Tyler Gross | June 18, 2025 | Personal Injury
The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber has significantly changed the transportation landscape. For many people, Uber offers a convenient, reliable, and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis.
However, when it comes to safety, people often wonder whether Uber is truly safer than taxis. The answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on several factors, including driver vetting processes, insurance coverage, and the behavior of the passengers and drivers.
This article explores the question of whether Uber is truly safer than taxis from a legal and safety perspective under Florida law, with a particular focus on Uber accidents and their legal implications.
Uber vs. Taxis: Comparing Safety Features
When comparing Uber and taxis, it’s important to look at the different safety features each service offers. Below are some key differences that may affect your safety when choosing between an Uber ride and a traditional taxi.
Uber
When it comes to driver screening, Uber performs background checks on drivers. This includes criminal history and driving record checks. However, there have been concerns about the thoroughness of these checks. In particular, some concerns have been raised with regard to criminal offenses such as assault or driving under the influence.
Taxis
Taxi companies typically conduct background checks on their drivers for driver vetting as well. However, the consistency and depth of these checks can vary from one taxi company to another. There is less uniformity in the industry than Uber.
While both Uber and taxi companies conduct background checks, Uber’s process may offer more transparency by providing passengers with driver details. For instance, passengers can access driver photos and vehicle information via the Uber app.
However, the rigor of Uber’s background checks has been scrutinized in the past.
Insurance Coverage: Who’s Responsible in an Accident?
When it comes to accidents involving Ubers or taxis, the question of insurance coverage is critical. Both Uber and taxi services are required to carry specific insurance, but there are key differences in how they handle claims.
Uber
Uber’s insurance policy varies depending on whether the driver is logged into the app and actively driving. Uber’s coverage includes:
- When the driver is offline: The driver’s personal insurance is typically responsible.
- When the driver is online but waiting for a ride request: Uber provides limited coverage for accidents.
- When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is driving a passenger: Uber provides comprehensive insurance coverage that includes liability, injury protection, and more.
In the event of an accident, passengers may have a more difficult time accessing Uber’s insurance coverage. This is especially true if the driver’s personal insurance is involved during the waiting period.
Taxis
Taxis are required by law to carry commercial insurance that covers accidents during the entire ride. This is required regardless of whether the passenger is in the vehicle or not. This coverage generally includes liability insurance and can offer more comprehensive protection than Uber’s insurance policies during certain stages of the ride.
In both cases, insurance claims can be complicated. Determining liability can involve several parties, including the driver, the transportation company, and the insurance providers. It’s crucial to have experienced legal representation in the event of an accident.
Accident Rates: Which Is Safer?
While Uber and taxis both have their share of accidents, the question of which service is statistically safer is more nuanced. Several factors can contribute to the safety of a ride.
Uber
Uber has reported that the rate of accidents involving their drivers is lower than that of traditional taxis. However, some studies suggest that ride-sharing services, including Uber, are associated with an overall increase in traffic accidents. This is potentially due to increased congestion and changes in driver behavior.
Taxis
Taxis have been in operation for much longer, and there is a wealth of data available about their safety record. While taxis are generally considered safe, studies indicate that taxi drivers may engage in riskier driving behaviors. Due to their need to complete as many fares as possible, some taxi drivers may engage in behavior like speeding or failing to yield the right-of-way.
Both Uber and taxis have their own set of risks. Overall, accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Contributing factors include driver behavior, road conditions, and external circumstances. It’s important to remember that ride-sharing services like Uber are relatively new, and as such, there may be evolving data and studies on their safety record.
What Should You Do After an Uber or Taxi Accident in Florida?
If you’re involved in an accident while riding in an Uber or taxi in Florida, it’s important to understand the legal steps you should take.
- Ensure safety: If you’re injured, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and injuries. If possible, gather witness statements and contact information.
- Report the incident: For Uber, report the incident through the app, which automatically contacts the company. For taxis, you should report the accident directly to the taxi company as well as law enforcement.
Uber and taxi companies have different liability structures, but both can be held accountable for injuries sustained in an accident.
In the event of an Uber accident, you may need to pursue claims against the driver’s personal insurance, Uber’s insurance, or both. Taxi accidents generally involve the taxi company’s commercial insurance. However, disputes may arise regarding the driver’s behavior or negligence.
In both Uber and taxi accident cases, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney. Your lawyer will help you determine your rights and the best course of action.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Uber or Taxi Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in a ride-sharing or taxi accident in Florida, a personal injury lawyer can help. Many attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case. An experienced legal professional can guide you through the claims process, advocate on your behalf, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
For help, reach out to Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers as soon as possible.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in North Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have five convenient locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, and Mary Esther.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Pensacola Office
803 N Palafox St
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Navarre, FL 32566
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Crestview, FL 32536
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