Rideshare Accident Statistics In Philadelphia [2024]

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized urban transportation, offering convenient alternatives to traditional taxis. However, as these services have grown in popularity, so too have concerns about their safety, particularly regarding accident rates. 

Accident Data

Both Uber and Lyft have been reluctant to disclose comprehensive accident data, which complicates efforts to compare their safety records directly. However, Uber’s safety reports from 2019 and 2021 along with Lyft’s safety report from 2021 provide some insights. Uber’s 2019 safety report revealed that there were 208 fatalities in Uber-related accidents across the U.S. from 2017 to 2018. Lyft’s report, covering the same period, indicated 105 fatalities.

When comparing fatality rates per 100 million miles traveled, Uber reported a rate of 0.59 in 2017 and 0.57 in 2018. Lyft, on the other hand, had higher rates of 0.78 in 2017 and 0.72 in 2018. Despite these figures, both companies’ fatality rates are lower than the national average for all vehicles.

Local Impact

In Philadelphia, the influx of rideshare vehicles has had a noticeable impact on traffic patterns and safety. According to a study by the University of Chicago and Rice University, cities with rideshare services have experienced a roughly 3% annual increase in traffic fatalities, including pedestrian deaths. This rise can be attributed to increased vehicle miles traveled and the challenges associated with integrating a large number of rideshare vehicles into urban traffic systems.

Most Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Several factors often contribute to rideshare accidents:

• Driver Fatigue and Distraction: Many rideshare drivers work long hours and may also drive for both Uber and Lyft simultaneously, leading to fatigue. Additionally, reliance on app navigation can cause distractions.
• Vehicle Condition and Maintenance: Rideshare vehicles are required to meet specific standards, but the frequency of use can lead to wear and tear, increasing the risk of mechanical failures.
• Passenger Behavior: Passengers play a role in ensuring their safety by wearing seat belts and avoiding distracting the driver.

How are Drivers Chosen?

Both Uber and Lyft have implemented various safety measures to mitigate risks, including:

• Driver Screening: Prospective drivers undergo background checks. Additionally, there is continuous monitoring and driving and criminal record checks each year. 
• In-App Safety Features: Features like GPS tracking, emergency buttons, and ride-sharing options with trusted contacts enhance passenger safety.

Both companies continuously update their safety protocols and technologies in response to new data and incidents. However, drivers as young as 25 are hired with only one year of driving experience and there is no mandatory drug testing.  

How Does Rideshare Accident Liability Work?

Liability can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the rideshare company, the driver, and potentially other drivers.

Driver’s Personal Insurance

If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and is driving their vehicle for personal use, their personal auto insurance typically applies. Pennsylvania requires rideshare drivers to carry at least $500,000 in liability coverage and $25,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage.   

Rideshare Company’s Insurance

When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, both Uber and Lyft The rideshare company must provide liability insurance of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Active Ride Period

Once the driver accepts a ride and while a passenger is in the car, rideshare companies provide more comprehensive coverage. This includes $1 million in third-party liability for injuries and property damage, as well as contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for the driver’s vehicle, assuming the driver has their own collision coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Both Uber and Lyft also offer coverage if another driver, who is at fault, has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all.

Contact A Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured from an Uber or Lyft driver, contact a Philadelphia rideshare accident attorney today from Rosenbaum Injury Law. We can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation that you deserve,