October 10, 2025 | Car Accidents

Is Uber Safer than Taxis?

In a busy city like Chicago, getting around can be challenging. Many people choose rideshare services like Uber instead of traditional taxis. But with so many reports in the news about accidents or safety concerns, it’s fair to ask: Is Uber really safer than taking a taxi? 

In this article, we break down the facts to help you make informed choices—and explain what you can do if you’re injured in a rideshare accident.

Understanding the Basics: Uber vs. Taxis

Uber is a rideshare service that connects drivers and riders through a mobile app. Drivers use their personal vehicles and do not work directly for Uber as employees. Taxis, on the other hand, are traditional services usually run by companies. Drivers are licensed and regulated by the city. 

In Chicago, taxis are subject to strict regulations regarding safety, background checks, and vehicle inspections. While both services help you get from point A to point B, the way they operate is very different—and that affects safety. It also affects your options if you get into a car accident.

Driver Screening and Training

One of the most important safety concerns is who is behind the wheel. Uber drivers go through a background check when they sign up. Uber checks for criminal offenses, driving violations, and other red flags.

However, Uber’s screening process is not always as strict or detailed as what taxi drivers go through. Uber does not fingerprint drivers, which some experts believe is a gap in their safety process.

Taxi drivers in Chicago must pass a city-approved background check, complete training, and often go through a fingerprinting process. They also must pass a drug test and sometimes take driving safety classes. So while both systems try to prevent dangerous drivers from getting behind the wheel, taxis have more rules and training involved.

Vehicle Safety and Maintenance

The safety of the car you’re riding in matters a lot, too. Uber vehicles are personal cars. Uber has some rules about vehicle age and condition, but they rely on the driver to maintain the car. There are no regular inspections required by the City of Chicago. 

Taxis, on the other hand, must pass regular inspections from the city. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, and other safety features. If something fails, the taxi can’t be on the road. This means that‌ taxis are generally more closely monitored for vehicle condition.

Accident and Crash Rates

With accident data, it’s hard to compare Uber and taxis directly, but some studies have tried. In recent years, Uber and other rideshare companies have released safety reports showing the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths involving their drivers.

According to Uber’s own data, there were over 100 traffic deaths in 2019 involving Uber rides across the country. While this number may seem low compared to the millions of trips Uber provides, each incident still represents a serious risk.

Taxi data is tracked more often at the city level. In Chicago, taxis have been involved in thousands of crashes over the past decade, but overall crash rates have gone down due to less taxi use. Still, the number of crashes per mile traveled for taxis has sometimes been lower than for Uber.

Rider Safety and Crime Concerns

Another key safety question is how safe you are as a passenger. With Uber, there have been serious concerns about assaults, especially sexual assaults, involving drivers. In response, Uber has added new safety features to its app, like ride tracking, emergency buttons, and driver ID checks.

Even with these additional safety features, many personal injury lawyers have seen an increase in cases involving Uber-related crimes.

Taxis are not perfect, but because they are licensed and regulated more strictly, it may be easier to hold drivers accountable. If something goes wrong in a taxi, the city has access to the driver’s license, trip logs, and other information that can help in an investigation. With Uber, you rely more on the company to cooperate—and that can take time.

If you’re injured in an accident, what happens next depends on who was at fault and what kind of vehicle you were in. Uber provides $1 million in liability insurance when you’re in a ride. This is more than most personal auto policies and usually more than taxi coverage.

However, there are limits. If the Uber driver is off duty or not on a trip, the coverage can be much lower—or may not apply at all. Taxis carry commercial insurance, and companies are usually responsible for accidents caused by their drivers. It may be easier to file a claim with a taxi company, but payouts can vary.

No matter which service you’re using, if you’re injured, it’s important to speak with a Chicago personal injury attorney who understands rideshare laws. These cases can be complex, and insurance companies often try to avoid paying out claims.

Contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys

No matter which service you choose, accidents and injuries can happen. If you’re involved in a crash or feel unsafe during a ride, it’s important to report the incident right away and talk to a legal professional.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:

Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
5351 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
(312) 635-5400
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