Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics

Posted on 02/10/23

in Lyft Accidents, Rideshare Accidents, Uber Accidents

Uber and Lyft have changed the way people get around in their own local communities and while traveling since the apps first launched in the last decade. With the start of Uber in 2009 and Lyft in 2012, both apps have enjoyed explosive growth while distancing themselves from liability by maintaining their status as simple app services connecting passengers to drivers who are independent contractors. While studies estimate that these rideshare vehicles save hundreds of lives saved annually by transporting intoxicated passengers who would otherwise drive, the popular rideshare apps have also caused a rise in traffic accidents nationwide. Since 2010, Uber and Lyft have made over 100 billion trips transporting passengers to their destinations. But do these numbers correlate with a rise in traffic accidents and fatalities?

Total Crash Numbers Rise With Rideshares

Uber employed almost 4 million contracted drivers in 2021 in 600 cities globally. Over 1.4 million drivers were under contract by the Lyft service in the same year. Today, nearly 25% of contracted drivers in the U.S. work for both rideshare services. 

There is no denying that Uber and Lyft services offer numerous benefits for transportation. Over 91 million passengers use the Uber app each month. But because fewer passengers use large-capacity public transportation vehicles and instead choose the convenience and privacy of rideshare vehicles, the nation’s roadways have increased traffic congestion, inevitably leading to more accidents. Even when not actively transporting passengers or on their way to pickup locations, Uber and Lyft drivers often cruise the streets while waiting for passengers to engage the app. With an estimated 43 rides per second in the US, swelling traffic numbers and congested roadways result in increased accidents according to the following statistics:

  • Between 2010 when rideshare apps were just beginning, and 2016 when their popularity was well underway, traffic accident fatalities increased by over 37,400 deaths
  • A study from the University of Chicago found nearly 1,000 traffic deaths per day have been linked to congested traffic exacerbated by rideshare drivers
  • Uber vehicles were directly involved in 97 crashes with fatalities between 2017 and 2018
  • 21% of the fatally injured victims in that year were passengers and 21% were drivers
  • 58% of the crash fatalities in that year were third-party drivers and passengers

Studies and statistics inarguably indicate that Uber and Lyft have increased traffic congestion on the roads, which directly correlates with increased accidents and fatalities, including vehicle, bike, and pedestrian accidents. Overall, accident rates have increased by 3% since Uber and Lyft have become widely popular.

Common Uber and Lyft Accident Causes in Florida

Uber alone adds nearly a billion dollars to Florida’s gross domestic product. Over 27% of Florida’s tourists reported using Uber to reach attractions and restaurants that they wouldn’t have been able to access otherwise.

While Uber and Lyft are valuable assets for Florida’s essential tourism industry, traffic accident increases on Florida roadways are likely associated with the increased traffic congestion caused by the rideshare vehicles. The most common causes of accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers in Florida include the following:

  • Distracted driving—Uber and Lyft drivers must frequently check apps on their cellphones while on the move
  • Drunk driving—while some accidents have been caused by drunk Uber drivers, in many cases, Uber and Lyft vehicles have collisions with other cars driven by drunk drivers, since a significant portion of their business is transporting people from downtown bar and pub locations in tourist destinations
  • Speeding—Uber and Lyft drivers may be more likely to speed to pick up passengers in a timely manner and to increase the overall number of rides they log per shift
  • Drowsy driving—many rideshare drivers work full-time jobs and then drive for Uber and/or Lyft during their off hours for extra income, leading to driver fatigue

Uber and Lyft require their contracted drivers to carry specific insurance policies to compensate victims injured in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Injured vict10ims may recover up to $ 1 million for damages. A Florida Uber accident attorney can help explain your rights and the obligations of Uber after an accident, while a Florida Lyft accident lawyer specializes in the rights and obligations of Lyft.