Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Their convenience and affordability make them an attractive alternative to traditional taxis for many people. However, the rise of ridesharing has also raised questions about safety, particularly around the frequency of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how often Uber accidents happen in the state of Illinois.
Overview of Uber’s Presence in Illinois
Uber first launched in Illinois in 2011 and has expanded significantly across the state in the years since. As of 2023, Uber operates in major metro areas like Chicago and Springfield as well as many mid-sized cities and suburbs. According to recent estimates, there are over 50,000 active Uber drivers across Illinois, making it one of the company’s largest markets in the Midwest. This widespread Uber presence means that Illinois accident and safety data provides useful insights into the risks associated with ridesharing statewide.
Accident Statistics for Uber in Illinois
Uber’s arrival in Illinois has been controversial, with concerns raised about the safety of ridesharing. Information on the number of accidents involving Uber vehicles across the state is limited. However, reports from Chicago indicate that Uber cars get into collisions more often than traditional cars when mileage is accounted for. Possible reasons cited for Uber’s higher accident rate include drivers who are less experienced with the rigors of urban driving. There are also worries that drivers may become distracted while using the Uber app to locate passengers and drive at the same time. Without comprehensive accident data, the true safety record of Uber in Illinois remains unclear. But the anecdotes from Chicago suggest there are grounds for concern about the service putting more accident-prone cars on the road.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
While Uber does not share detailed information on the causes of accidents involving its vehicles, lawyers who work on rideshare cases note some patterns. Based on their experience, the most common causes of Uber crashes in Illinois include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers distracted by the Uber app, passengers, or cell phones.
- Fatigued driving – Long shifts can lead to drowsy driving.
- Poor driver screening – Negligent hiring and lack of sufficient driver oversight.
- High speeds – Drivers speeding to pick up passengers or meet quota minimums.
- Drug/alcohol impairment – Uber lacks rigorous safeguards against intoxicated drivers.
These risk factors appear to be backed up by the higher accident rate for Uber compared to taxis, which have stricter oversight of drivers.
If you have been injured in an Uber accident in Illinois, don’t delay in seeking experienced legal help. At Monge & Associates, our team of personal injury attorneys has a proven track record of getting maximum compensation for rideshare accident victims. With 32 offices across 19 states, including locations in Illinois, Colorado, Tennessee, and Georgia, we have the resources and expertise to handle Uber injury claims statewide. Our Chicago office provides dedicated support for injured Uber passengers and drivers throughout Illinois.
Don’t wait – call Monge & Associates today at (888) 477-0597 for your free consultation if you or a loved one has been hurt in an Uber crash. Our attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.