Are California rideshare accident statistics accurate?
That simple question has a complicated answer. In fact, as the legal minds at Cohn & Swartzon will tell you, there are several myths surrounding rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft that the public largely is unaware of – including whether or not these apps actually make the roads safer.
Do Rideshare Platforms Make Roads Safer?
When rideshare services like Uber and Lyft first reached the public’s attention, they were touted as a more convenient option than traditional taxis and a safer way to get from place to place.
The benefits of convenience may be true, but research into overall accident trends shows mixed results on the latter point.
In fact, research published by the University of Chicago in 2019 found that the number of motor vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents has increased by roughly 3 percent since rideshare services became widely available. And even though correlation doesn’t necessarily imply causation, the idea that rideshare services have made roads safer is clearly a myth.
Are California Rideshare Accident Statistics Reliable?
A worrisome fact is that the California government agency responsible for tracking rideshare accidents hasn’t tracked safety incidents consistently for years, according to an April report from the San Francisco County Transportation Authority.
The report, which was shared by the San Francisco Public Press, showed that government supervisors failed to collect basic information about rideshare operations, including the number of accidents, assaults, and drunk driving complaints the platforms received.
In light of this information, it’s exceedingly likely that the number of rideshare accidents in California is higher than official reports would have you believe.
Rideshare Accident Settlements
Like any personal injury claim following a car accident, the amount of compensation in a rideshare accident will vary depending on the economic and non-economic damages the victim suffered. What makes rideshare accidents different, however, is the potential higher threshold of insurance coverage that California state law requires.
Since 2015, California has required all transportation network companies to carry:
- $1 million in liability coverage from the time a match is accepted until the passenger exits the vehicle
- $50,000 minimum for injury to a single person
- $100,000 minimum for injury to multiple persons
- $30,000 minimum for property damage
- Personal coverage when the rideshare app is not on
This enhanced coverage means that passengers, pedestrians, and other victims of accidents involving a rideshare vehicle may be able to secure more compensation than if the accident involved a driver using their personal car for personal reasons.
Cohn & Swartzon’s Approach to Rideshare Accidents
If you are suffering from injuries or damages because of a rideshare accident, you’ll need legal representation with a proven track record of successful negotiations and litigation against these companies, their insurance providers, and their assemblage of attorneys.
The Cohn & Swartzon team has the experience with rideshare accidents in California that you are looking for. Led by founding principals Jason Cohn and Saar Swartzon, our firm’s decades of combined legal experience includes years of working on the insurance companies’ behalf in these cases, so we know how they will respond to our claims – and how to come out on top for our clients.
“I would highly recommend Cohn & Swartzon to anyone seeking a fair settlement as a result of an auto accident. The Firm came highly recommended to me and I understand why. They took the time to explain what would happen, they aligned me with excellent medical care, and they were able to negotiate a fast and fair settlement for my injuries. Throughout the process, the entire Firm was professional and supportive.”
– M.S., Cohn & Swartzon Client
Although California rideshare accident statistics are increasingly murky, one thing is clear – if you’re in an accident with an Uber or Lyft, Cohn & Swartzon know how to help.
Set up a free consultation with Cohn & Swartzon now to learn more about legal options for rideshare accidents in Southern California.
