How Often Do Uber Drivers Get Into Accidents?

Uber publishes statistics but hardly ever includes details about every collision that one of their ridesharing drivers has experienced. Instead, they regularly share data on fatal crashes, which are around 100 annually.

Some studies link Uber’s rise to increased traffic fatalities. According to research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, ridesharing services may be responsible for a 3% rise in fatalities.

If you or someone you care about got injured in a rideshare accident, contact Uber accident lawyers who can provide your legal needs and advocate for your rights. The legal team of Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is composed of experienced Uber accident lawyers who can help you seek compensation for your losses. Get in touch with us for a free initial consultation at (888) 488-1391.

Uber Accident Statistics

Uber may brag about the quality and safety of their services, but statistics will show otherwise, as there are significant hazards when a consumer uses this ridesharing service. However, Uber has reduced the number of drunk and dangerous drivers on the road. 43% of Uber users rely on the service to go out and attend parties and dinners. Drunk driving accidents have decreased by 15% to 62%.

As the number of trips increases, so does the number of accidents. According to statistics, one in four accidents in medium and large cities in the United States is caused by ridesharing services.

In reality, Uber is used by 25% of the country’s population at least once a month. The percentage of vehicle miles traveled has increased rapidly in recent years. In 2016, these ridesharing vehicles accounted for 1% of the total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the country. Nowadays, Uber cars exceed 14% in numerous states. The national average is 6%.

In 2019, Uber claimed to have provided 6.9 billion rides, up from 140 million in 2014. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business confirmed the theory regarding traffic incidents and deaths increasing. In particular, Uber has resulted in a 3% increase in car accident fatalities. As a result of the increased use of these vehicles, around 1,000 people are killed in car accidents every day.

How Many Uber Accidents Have There Been?

Uber has changed the way people travel in this modern era. There is substantial discussion about whether this mode of transportation has made roads safer due to new legislation and regulations. While numbers fluctuate over time and vary by place, concluding is difficult. But one thing is sure: accidents happen, even on ridesharing trips.

Based on Uber’s 2019–2020 safety report, 101 people died in 91 fatal Uber incidents. Most of these crashes (32%) featured at least one fast vehicle. The second-leading cause was alcohol-impaired driving (23%). In these Uber incidents, pedestrians (64%), vulnerable road users (42%), third-party motorcyclists (29%), and bicyclists or scooter riders (7%) were involved.

Uber Accidents Average About 100 Annually

Uber released its first official accident statistics in 2017 and 2018. The study concluded that 107 fatalities were caused by 97 Uber vehicles. A safety assessment was released later by the California-based firm for 2019 and 2020. The data showed that more than one hundred people died every year. A total of 101 deaths occurred in 91 fatal incidents. Uber also explained the reasons for the collisions in one document. The common causes are:

1. Speeding (32%)
2. Driving under the influence of alcohol (23%)
3. The victims most affected by these accidents are pedestrians (64%), followed by vulnerable road users (42%), motorcyclists (29%), and cyclists (7%).

Are Uber Drivers More Likely To Cause Accidents?

Uber has increased the number of accidents in certain cities since ridesharing became more mainstream. In places where Uber operates, it has seen an upsurge in car accidents since 2010, when it became popular. This follows a nationwide drop in car accidents of more than half a century.

This increase in accidents is due to several factors, including:

• Distracted driving
• Using mobile phones
• Poor navigation
• Improper training

Car accident fatalities were at an all-time low in the years preceding ridesharing. But since ridesharing apps were launched, fatal car crashes have increased by about 2–3% yearly. This raises the question: Is the increase in fatal accidents caused by rideshare drivers?

When you get into an Uber, you might expect to have a smooth journey and arrive safely at your destination, and it’s likely that a large company would have skilled drivers. However, while some drivers may drive carefully and lawfully, others may not always do so. Uber has used a behavioral science-based in-app design that encourages drivers to work more hours for less money, often without realizing it. This increased time spent on the road may lead to poor driving. Uber accident lawyers can look into this possibility when investigating such cases.

Let’s look at how Uber keeps its drivers on the road, how these measures affect driving quality, and what you should do if you are involved in an Uber accident.

