What’s Safer: An Uber or a Taxi?
The Risks of Being Involved in an Accident While Riding in an Uber or Taxi
New Yorkers now have more transportation options than ever, but at what cost? The meteoric rise of ridesharing companies and app-based driving services has changed the way people move around. At the same time, many people wonder which option is safer – an Uber or a traditional taxi?
At Denlea & Carton, we represent individuals who have sustained injuries in Uber or taxi accidents. Our skilled legal team has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims throughout New York and will work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation available for your damages. If you were injured in an Uber or taxi accident, contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free consultation.
Car Accidents on the Rise After Introduction of Rideshare Services
As the use of rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft increased nationwide, so did the number of motor vehicle fatalities. According to a study by the University of Chicago, traffic-related deaths have increased by about 3% each year since the introduction of the services.
The rise in fatal accidents, and crashes, in general, is not necessarily attributable to the rideshare industry being less safe, but to the fact that there are more cars on the road. More congestion tends to lead to more car accidents.
Taxicab Accidents in New York
The iconic yellow taxi cabs are far from immune from devastating accidents. Despite accounting for fewer passenger pickups, taxis are still involved in hundreds of accidents each year. In some cases, the accidents have proved fatal.
For-Hire Vehicle Accidents
The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) regulates most for-hire transportation services in the city. As noted in their 2020 Factbook, for-hire vehicles (including taxis and rideshare drivers) were involved in over 800 injury crashes per month during 2019.
In 2019, the agency made headlines after moving forward with strict regulations against rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. In a landmark move, the Taxi and Limousine Commission extended a cap on the number of licenses that would be issued for for-hire vehicles and limited the amount of time drivers could be on the road without a passenger.
Pandemic-related slowdowns, increased costs, and a subsequent shortage of drivers further hurt the rideshare market, resulting in a resurgence in the use of yellow taxi cabs. Bloomberg notes that there was an 800% increase in daily taxi trips in April 2021 compared to the previous year.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident
The truth is that both taxis and Ubers (like all automobiles) carry a degree of risk. Any vehicle can be involved in an accident, and any accident can be severe. If you are involved in an accident as a passenger of an Uber or taxi, you need legal representation to get the compensation you deserve.
Hundreds of people are injured while riding in a for-hire vehicle. Do not dismiss your injuries or other damages related to the accident. Get the help you need to fully recover from the crash by calling our White Plains car accident lawyers at Denlea & Carton.
Contact Denlea & Carton for More
Were you or a loved one injured while riding in an Uber or taxicab? Contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our experienced legal team help you understand your rights and responsibilities after an accident. Get more with Denlea & Carton. Call today at (914) 368-7168.
