Most Common Uber and Lyft Cars & Injuries|Injury Attorney

Have you ever wondered how safe you are as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?

We’re sure the thought has crossed your mind, but you likely thought about your safety because you wondered whether the driver was distracted or knew where they were going.

But have you ever wondered how safe the actual car was? This post delves into the types of vehicles that are more popular for drivers to use as Uber and Lyft ride providers and what this could mean for your safety. Learn about how safe you are in an Uber or Lyft car in the event of an accident.

Most Popular Cars Used as Ubers and Lyfts in Boston, Massachusetts

In general, the most common type of car used by Uber and Lyft drivers in Boston and Massachusetts tend to be compact or mid-size sedans with good fuel efficiency. Hybrid sedans are also popular. These cars are economical for drivers because of the lower costs to purchase, lower fuel costs, and less expensive maintenance. In a city like Boston, many rideshare drivers prefer a smaller car that is easier to maneuver through the city and aggressive driving.

Popular car models Lyft and Uber drivers drive include:

Toyota Camry
- The Camry is known for its comfort, reliability, and affordability, making it a popular choice for rideshare drivers.
Honda Accord
- The Accord is a reliable and comfortable sedan that Uber and Lyft drivers often favor.
Hyundai Sonata
- The Hyundai Sonata appeals to a wide range of rideshare drivers because it combines affordability, fuel efficiency, comfort, safety features, technology, and reliability.
Ford Fusion
- The Fusion is another mid-size sedan commonly used by Uber or Lyft drivers. It is a preferred model for its spacious interior and smooth ride.
Chevrolet Malibu
- The Malibu is known for its comfortable ride and ample passenger space, making it great for ridesharing.
Nissan Altima
- The Altima offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among rideshare drivers.
Honda Civic
- The Civic is a compact car with good fuel efficiency and maneuverability, making it a practical choice for urban driving.
Toyota Prius
- The hybrid version is particularly popular among Uber drivers due to its excellent fuel efficiency and reliability.

These popular car models strike a balance between passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, and affordability for the rideshare drivers.

Of course, Uber and Lyft drivers use a variety of vehicles, so you will always encounter different car models depending on the rideshare service's requirements and the driver’s preferences. Not all drivers drive small cars, and you can request larger cars as well. If you order an Uber XL, for example, you will be picked up by a van or SUV that fits up to 6 people. Similarly, if you request an XL ride on Lyft, you will get an SUV for up to 6 riders. Lyft’s Black SUV will be a premium black SUV with seats for up to 6 riders.

What The Most Popular Uber and Lyft Cars Mean for Your Safety as a Passenger

While Uber drivers and Lyft drivers drive various vehicle models, a sedan is the most popular type of car for rideshare drivers.

Most people will generally ride in the backseat of an Uber or Lyft. However, riding in the backseat increases your risk of injury in specific ways if you’re involved in a car accident.

Similarly, the types of cars that are more common among Uber and Lyft drivers make you more vulnerable to injuries.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries Suffered by Passengers in Sedans

Car accident injuries suffered by rideshare passengers in sedans can vary depending on the type of car crash, the severity of the collision, the position they were in at the time of the crash, and more.

Common types of injuries suffered by sedan passengers in a car crash include:

Whiplash: Whiplash happens when your head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. It is very common in a rear-end collision and can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, concussions, and other symptoms.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Besides whiplash, car accidents can cause other soft tissue injuries such as bruises, sprains, strains, and contusions.
Head Injuries: Passengers can suffer head injuries if they hit their head on the dashboard, window, or other hard surfaces during a collision. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious traumatic brain injuries.
Chest Injuries: Chest injuries can be expected in a car accident. Often, chest injuries happen when the passenger’s chest makes contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt. These injuries can include bruising, broken ribs, and internal organ damage.
Broken Bones: A collision can cause bones to break upon impact or as a result of the force exerted on the body during the crash. Fractures in arms, legs, hands, and feet are especially common.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a car accident can cause spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and other back injuries. These injuries can result in severe pain, loss of mobility, and even paralysis in the event of spinal cord injuries.
Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal injuries, including damage to internal organs like someone’s liver, spleen, or kidneys from the force of impact or from being struck by objects inside the vehicle.

How to Limit Your Exposure to Injury While a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft

The unfortunate reality is that you might be at a greater risk of injury if you are in a car crash while riding in an Uber or a Lyft. This is because you are most likely sitting in the backseat, where there can be fewer protections, such as fewer airbags deployed in the event of a car crash.

