The popularity of rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, has grown exponentially over the last decade. While some professionals use these services to drive to and from work, rideshare is still a common choice for those with access to vehicles due to its convenience and low cost.

Between 2014 to 2019, the amount of annual Uber trips exploded from 140 million to 6.9 billion, but this meteoric rise also gave way to more rideshare accidents and accident-related deaths.

Getting Compensation After a Rideshare Vehicle Accident

While taking an Uber to work or back home after a fun night out is a fantastic way to stay safe during your commute, there’s also a chance you’ll get into an accident. You’re not in control of the vehicle, and there’s no guarantee your driver is competent, or the car is maintained. 

Or, even worse, your driver could be impaired without your knowledge. Unfortunately, most rideshare companies have lax hiring requirements, so you could be driven by literally anyone.

If you got injured in a rideshare-related accident, you have the right to pursue compensation with the help of a local lawyer or car accident lawyers who specialize in car accident cases.  For example, Buckhead Law Saxton Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can set you up with an experienced Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer who can help you.

How Common are Rideshare Accidents? 

A 2019 report by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business included an in-depth analysis of the increase in rideshare accidents after the rise of rideshare apps. The study concluded that services like Lyft and Uber led to a 3% increase overall in car accident fatalities.

But they didn’t get this figure from rideshare websites, as this information isn’t available. The study analyzed the overall number of vehicle accidents next to preferred transportation methods and traffic volume. They also compared accident reports for specific cities and jurisdictions.

The University of Chicago study also revealed some other troubling statistics:

• Approximately 1,000 car accident deaths are due to increased rideshare traffic 
• Between 2017 to 2018, rideshare vehicles were the cause of 97 fatal crashes
• Of the 97 crashes, 107 deaths were reported (including children passengers)
• Of these victims, 21% were rideshare riders, and another 21% were drivers
• The last 58% were pedestrians, other drivers, or other passengers

It’s clear that the increased popularity of rideshare apps has made the roads more dangerous.

We know this by comparing The University of Chicago data with other accident reports:

• By 2010, roadway accident deaths were at an all-time low since 1949.
• By 2016 (the mass adoption of rideshare), roadway accident deaths jumped from 32,900 to 37,400. That’s a 13.6% increase in less than a decade, thanks to rideshare apps.
• Rideshare accidents are increasing over time, not decreasing, despite measures Uber and Lyft have implemented to hire more qualified or safer rideshare drivers.
• Fortunately, accident rates are steady during weekend days and nights.
• It’s very common for accidents to occur at pick-up or drop-off points. This is usually because the driver is speeding or the passenger jumps out or hides in a blind spot.

The University of Chicago study assumes that the increase in accidents is also due to fatigue. Rideshare drivers often have full-time jobs or work long hours to make a decent wage. They also won’t wait in one place to collect drivers, as a moving vehicle is more attractive to riders.

Finally, people who use rideshare in the city are more likely to be victims of accidents than rural rideshare users. This is due to the abundance of drivers on the road and increased distractions.