Possible Causes Of Uber Collisions In California

It didn’t seem easy to take a cab in California before Uber. Their presence in California has many benefits for its residents. Although the company rarely publishes Uber accident numbers since it prefers to keep such information private, California is considered one of the country’s crash-prone states.

As previously stated, California has one of the highest numbers of ridesharing app drivers. Because of this, there may be an increased probability of an accident caused by such drivers. California Uber drivers spend more time on the road than other drivers, which may increase their risk of accidents. Driving for an extended period may cause drivers to lose ground or drive unsafely. Similarly, the number of evening travels has grown, raising the chance of an accident during this time.

Common Types Of Uber Accidents

There are several types of accidents and degrees of severity depending on the cause of the crash. While the reason helps determine who is at fault for the Uber accident, the types may help compute the settlement or compensation amount.

1. T-Bone Accidents — T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the sides of one or more cars collide, forming a ‘T’ shape. These types of collisions are common in intersection accidents and parking lot accidents.

   An Uber driver may make an illegal U-turn on the road to reach a location or passenger faster. However, doing so puts them and their car at risk of a T-bone collision. The impact velocity and force of the vehicles determine the amount of damage.

2. Single-Car Accidents — This type of accident does not involve two or more motor vehicles. Occasionally, an Uber vehicle may be involved in a single-car collision when it collides with an object. This could be a street lamp, a house wall, a pole, a fire hydrant, or even a tree.

   In these situations, there is considerable damage to the vehicle and property, but only the driver or passenger is at risk of getting injured. However, catastrophic injuries can occur if a single accident involves a car and another pedestrian or motorcyclist.

3. Sideswipe Accidents — In many cases, a sideswipe collision is a minor accident. Such incidents occur when two cars are parallel and “swipe” each other, causing damage to both vehicles. This Uber mishap does not result in significant injuries unless the driver drives carelessly and in a hurry. Side-impact collisions can happen when drivers are distracted by their phones, looking for their passengers, or rushing to a parking spot or location.
4. Hit-and-Run Accidents — Hit-and-run accidents are common. The driver exits the scene after colliding with another object or vehicle in this accident. Unless dashboard cameras or CCTVs film the accident, identifying the person or vehicle at fault can be difficult.

   If this happens to another Uber driver, the ridesharing business may be able to provide insurance to pay for the damages. However, it is dependent on the exact circumstances, and you may require the services of a ridesharing accident attorney for official legal counsel, evidence collection, and case building.

5. Rear-End Accidents — Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle collides with the back of another. This type of collision can cause significant damage to the car and injuries to the driver and passenger, such as whiplash.

   People often think the vehicle in the back is to blame, although this is not always true. The other party may be held accountable if the car in front abruptly stops when it should not. This type of incident might also happen for a variety of reasons. Seek the assistance of our experienced car accident lawyers to assess your case and determine your eligibility to pursue compensation.

What Should You Do In Case Of A Collision During A Rideshare?

With so much data available, it’s natural to have many questions regarding this service: Is it safe? Should you file a complaint if you are involved in an accident? Can you sue for compensation? Generally speaking, the answer to these three questions is “yes,” but your eligibility to file a lawsuit still depends on the facts of the accident.

Despite the concerning statistics, Uber services are among the safest modern transportation solutions. However, incidents might occur at times, just like in real life. In the event of a traffic accident, it is usually a good idea to have a basic understanding of what to do. Understanding how to proceed in a collision can be critical in pursuing proper compensation. Uber accident lawyers can provide guidance and recommendations about your possible options when you consult them.

Suppose you have an accident while using a ridesharing service or collide with one of these vehicles. Consider doing the following:

• Call 911 and ensure that everyone involved is safe, especially yourself.
• Call the cops to come to the accident scene and make a report.
• Gather evidence from the scene and look for possible witnesses.
• Exchange primary information with the other motorist.
• Contact a skilled Uber accident personal injury lawyer to manage your potential case.
• Once you’ve calmed down, notify Uber about the accident.

Consider consulting lawyers for rideshare accidents if you have suffered injuries and other losses. They can help you explore possible legal options based on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents

What Is The Risk Of Uber Accidents?

According to Uber’s 2019-2020 Safety Report, there are fewer driver fatalities in car accidents than passenger deaths, with one driver fatality reported for every 140 million rides.

What Is The Connection Between Uber And DUI?

