As rideshare companies become more popular, so do accidents involving drivers, passengers, and pedestrians with Uber and Lyft vehicles. These accidents can range from simple fender benders to serious collisions, and studies suggest that ridesharing accidents cost an estimated $10 billion in economic losses from deaths each year.
If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. As a Columbus rideshare accident attorney, Callinan & Wisecup works with individuals and families who have been impacted by these accidents to help them get the compensation they deserve.
Understanding the Statistics Behind Lyft & Uber Accidents
The statistics on Lyft and Uber accidents are detailed in the companies’ respective safety reports. However, as you will see, the data is far from comprehensive.
Uber Accidents
In its 2019-2020 US Safety Report, Uber reported 101 motor vehicle fatalities across 91 fatal Uber-related crashes. This number translates to 0.000005 percent of all Uber rides, meaning one in 20,000,000 trips. These fatalities include drivers, passengers, and third parties, such as pedestrians.
However, this data only accounts for fatalities, not injuries, meaning the exact number of people injured in Uber-related crashes is unknown.
Lyft Accidents
In its most recent Community Safety Report, Lyft says that safety incidents occurred in .0002 percent of all rides, which includes fatalities as well as physical and sexual assault.
Like Uber, this report and data do not include information about crashes that did not result in fatalities, so the number of people injured in Lyft-related accidents is unknown.
Health Impacts of Being Involved in a Crash
Vehicle accidents can result in whiplash, head injuries, neck and back injuries, soft tissue injuries, and broken bones, all of which can result in the inability to work and impact your quality of life, not to mention expensive medical bills. More severe accidents can result in significant trauma that can result in chronic pain, compromised mobility, and the need for ongoing medical care.
Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents
There are a few common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents, including:
- Cell phone distraction. Since rideshare companies rely on GPS technology to connect drivers and passengers, Uber and Lyft drivers must monitor their cell phones or devices closely to locate passengers for pick-up. This distraction is associated with a higher crash risk for rideshare drivers than for non-rideshare drivers.
- More cars, more accidents. Since ridesharing apps were introduced, more cars have been on the road, which means a higher potential for accidents. Research shows that app-based driving services account for an annual 3 percent increase in traffic-related fatalities–about 987 people every year.
- Fatigue and health issues. Many Uber and Lyft drivers work other jobs, which increases their risk of fatigue during ridesharing hours. In addition, Uber and Lyft have high limits on how long drivers can work before they are required to rest–drivers can work for up to 12 hours without interruption. This means your driver may have been driving for a long time before they picked you up. Finally, these drivers are not screened for health issues that could impact their driving, such as epilepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and dementia.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you are in an Uber or Lyft accident, there are a few essential things you should do to protect yourself.
First, never leave the scene of an accident until you can determine whether you have been injured and the accident has been reported to the police. You should also ask responding officers for a copy of the traffic accident report.
Get the contact information of the other drivers or pedestrians involved in the accident. It’s also important to find witnesses and get their contact information. Before leaving the scene, contact your insurance company to report the accident, but do not speak with an adjuster.
Take photos of the accident scene and, if possible, any injuries you may have. However, refrain from sharing these photos on social media until your claim has been resolved.
Next, contact a Columbus rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. When you contact Callinan & Wisecup, we respond immediately to collect evidence and start building your case.
While recovering from the accident, keep careful documentation of all medical visits and follow your doctor’s orders for healing.
How We Support You as a Columbus Rideshare Accident Attorney
Callinan & Wisecup supports clients who have been involved in Uber- or Lyft-related accidents when seeking damages for medical expenses, inability to work, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death lawsuits if you have lost a loved one in the accident.
Our team collects crucial evidence to build your case, talks to any witnesses, and carefully reviews driver dashcam and cell phone data. We can also work with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure your claim is not dismissed.
We have over 15 years of experience in personal injury law and can help you navigate the legal process so you can focus on your recovery after a traumatic accident.
Talk With an Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney About Your Case
Whether you are a driver who got into an accident with a Lyft or Uber vehicle, a pedestrian who was hit by one, or an injured passenger, contact Callinan & Wisecup today to schedule a free review of your case. As a Columbus rideshare accident attorney, we are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve when your life has been impacted by such an accident.