Rideshare vehicles serve as a convenient alternative to driving and public transportation.
The general public perceives ridesharing as a “safer” route, noting that rideshare drivers must adhere to specific safety standards to maintain their status on the app.
According to Uber accident statistics, the risk of getting into an accident is the same as any other passenger vehicle on the road.
This tally rate is lower than the national average of fatal motor vehicle crashes. However, Uber does not release data on non-fatal accidents that lead to injuries.
You could be entitled to financial compensation if you or a loved one were injured in an Uber accident. Our experienced attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, can help you recover your damages from Uber through a legal claim.
Contact a Chicago Uber accident lawyer at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.
From 2019 to 2020, there were 101 traffic fatalities across 91 fatal Uber accidents, representing one death in 20,000,000 trips.
Why is Uber So Popular?
Uber was the first ridesharing app on the market and is now one of the most prominent players in the past decade despite other players joining the sphere.
Today, Uber has over 93 million users and 3.5 million drivers in the US, holding 71% of the rideshare market in the country.
Rideshare companies like Uber offer a more accessible alternative to self-driving or riding public transportation.
In the US, users prefer booking Uber and Lyft drivers instead of waiting for traditional taxis or public transport. The service is often faster, more accessible, and sometimes cheaper than the alternatives.
Furthermore, many people use the Uber app for safety reasons. Due to Uber’s widespread presence in urban areas, partygoers book Uber and Lyft vehicles instead of going home intoxicated.
According to several studies, rideshare motor vehicles are associated with significantly reduced motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk drivers.
Standards for Uber Drivers
Uber holds its drivers and their vehicles to specific safety standards, including but not limited to the following:
- Must have at least one year of driving experience (or three years if they are under 23 years old) and a valid driver’s license
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old
- Must not have citations for speeding, drunk driving, failure to use seatbelts and other violations
- Must use a vehicle that meets Uber’s requirements (e.g., model 2000 or newer)
Uber Accident Statistics
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft uphold numerous safety regulations and driver requirements to protect drivers and passengers. Nevertheless, motor vehicle accidents involving Uber vehicles still occur.
Uber Traffic Fatalities
In Uber’s 2022 safety report, the rideshare company reported:
- 101 individual fatalities occurred across 91 fatal Uber accidents; a rate of 0.5 per million vehicle miles traveled (the national average is around 1.2 per million vehicle miles traveled)
- 32% of fatalities involved at least one speeding vehicle; 91% were third-party motorists
- 23% of fatalities involved at least one alcohol-impaired driver; 100% were third-party motorists
- 15% of fatalities involved at least one driver going the wrong way; 100% were third-party motorists
- 13% of occupant fatalities involved a driver with no seatbelt
- 15% of occupant fatalities involved an unbuckled Uber passenger
- 42% of fatalities were vulnerable road users
- 64% were pedestrians
- 29% were third-party motorcyclists
- 7% were bicyclists or scooter riders
However, these numbers only include Uber accidents while driving to pick-up locations or during rides.
There is no data on car accidents while drivers are “deadheading” or waiting for a ride request.
However, experts agree these cars contribute to traffic congestion even without passengers.
A 2018 joint study between the University of Chicago and Rice University provides more insight into car accidents associated with rideshare services, notably Uber and Lyft accidents.
Their research, combined with data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), shows:
- Uber and Lyft contributed to a 3% increase in overall traffic accident fatalities
- About 1,000 people die in traffic accidents daily due to the rising number of ridesharing vehicles on the road
- 107 people died in 97 fatal Uber crashes from 2017 to 2018
- 21% of deaths were riders
- 21% of deaths were Uber drivers
- 58% of deaths were third-party drivers or passengers
The significant increase in traffic fatalities and property damage is attributable to the rise of ride-hailing services, especially in urban areas.
One theory is that ride-share cars spend much more time on the roads, increasing traffic congestion and, consequently, the risk of accidents.
Uber and Lyft Accident Injuries
Current Uber and Lyft accident statistics reveal the number of accident fatalities during rides or en route to pick-up points. However, there is no reliable data on injuries drivers and passengers experience in these incidents.
Nevertheless, the increase in rideshare vehicles also contributes to non-fatal motor vehicle accidents, causing serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
- Fractures
- Bruises and lacerations
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
Safety Risks for an Uber or Lyft Driver
Uber and Lyft passengers and pedestrians are not the only ones that can be put in danger on the road. An Uber or Lyft driver can also be the victim of:
- Drunk driving accidents caused by a third party
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Sexual assault
- Violence based on racial or national origin animus
- Property damage
- Theft and robbery
- Kidnapping
Uber’s safety report shows five drivers died in fatal physical assaults from 2019 to 2020.
Who is Responsible for Damages in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Victims can pursue compensation if they get into an Uber/ Lyft accident. However, specific stipulations apply:
- They must be riding inside the Uber or Lyft vehicle at the time of the accident, and the driver has accepted the ride request
- The negligent party must be the rideshare driver
- The driver’s app must be on (if it’s off, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies)
These conditions exclude incidents after drop-off (except when the Lyft or Uber driver forced the passenger off in an unsafe place) and accidents caused by violent passengers or other vehicles.
App users and third-party passengers or drivers can file a rideshare accident claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurance company.
These ridesharing services have $1 million liability insurance coverage for incidents caused by their drivers.
If you get into an Uber or Lyft accident as a third-party driver, you could also file a claim with your auto insurance coverage provider.
Rideshare companies make life easier for people without personal vehicles or limited access to public transportation.
Unfortunately, ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft share almost the same risk as any other vehicle on the road.
If you or a family member are a victim of an Uber accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Our experienced attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, will thoroughly investigate your case and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Our lawyers also handle physical and sexual assault cases during Uber and Lyft rides.
Contact our personal injury law firm at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team will remain private under an attorney-client relationship.
Our attorneys handle all accepted Uber and Lyft accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t have to pay our legal fees unless we win your case.
