Lyft vs. Uber: Which Ridesharing App is Safer to Use?

Lyft and Uber are two of the most popular ridesharing applications today.

These breakthroughs in the digital world have paved the way for better means of transportation for more than a decade and are still widely accepted and patronized by most individuals today. If you are a casual user of ridesharing applications, you must have wondered which application is safer, Uber or Lyft.

These mobile applications drafted their safety standards and community guidelines to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers. However, complaints and rideshare accidents are still surfacing from time to time. 

Read further to learn about the differences between Uber and Lyft regarding their interface, safety, and other measures.

Which RideSharing App is Safer, Uber or Lyft?

When you use ridesharing mobile apps as a medium of transportation, you are putting your safety in the hands of these applications' drivers. This is why it is essential to determine the measures both parties take to ensure your safety. There are certain factors to consider when deciding which ridesharing application is safer. 

Interface

One of the factors passengers consider when choosing an application is how user-friendly it is. Uber and Lyft are both easy to use. However, specific differences make one better than the other in terms of interface. Refer to the table below to compare the interfaces of Uber and Lyft.

It is essential to check the real-time navigation for safety reasons. Unfortunately, there are instances where Lyft users encounter zooming and navigation issues. This gives the driver a difficult time finding the easiest and safest possible paths. 

Both applications attempt to provide an easy-to-use interface for drivers and passengers. However, some drivers may encounter problems such as navigation errors or difficulty driving due to solid lights at night that may cause rideshare accidents. 

In case these challenges happen to you, we recommend that you:

• Slow down and stop in a safe area.

• Use other navigation applications to help you reach your destination.

• Rest your eyes for at least a minute.

• Make sure that you are all set before driving.

Service

Lyft and Uber are widely used in the United States. The only difference is that Uber caters to 80 countries, while Lyft offers services in the United States and Canada. With the given areas covered by both, the number of drivers using the applications:

Both also offer various services depending on the number of passengers and vehicle options. With the number of drivers utilizing the applications, it is recommended that you verify your driver's personal information before riding the vehicle. 

Check if the following details correspond to the presented data of the driver booked:

• Photo of your driver

• Vehicle's make or brand

• Vehicle Model

• License plate number

Driver's Screening Process and Community Guidelines

Uber and Lyft have similar screening processes for their drivers. Both require:

• Driver's license

• Social Security Number

• Background check

• DMV Check

• Insurance

• Adherence to community guidelines

• Vehicle inspection

What is notable about Lyft and Uber is that both have set their own safety standards and community guidelines to ensure the safety of their passengers. However, there are still Uber and Lyft accidents recorded from previous years. 

Rideshare Accident Statistics 

Despite observing safety precautions and standards, Uber and Lyft accidents were still accounted for in previous years. The following are the rideshare accidents recorded:

Uber Accidents from 2019 to 2020

• 91 Uber-related car crashes

• 101 deaths from the said car crashes

Lyft did not disclose the number of car accidents related to their application in their first release of the Community Safety Report.

Total Rideshare Accidents

• A 3% increase in motor vehicle accidents related to ridesharing applications in 2019

What to Do When Involved in Ridesharing Accidents?

From the figures below, it is undeniable that ridesharing applications contribute to the number of car accidents and fatalities despite imposing safety measures. You should note the steps to take when involved in a rideshare car accident. 

If you find yourself in a rideshare-related car crash, do the following: 

If you are an Uber or Lyft driver:

• Slow down and stop the car as soon as you can.

• Move the vehicle to a safe location.

• Check if you and your passenger have injuries from the crash.

• Dial 911 immediately.

• Make an initial accident report.

• Exchange information with the passenger and other witnesses within the area.

• Gather evidence such as photos of the scene and testimony of witnesses.

• Cooperate with police enforcement.

• Check your rideshare's insurance policy.

If you are a passenger or pedestrian involved in a rideshare accident:

• Examine the scene and check if you are injured.

• Call 911 as soon as possible.

• Document available evidence, such as the driver's personal information and witness testimony.

• Report the accident to the police.

• Contact a lawyer for a car accident claim immediately. 

Can I Sue The Ridesharing App For An Accident?

In most cases, you may sue the ridesharing application when you are involved in a car accident while using the application. However, there are also certain limitations that you may face when dealing with rideshare accident claims, such as:

• Lack of evidence. You will need pieces of evidence to support your claim. Without evidence, ridesharing and insurance companies have the advantage of reducing compensation.

• Determining the party liable for the accident. In an Uber and Lyft accident lawsuit, you must identify who is responsible for the crash. This can be the driver, the ridesharing company, or a third party involved.  

• Bargaining of compensation. Large companies sometimes use their power to bargain and pressure you into getting less compensation than you deserve. 

You should contact the best lawyer for a car accident to help you avoid these challenges and build your case. Experts can help you gather relevant evidence, calculate the total compensation, and aid in having your life back after the incident.