Is Uber Safer Than Taxis?

Ty Robinson | July 1, 2025 | Car Accidents

When it comes to transportation, safety is a top priority. Many people rely on either traditional taxi services or modern rideshare platforms like Uber to get from one place to another. But which one offers a safer ride?

Is Uber truly safer than taxis? Or, is this just a perception based on convenience and technology? If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber or taxi, this article will help you understand your rights.

Keep reading to learn the key safety features of both Uber and taxis, what you should look out for when choosing a ride, and how a personal injury lawyer might help if you’re involved in an accident.

The Safety Features of Uber vs. Taxis

When comparing Uber and traditional taxis, there are several safety features that make ridesharing services stand out. Here’s a breakdown of the key safety features of both options:

Uber’s Safety Features

Uber’s safety features include:

Real-time GPS tracking: Every ride with Uber is tracked from start to finish. This allows riders to share their trip details with family or friends.
In-app emergency button: Uber riders and drivers have direct access to emergency services with the push of a button within the app.
Driver background checks: Uber conducts comprehensive background checks, including criminal history and driving record checks, for all drivers.
Driver and rider ratings: Both drivers and riders can rate each other, encouraging safe driving and accountability.
Insurance coverage: Uber provides insurance coverage during the ride. This ensures that you’re covered in case of an accident.

These features aim to protect passenger safety.

Taxi Safety Features

Some safety features of taxis include:

Government regulations: Taxi drivers are regulated by local authorities, with strict requirements for vehicle inspections and driver background checks.
Security cameras: Many taxis are equipped with security cameras to monitor interactions between drivers and passengers.
Driver identification: Taxis are required to display driver identification clearly. This allows passengers to know who they’re riding with.
Licensed and trained drivers: Taxi drivers undergo professional training and licensing and must adhere to local regulations for operation.

Both Uber and taxi services offer multiple safety features to provide passengers with confidence and assurances for their experience. There may be subtle differences between the safety features and technology for each service, but both Uber and taxis are regulated ride services.

Are Uber Drivers More Likely To Be Involved in Accidents?

Many people wonder whether Uber drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than taxi drivers or other motorists. Research on this topic is still ongoing, but several studies suggest that Uber drivers are not necessarily more negligent than traditional taxi drivers.

Here are a few things to consider:

Safety training: Uber drivers undergo background checks and safety training before they can drive for the platform. However, taxi drivers also receive professional training and licensing before they’re allowed to operate.
Driving hours: Uber drivers may spend longer hours on the road due to the flexible nature of rideshare driving. This could potentially increase their risk of accidents compared to traditional taxi drivers.
Driver accountability: Uber’s rating system encourages drivers to maintain good behavior on the road. This may reduce the likelihood of accidents.

In general, both Uber and taxi drivers are held to certain standards, but Uber’s technology-driven approach provides additional layers of safety for passengers.

What To Do if You’re Involved in an Uber or Taxi Accident in South Carolina

If you’re involved in a car accident involving Uber or a taxi in South Carolina, it’s essential to take the following steps:

Ensure safety: First and foremost, check for injuries and ensure that everyone involved is safe.
Report the accident: Contact law enforcement to file a report. This is crucial for documenting the incident and any potential liability.
Collect evidence: Gather contact details, insurance information, and any other relevant information from the driver, passengers, and witnesses.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries, especially soft tissue damage.
Contact a lawyer: Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Following the steps outlined above can give you the best chance of success in your case after an accident. Whether you are involved in an accident with an Uber or a taxi, the proper post-accident steps remain largely the same.

How Does Rideshare Insurance Work in South Carolina?

When it comes to Uber or taxi accidents in South Carolina, insurance coverage is a key issue. When liability is clear and established, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. When the taxi driver is responsible, you may seek compensation from the taxi company. If an Uber driver caused your accident, the insurance claims process may be more complicated.

Uber provides coverage in three distinct phases:

App off: When the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance covers any accidents.
App on, no ride: When the app is on, but no ride is accepted, Uber provides liability coverage of up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person and $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
App on, ride accepted: Once a ride is accepted, Uber provides full coverage for injuries and damages, with a $1 million liability policy.

Depending on the party responsible for your accident, you may be able to seek compensation from applicable insurance. For taxi accidents, the coverage limits will vary depending on the taxi company’s insurance policy.

For Uber accidents, coverage limits will vary based on whether the Uber driver has accepted a ride or is off-duty.

Contact Our Charleston Car Accident At Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm Today

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an Uber or a taxi in South Carolina, don’t navigate the aftermath alone.

If you were injured in an accident in Charleston, South Carolina, and need legal help, contact our Charleston car accident lawyer at Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 278-2222