Is It Safe To Take an Uber in Orlando?

Rideshare apps have absolutely taken over public transportation, especially in major cities, but many still want to know—is Uber safe in Orlando? With its sunny weather and booming tourism industry, Orlando is a top destination, making it rife with rideshare usage. While Uber is convenient and accessible, safety concerns regarding accidents and personal safety arise.

Though Uber reports that the vast majority of trips conclude without any issues, accidents and incidents do occur. If you want to be aware of the dangers and know what to do in case of an unfortunate event, we’d like to help.

Is Uber safe in Orlando? Let’s explore the facts and what steps you should take should you find yourself or a loved one involved in an Uber accident.

If you have more questions, call (407) 712-7300 today to schedule a FREE consultation with one of the Orlando rideshare accident attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright. We can evaluate your claim to ensure your rights are protected while you pursue just compensation.

Is Uber Safe in Orlando?

Ridesharing quickly became one of the most popular ways to get around any major city, including Orlando. Uber reported that 99.9% of Uber trips from 2021–2022 concluded without any safety incidents. While that is all well and good, devastating accidents and assaults still occurred, and not a one of them was warranted.

According to Uber’s own data, there were 153 motor vehicle accident-related fatalities, 36 physical assault-related deaths, and 2,717 sexual assault or misconduct-related incidents from 2021-2022. Each one of those “incidents” represents a life that was forever changed in an instant. Though we may be able to say that Uber is generally safe, we also need to think about how to help the individuals affected by the tragedies suffered.

Additionally, while Uber is forthcoming with their car accident fatality statistics, they do not provide information on injuries suffered in non-fatal incidents. That could mean thousands more are hurt and in need of compensation for their losses.

If we evaluate the data provided by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the ratio of fatalities in Florida from 2021–2022 (7,294) to total codeable crashes over the same period (799,160) comes to a little less than 1%.

Assuming a similar ratio exists for Uber-related fatalities and crashes, there might have been around 17,000 total Uber-related motor vehicle accidents during that time. While this is just an estimate, it gives you a rough idea of how many incidents may have involved passengers who required compensation for their injuries.

Overall, is Uber safe in Orlando? Yes and no. Uber has implemented safety measures to continue progress toward a safer service. However, should there be an accident or assault, we want you to know what you can do next to protect your rights and your claim for compensation.

What Safety Precautions Is Uber Taking?

Uber has implemented numerous safety precautions to prevent accidents and incidents and protect passengers. Some of these include:

• Driver Background Checks: Uber drivers now undergo motor vehicle and criminal background checks before they are allowed to drive on the platform. These checks are rerun every year.
• PIN Verification: Before getting in the vehicle, riders can confirm they have the correct vehicle by utilizing a 4-digit PIN specific to their assigned car.
• Anonymous Information: Uber keeps users anonymous by hiding their phone numbers and addresses.
• Safety Toolkit: The Uber app’s blue shield icon gives users quick access to safety features during a ride.
• Share My Trip/Follow My Ride: Riders (and drivers) can share trip details with friends and family who can track their rides in real time.
• RideCheck: This feature detects unusual events (prolonged stops, detours, potential accidents, etc.) and sends a notification to both driver and passenger to check on their safety and offer emergency assistance.
• Emergency Button in the App: With a simple tap of a button, riders can contact emergency services with accurate location information.
• Live Safety Support: Connect with a live safety agent from ADT via phone or text at any point.

Is Uber Safe for Women?

While Uber is largely safe for all passengers, women, unfortunately, should take extra precautions when riding alone. Of the 2,717 sexual assault or misconduct reports between 2021 and 2022, 68% were reported against drivers, and 89% of the victims were women. That leaves roughly 2,418 women traumatized and looking for justice.

Due to these incidents, Uber continues to create new safety features to reduce harassment and assault. Familiarize yourself with these features and utilize them if you ever doubt your safety. Err on the side of caution because your well-being is the priority.

Always make sure to do the following before and during your ride:

• Verify the driver’s name, photo, license plate, and PIN before entering the vehicle.
• Sit in the back passenger side seat and remain aware.
• Buckle up!
• Share your ride details with a friend or family member.
• Trust your instincts!

If you feel unsafe at any point during your ride:

• Using the app, share your trip status in real time with a friend or family member.
• Ask the driver to pull over in a safe area and exit the vehicle.
• Use Uber’s in-app emergency button to alert authorities.

Though it should be up to Uber to ensure your safety, we hope some of these tips can help if you are put in a dangerous situation. Should you be injured or assaulted on a rideshare trip, please seek medical assistance immediately. Then, contact law enforcement and an attorney as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected and justice is sought.

What To Do If You Are in an Accident in an Uber

Car accidents are always overwhelming, no matter the circumstances. However, it can be very confusing when it involves an Uber ride. Remember to prioritize your health and safety above all else. Then, try your best to take the following steps to support your legal rights and potential claim for compensation:

1. Focus On Your Health & Safety First: Check yourself and others for injuries. Call emergency services right away if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, seek medical attention to ensure you are healthy.
2. Document the Scene: If you can, use your phone to take photos and video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, etc.
3. Collect Information: Get contact details, names, license plates, insurance info, and more from the Uber driver and any other drivers involved. If there are witnesses, ask for an account and their contact information as well.
4. File a Police Report: Though your Uber driver should file the police report, you will need a copy for your insurance company. Give a statement at the scene and obtain a copy as soon as possible, whether in person or online.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider: Even as a passenger, you must report an Uber accident to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. If your injuries are severe, you may quickly reach the limits of your PIP coverage.
6. Report the Accident to Uber: Even though drivers are required to report accidents to Uber, it’s vital to confirm this yourself. Report the accident to ensure the claims process gets started. Should your damages exceed your PIP coverage, Uber’s insurance may cover your losses.
7. Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: These cases can be extremely complex. Between your PIP, the driver’s insurance, and Uber’s coverage, you should be able to pursue the full compensation you deserve for your injuries. An experienced attorney can help determine the best course of action.

When it comes to car accidents, is Uber safe in Orlando? It is only as safe as any other motor vehicle on the road. Accidents happen, and if they do, you need to know how to best advocate for yourself until you consult a lawyer who can fight on your behalf.

What Kind of Insurance Coverage Do Uber Drivers Have?

Florida Law requires Uber and Uber drivers to carry more than just the standard state-mandated insurance coverage. In addition to the $10,000 minimum for Property Damage Liability (PDL) and PIP required for all drivers, Uber drivers must have additional coverage depending on whether they are logged into the Uber app or transporting passengers.

While Logged Into the Uber App

When a driver is logged into the Uber app and waiting for a ride request, they must carry the following coverage in addition to the basic state requirements:

• $50,000 Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) per person
• $100,000 BIL per accident
• $25,000 PDL per accident

While Transporting Passengers

When a driver is en route to pick up a passenger or they have a rider in their vehicle, Florida law requires even more coverage:

• $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for property damage to the Uber vehicle

This increased coverage is provided by Uber and applies nationwide, not just in Orlando.

How Can Colling Gilbert Wright Assist After an Uber Accident in Orlando?

Is Uber safe in Orlando? There are risks involved, whether because of a motor vehicle accident or some type of assault. Should you be impacted by an accident or incident in an Uber, you need to find out what your rights are.

At Colling Gilbert Wright, we have knowledge and experience dealing with rideshare companies and understand how these cases can differ from your typical accident. Our Orlando rideshare lawyers are dedicate to the clients we serve in Orlando and throughout Florida.

Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation. Let’s determine the viability of your claim and discuss your options moving forward. We will walk with you every step of the way to the compensation you deserve for the ordeal you have suffered.