Why Pedestrian Injuries Involving Uber Vehicles Are Increasing

Rideshare apps have transformed the way people move around Los Angeles and other major cities. Yet while Uber provides convenience and reduces the need for personal car ownership, it has also introduced new safety challenges — especially for pedestrians. Over the past few years, collisions involving Uber vehicles and people on foot have been climbing. If you or someone you love was struck by an Uber, understanding why these incidents are happening can help you protect your rights. For those asking “Where can I find an Uber accident lawyer near me?”, it’s essential to choose a local expert.

More Ubers on Busy Streets

The first reason for the rise in pedestrian accidents is simple: there are far more rideshare vehicles on the road than just a few years ago. Many drivers work part-time, switching the app on and off throughout the day. This creates a constant flow of vehicles looking for passengers, navigating residential areas, airports, and nightlife districts — exactly where pedestrians are most common.

More cars mean more exposure to human error. With thousands of active rideshare drivers operating across Los Angeles every day, the chance of pedestrians being hit has increased.

Distractions Behind the Wheel

Uber drivers rely heavily on their phones for directions, passenger pick-ups, and ride updates. Even brief glances away from the road to accept a ride or follow GPS can create dangerous blind spots. Research shows that looking away for just two seconds doubles the risk of a crash. In busy areas like downtown Los Angeles or Santa Monica, where foot traffic is dense, a single distracted moment can have devastating consequences.

Some drivers also juggle multiple apps — switching between Uber, Lyft, and delivery platforms. This multitasking increases distraction and reaction time, making crosswalks and intersections more hazardous for pedestrians.

Unfamiliar Routes and Aggressive Maneuvering

Many Uber drivers don’t know the streets they’re driving on. They depend entirely on GPS, which can lead to sudden stops, last-second turns, or U-turns near curbs and crosswalks. Drivers may also swerve or brake abruptly when spotting a passenger, putting pedestrians at risk.

Add to this the pressure of earning more by completing rides quickly, and you get a recipe for aggressive driving. Speeding, rolling through stop signs, and failing to yield can all lead to severe pedestrian injuries.

Surge in Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs in High-Foot-Traffic Areas

Uber rides are most in demand in nightlife zones, shopping districts, event venues, and airports — the same areas where pedestrians are everywhere. Curbside pick-ups and drop-offs can block bike lanes, crosswalks, and sidewalks. Passengers may suddenly open doors into pedestrian paths or step into traffic when approaching or exiting the car.

When multiple rideshare vehicles cluster near popular destinations, the confusion can escalate, increasing the risk of a pedestrian being hit.

Alcohol and Fatigue Among Drivers and Passengers

Late-night rides are common for Uber, especially on weekends. While the goal is often to prevent drunk driving by giving people a safe ride home, some drivers themselves may be fatigued after long hours on the road. Fatigue slows reaction times and decision-making, making it easier to miss pedestrians at night.

In rare cases, drivers may also get behind the wheel impaired. Although Uber has strict policies against driving under the influence, violations happen — and when they do, the results can be catastrophic for pedestrians.

Complex Insurance Issues After a Pedestrian Uber Crash

Being hit by a rideshare vehicle adds legal complexity beyond a typical pedestrian accident. Uber has a layered insurance system that depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash:

App off: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
App on but waiting for a request: Contingent liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
En route or transporting a passenger: Uber’s $1 million liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection apply.

Determining which policy covers a pedestrian’s injuries is not always straightforward. Uber’s insurers may try to deny that the driver was logged in or claim the pedestrian was partially at fault.

How an Uber Accident Lawyer Near You Can Help

When a pedestrian is hit by an Uber, acting quickly is essential. An experienced uber accident lawyer near me can investigate the accident, preserve digital trip data, and work to prove the driver’s negligence. This includes:

Securing app status and GPS records to confirm Uber’s coverage.
Obtaining surveillance footage, dashcam video, and witness statements.
Using accident reconstruction experts to prove how the crash happened.
Negotiating with multiple insurance companies to maximize compensation.
Fighting back against comparative fault arguments that aim to reduce your payout.

Bojat Law Group has handled complex rideshare injury claims across Los Angeles and knows how to hold Uber and negligent drivers accountable. Their legal team builds strong evidence to secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, future treatment, and pain and suffering.

Steps Pedestrians Should Take After an Uber Accident

If you’re struck by an Uber, your immediate focus should be on health and safety. Call 911, get medical attention, and try to document the scene if you’re able:

Take photos of the vehicle, license plate, street signs, and surrounding area.
Get contact information for witnesses and the Uber driver.
Save screenshots if you or someone else can access the Uber trip record.
Avoid making statements to the driver’s insurer before consulting a lawyer.

Time is crucial because evidence like dashcam footage or app data can be lost or deleted. Quick legal help improves your chances of a strong case.

Why Victims Trust Bojat Law Group

Pedestrian accidents with rideshare vehicles require a law firm that understands both traffic injury law and the unique Uber insurance model. Bojat Law Group has deep experience in this niche, combining aggressive investigation with personalized support for clients dealing with life-changing injuries.

The team goes beyond surface-level negotiations, analyzing trip data, challenging insurer tactics, and preparing for trial when necessary. Their record of results shows a commitment to full and fair compensation, helping injured pedestrians move forward after devastating crashes.

Call Uber Accident Lawyer at Bojat Law Group Today

If you or a loved one was hit by an Uber vehicle, do not wait to seek help. Insurance companies act fast to protect their interests, and vital evidence may disappear quickly. A knowledgeable uber accident lawyer near me can protect your rights, secure critical proof, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Bojat Law Group offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless they win your case. Call (818) 877-4878 or fill out the contact form on their website to discuss your options with a skilled Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney. Your recovery matters, and experienced legal representation can make the difference between a low settlement and the resources you need to heal.

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