Although Uber and other ride-hailing services are extremely popular, these apps may be putting passengers at risk for harassment and sexual assault.

The next time you reach for your phone to order a ride, you may want to know whether or not these app-based ride services are safer than ordering a traditional taxi.

Uber vs. taxi safety: A breakdown

Determining whether Uber vs. taxi is safer may be complicated and confusing for consumers who want to choose a safe ride-hailing company. However, there are many factors that may be weighed in order to determine the best fit for you. There are many differences between Uber drivers and taxi drivers, and these differences may affect the safety of passengers.

While some taxi drivers are employees and may be hired through a traditional interview process, almost anyone can drive for Uber. Taxi drivers who are employees are under the direction of their employers and are often subject to detailed background checks before being hired, but Uber drivers may not have undergone as rigorous a process.

Background checks

Although both taxi drivers and Uber drivers must complete background checks, these background checks may not be equal.

Indeed, though Uber maintains that its background checks exceed the requirements of local taxi companies. However, background check requirements vary in different local governments, so it is likely that Uber’s background checks are more stringent than regular taxi services only in cities with basic taxi regulations, like Seattle and Boston, according to a now-defunct Investopedia article.

While requirements for background checks for taxi drivers vary by city, generally, these drivers must not have any felony convictions or DUI charges. In some cities, taxi drivers are required to complete courses on defensive driving, watching videos on sex trafficking, and submit their fingerprints.

Although Uber and other app-based drivers are also required to undergo a background check, these checks are often completed through third-party services, rather than through the rideshare companies themselves. This outsourcing may lead to less rigorous background checks. In some cases, rideshare companies have hired drivers with criminal records or other red flags. Even when drivers have clean records, they may still have criminal intent. However, the Uber app does not allow passengers to request a driver of a particular gender.

Uber vs. taxi employment model

While taxi drivers are employees, Uber drivers are independent contractors. These workers are able to set their own hours, refuse to pick up certain rides, and use their own vehicles to pick up customers.

Although Uber drivers are required to allow their vehicle to be inspected before being hired by the rideshare company, use of a personal vehicle rather than a company-owned taxi cab may put passengers at risk of unexpected safety issues.

Differing insurance requirements

Another factor that may help consumers in their decision to hire Uber vs. taxi drivers may be insurance. Insurance requirements for drivers who work for rideshare companies are different than for taxi drivers. Uber drivers may be covered under their own insurance plans, as well as the company’s insurance policy.

Taxi drivers may only be covered by the minimum car insurance policy required by their state. While dealing with multiple insurance policies in the case of an incident with Uber may be lengthy and frustrating, the settlements through rideshare companies may be higher than what you may be able to recoup through a taxi company.

Rideshare sexual assault lawsuits

A growing number of people are turning to litigation over rideshare sexual assault.

In 2018, an investigation by CNN found that dozens of Uber drivers had been accused of sexually assaulting or abusing their passengers.

Following that investigation, in December 2019, Uber released a safety report, revealing that almost 6,000 incidents of sexual assault allegations were lodged with the company in 2017 and 2018 combined. Also reported in this time frame were 19 deaths due to physical assaults, as well as 107 fatalities from Uber-involved crashes. Both drivers and passengers were found to be victims of sexual assault.

Many of these survivors have filed lawsuits against Uber, claiming that the company did not take their claims seriously or failed to prevent them from being harassed or assaulted. While Uber does screen drivers for potential red flags, many of these victims believe that the company is not doing enough to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers.

Similar lawsuits have been filed against Lyft.

Filing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit

If you have been harassed or assaulted by an Uber driver, or a driver with another rideshare company, sometime in the last two years, you may be eligible to hire a qualified attorney to review your case. Victims of Uber or taxi driver assault may be able to recover compensation. Consulting a rideshare lawyer can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially in the wake of a traumatic event like assault, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney.

Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.