prevalent in the industry. Ultimately, they reported that the drivers who worked for the ridesharing companies as independent contractors may be at risk for driving while drowsy.

The AASM noted that part of the problem was some drivers may be compelled to continue driving for longer than they should be due to the salary incentives offered by the ridesharing companies. In some cases, the drivers may believe that sleep is overrated if they feel tired or may not even be aware of the risks if they continue to drive while drowsy. Further, customers may also not be aware that they are putting their own lives in danger. They do not know if their driver is well-rested or healthy.

Some ridesharing companies try to combat the drowsy driving problem by requiring their drivers to take six-hour breaks after a certain amount of driving time. However, the companies cannot control whether or not the drivers have other jobs or if they have medical problems that could prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep.

A person who becomes injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else will likely be entitled to compensation for certain damages, including medical bills. This may still be true even if the injured person was a passenger in the vehicle that caused the accident. If there is evidence that dangerous or negligent driving resulted in the accident, a personal injury attorney may work with the liable insurance company to reach an appropriate settlement. In some cases, the attorney may negotiate a higher settlement if the original offer does not cover the damages the injured person sustained.