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As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft continue to grow in popularity across Memphis, so does the risk of accidents caused by distracted or confused drivers relying too heavily on GPS navigation. While these apps are designed to help drivers find the fastest route, they’re not perfect. Inaccurate directions, outdated maps, or sudden rerouting can cause drivers to panic, leading to poor decisions that result in serious crashes.
At The Gold Law Firm, our Shelby County personal injury lawyers represent victims injured in Tennessee rideshare accidents caused by GPS-related errors. These collisions are more common than most people realize and are often preventable.
When GPS Errors Cause Dangerous Driving Decisions
Memphis has its fair share of winding residential roads, one-way streets, and confusing intersections. GPS systems don’t always keep up with construction detours, new traffic patterns, or blocked roads. When rideshare drivers are guided to the wrong location or realize too late that they’ve missed a turn, many make impulsive and unsafe maneuvers to correct their route.
We’ve seen this happen in several troubling ways:
- Improper or illegal U-turns are made in the middle of busy streets like Poplar Avenue or Union Avenue.
- Sudden stops in active traffic lanes while the driver tries to re-check directions.
- Cutting across traffic to make an unexpected turn or exit.
- Using private driveways or business entrances to turn around without checking for oncoming vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
- Distracted driving occurs when drivers focus more on their screens than on the road around them.
These risky moves can result in rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, or pedestrian injuries, especially when drivers are more focused on correcting their course than on driving safely.
Who Is Liable When GPS Leads to a Crash?
Just because a driver was “following the GPS” doesn’t mean they’re free from responsibility. In Tennessee, rideshare drivers are expected to maintain complete control of their vehicles and obey all traffic laws, regardless of what their navigation app says.
If an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash due to GPS confusion, one or more of the following parties may be held liable:
- The Rideshare Driver – for making an unsafe or illegal maneuver.
- The Rideshare Company (Uber/Lyft) – if the driver logged into the app and was actively transporting or picking up a passenger.
- A Third Party, such as another driver, who contributed to the crash.
Rideshare companies carry insurance coverage that may apply if the driver was on duty during the collision. However, compensation is not automatic—you must prove fault, injuries, and damages.
The Gold Law Firm Is Here to Help
At The Gold Law Firm, our Memphis personal injury attorneys know how to investigate rideshare accidents and hold negligent drivers—and their employers—accountable. If a GPS error caused a driver to make a dangerous decision that resulted in your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Don’t let a confusing case stop you from getting justice. Call or text The Gold Law Firm at (901) 244-5003 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.