While Uber drivers cause numerous incidents, Uber is not without its benefits. In fact, according to a recent study undertaken by Stonehill and Providence Colleges, ridesharing applications like Uber have reduced DUIs and accidents in general by 15% to 62%, depending on the area.

While other factors, such as reduced access to alcohol and stricter street monitoring, may have influenced these reductions in DUIs and accidents, ridesharing apps add another option besides public transportation for riders to get from one place to another safely.

According to the same Stonehill and Providence study, Uber’s app has resulted in a 16% reduction in traffic fatalities, saving up to 500 lives each year in DUI deaths nationwide.

Do Uber Drivers Get Assaulted, Too?

Passengers are not the only ones who get assaulted. According to Uber data, 42 percent of people who reported sexual assault were drivers. “Drivers are assaulted as much as passengers are,” Michael Bomberger, an attorney representing the women suing, told Vox.

Particular sorts of assault may be hazardous to passengers. Bomberger, for example, stated that he had heard from several riders who fell asleep in an Uber and awoke to discover a driver attacking them. According to Uber records, 92 percent of people who experienced sexual assault, including penetration, were passengers.

However, drivers, mainly the roughly 19 percent of Uber drivers, frequently report being grabbed by passengers, according to Bomberger. They also lack some safeguards for taxi drivers and other workers, such as barriers separating them from passengers, because they are independent contractors for gig-economy enterprises. In such cases, lawyers for Uber accidents can also represent these drivers in injury cases.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Driving For Uber?

While Uber opens an opportunity for people to generate a bit of a side income, there are some cons of being an Uber driver:

1. Increased driver competition.
2. The requirement to keep a vehicle that satisfies Uber’s requirements.
3. Possibility of obtaining unfavorable feedback.
4. Gas, maintenance, and insurance costs.
5. Uncertainty regarding each ride’s payment rate.

Uber Accident Settlements

One of the challenging aspects of being in a collision caused by an Uber driver is determining who will pay for your injuries. If you were hurt in an accident while riding as a passenger, driving, riding in another car, or as a pedestrian, you can file a claim against Uber. In some situations, you may be limited when pursuing compensation from the driver’s car insurance policy.

Under California law, Uber is required to provide primary insurance for its drivers. The limit on this insurance is $1 million, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with a $1 million limit. Because Uber is required to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, even if another driver was responsible for the crash, if they don’t have insurance or not enough to cover their losses, they will be covered under Uber’s policy. This insurance coverage starts when you enter the vehicle and ends when you leave it.

In addition, if an Uber driver has the app open and is waiting for a passenger, Uber must provide insurance coverage. This type of coverage has lower limits: $50,000 for death and personal injury per person, $100,000 for death and personal injury per incident, $200,000 in liability insurance for the driver, and $30,000 for property damage.

Finally, if a driver is not using the app and is on their own time, car insurance may be the only way to get reimbursed. A skilled attorney knowledgeable about Uber accident cases can work with you to seek damages for your injuries.

Seek Compensation For Your Losses With The Help Of Uber Accident Victim Lawyers

Have you or a family member been seriously injured in an Uber accident within the last 24 months? One of the recommended courses of action after securing your health and safety is filing a claim. Relying on the negligent party or their insurer to reimburse you may become a financial challenge later, especially when you get an inadequate initial settlement offer. A dedicated lawyer who focuses on Uber accidents can help you pursue appropriate compensation.

Trying to claim damages in the event of an Uber accident can be challenging in certain situations. Arash Law can provide legal support in these instances. Our California Uber accident attorneys will personally handle your claim, conduct a full investigation, and identify the potential liability for the ridesharing accident that caused your injuries. They can also research your possible compensation options.

Know Your Rights — Seek Legal Help At Arash Law

Being involved in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence can be a daunting experience. Not only must you deal with insurance companies, but your health can also be jeopardized. This is especially true if the collision results in catastrophic injury or death.

After reviewing Uber accident statistics, it is critical to use extreme caution. While you never know when or how a collision will occur, you can be prepared to take the necessary precautions to protect your bodily and mental well-being.

Our California personal injury law practice, with years of legal experience in the field, is committed to advocating for our clients’ rights. Arash Law’s accident lawyers work to pursue compensation for our clients. We can handle your case with diligence and knowledge so that you can focus more on your health and well-being.