How Common are Lyft & Uber Accidents?

According to Forbes, there were 6.9 billion Uber trips in 2019. Lyft, with 32% of the rideshare market, reported 48 million riders. As the number of rideshare trips has increased, so have Lyft and Uber accidents, many of which result in severe or catastrophic injuries – even fatalities.

In 2018, there were approximately 97 fatal crashes due to Uber vehicles, leading to 107 total deaths. About 21% of those victims were riders, 21% were drivers, and 58% were third-party drivers and passengers in other cars.

Accidents occur equally across weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. However, accidents at drop-off and pickup points are becoming more common.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Because rideshare drivers are just like any other driver, they are susceptible to the same errors, which lead to wrecks.

The most common causes of rideshare accidents are:

  • Driver error
  • Distracted driving
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Speeding
  • Inexperience
  • Language barriers (misunderstanding road signs or directions)
  • Unfamiliarity with the area
  • Driving while drowsy
  • Failure to obey traffic signals or signs
  • Failure to follow the rules of the road
  • Dangerous weather conditions

Liability in Rideshare Accidents

Both Uber and Lyft have $1 million in liability coverage for their drivers. However, whether you may be entitled to that insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Uber and Lyft Passengers

Suppose you were an Uber or Lyft passenger, and your rideshare driver got into an accident due to their negligence. In that case, you should be able to access Uber or Lyft’s liability coverage as well as the driver’s coverage.

If your rideshare driver were struck because of another driver’s actions, the claim would progress like any other car accident.

Uber and Lyft cover their drivers during a ride and at pick up and drop off. However, if the ride ended and you are walking down the street, and then an Uber or Lyft driver hits you, the company may not cover your injuries. You may only be entitled to the driver’s liability insurance.

What if an Uber or Lyft Hits You?

If you are driving your car and a rideshare driver hits you, you may get money from the driver and the company. If the rideshare driver actively participated in a ride, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies would apply. However, if they were “off the clock,” you can only recover from the driver’s insurance.

Compensation in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber often have substantial insurance policy limits, as much as $1 million. In addition to this, the driver will have their liability insurance.

If another vehicle were involved in the wreck, that driver would likely have insurance as well. Depending upon the circumstances, it may be possible to collect compensation from all of the parties involved.

The damages you can recover include your:

Contact a Lyft & Uber Accident Attorney in Lancaster County, PA

If you or a loved one is injured in a rideshare wreck, you need an aggressive attorney on your side. Uber and Lyft will do everything they can to limit how much money they have to pay you. Let us get started on your case and make sure you get the maximum amount possible.

Call Atlee Hall today at (717) 393-9596 or use our online contact form to reach out for a free consultation.