Fatal Traffic Accidents and Ride Hailing Services

Business Insider revealed that a recent study links ride hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, to an increase in traffic-related fatalities. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago, examined data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) from large cities and compared those findings to Uber and Lyft data. The results indicate that there is an overall fatal accident increase of about two to three percent since 2010, which marks the beginning of the rideshare boom.

However, the study does not imply that ride hailing drivers are the ones causing accidents. Instead, the findings suggest that due to the convenience of these services, more vehicles are on the road.

Conflicting Data

Uber and Lyft disagree with the findings and feel the study is inherently flawed. In fact, some argue that the increase in accidents could be due to other trends that have occurred during this time period, including:

• Lower gas prices, which allow more people to be mobile
• Texting and using electronic devices while driving
• Economic growth allowing people to purchase more vehicles

Uber and Lyft both claim that they are taking the responsibility to keep the public safe very seriously. In fact, another study compared the number of drunk driving arrests before and after Uber’s launch, in 10 cities, including Chicago. That study found an 18 percent decrease in drunk driving charges in Chicago from 2009 to 2016.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in 2016 alone, 10,497 people were fatally injured in the United States due to alcohol-related accidents. Uber, Lyft, and other ride hailing services ultimately take these drivers off the road to save lives.

Being Involved in a Ride Hailing Accident

Accidents happen and when an accident occurs involving a ride sharing vehicle, passengers should make sure to contact an Edwardsville car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer understands that struggling with devastating injuries while trying to handle large rideshare companies and insurance agencies can be overwhelming.

Although an attorney can expertly handle the details of a car accident case, those who find themselves involved in a ride share accident should keep the following tips in mind:

• Take note of the road conditions, time of day, and other relative information.
• Obtain the ride share driver’s information as well as the driver of the other vehicle’s name, address, and phone number.
• Although ride share companies have their own insurance coverage, get the insurance information of the ride hailing driver.
• Obtain the registration number, make, model, and license plate numbers of any cars involved.
• Obtain the contact information for any witnesses.
• If possible, take pictures of injuries or vehicle damage.

Edwardsville Car Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Protect Those Injured in Ride Hailing Accidents

If you have been injured in a ride hailing accident or another motor vehicle accident, the experienced Edwardsville car accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC are ready to assist you. Our attorneys can handle insurance companies, guide you through the legal process, and identify the types of compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today at 618-277-3644 or contact us online to schedule a free, initial consultation. With our office conveniently located in Swansea, Illinois, we proudly serve clients in Edwardsville, St. Clair County, and Belleville.