Ways to help minimize your risk of injury while riding in an Uber or Lyft in Massachusetts include:

Wearing a seatbelt: Always wear a seatbelt correctly when driving a vehicle. A properly-fitted seat belt is one positioned across your lap and shoulder. Don’t tuck the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back.
Sit in the middle: If the middle seat has a shoulder-strap seat belt, sitting in the middle can be safer than the side seats as you will be more protected from a side-impact collision. Being in the middle makes it less likely you would suffer from direct impact to either side of you in a crash.
Adjust your headrest: Adjust the headrest on the back seat so that it’s the right height to support your head and neck. The top of the headrest should be as high as the top of your head. This is especially important in case you are involved in a rear-end collision.
Sit upright: Sitting upright can help distribute crash force and impact more evenly across your body and helps reduce the risk of severe injury. Avoid slouching or excessively reclining when sitting in the back seat, and don’t put your knees or feet against the back of the seat in front of you.

Safety Ratings for Popular Uber and Lyft Cars

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates cars for safety to help consumers compare vehicle safety when looking for cars. The ratings go up to 5 stars in various categories; the more stars, the safer the vehicle.

The overall front safety star rating combines the driver and passenger safety rating based on a test that simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each traveling at 35 miles per hour.

The side barrier rating is from a test that simulates an intersection collision between a standing vehicle and a moving barrier at 38.5 mph. The side pole rating is from a test that simulates a crash into a fixed object like a tree or utility pole.

Looking at some of these safety ratings may help you determine the best seat to sit in when your rideshare driver shows up. Sometimes, sitting in the front passenger seat may be safer, while sitting in the back seat is safer in specific car models.

Toyota Prius: A sedan with a 5-star overall safety rating.

Front Safety Rating: Overall front safety rating is 4 stars, with 5 stars for the front passenger side.
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
The Side Barrier Rating: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Overall Side Pole Star Rating: 5 stars.
Rollover rating: 4 stars.

Toyota Camry: A sedan with a 4-star overall safety rating.

Front Safety Rating: Overall front safety rating is 3 stars, with only 2 stars for the front passenger side.
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings: 4 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Side Barrier: 2 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Overall Side Pole Star Rating: 2 stars.
Rollover rating: 4 stars.

Honda Accord: A sedan with a 5-star overall safety rating.

Front Safety Rating: The overall front safety rating is 5 stars, with 5 stars for the front passenger side as well.
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings: 4 stars for the front seat, but 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Side Barrier: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Overall Side Pole Star Rating: 5 stars.
Rollover rating: 5 stars.

Honda Civic: A sedan with a 5-star overall safety rating.

Front Safety Rating: The overall front safety rating is 5 stars, with 5 stars for the front passenger side as well.
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Side Barrier: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Overall Side Pole Star Rating: 5 stars.
Rollover rating: 5 stars.

Ford Fusion: A sedan with a 4-star overall safety rating.

Front Safety Rating: Overall front safety rating is 3 stars, with 3 stars for the front passenger side.
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings: 3 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Side Barrier: 3 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Overall Side Pole Star Rating: 4 stars.
Rollover rating: 4 stars.

Chevrolet Malibu: A sedan with a 4-star overall safety rating.

Front Safety Rating: Overall front safety rating is 4 stars, with 3 stars for the front passenger side.
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Side Barrier: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Overall Side Pole Star Rating: 5 stars.
Rollover rating: 4 stars.

Nissan Altima: A sedan with a 4-star overall safety rating.

Front Safety Rating: Overall front safety rating is 4 stars, with 4 stars for the front passenger side.
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Ratings: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Side Barrier: 5 stars for the rear passenger seat.
Overall Side Pole Star Rating: 5 stars.
Rollover rating: 4 stars.

What Should You Do if You Were Injured in an Uber or Lyft in Boston or Massachusetts?

If you were hurt in a car accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft as a passenger, there are three main things you need to do:

Get information at the scene of the accident

If you can, call 911 at the scene of the accident. Get information from your Uber or Lyft driver, including their full name, phone number, address, car information, and insurance policy. Get the same information from any other drivers involved in the accident. Screenshot the details of your Uber or Lyft ride on your phone so you have proof that you were a passenger in a ride at the time of your accident.

Get the medical attention you need

The most important thing to do after any car accident injury is to get the proper medical attention. Always seek medical attention right away.

Unless you are severely injured, you don’t need to go in an ambulance if you don’t want to, but you should go to an urgent care or emergency room to be checked out. Even if you don’t immediately notice any pain, you should seek care because sometimes it can take a few days for pain to settle in after a car accident.

A medical exam soon after the accident will help an injury attorney prove your injuries were actually caused by the car accident. This will help strengthen your case and help ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. If you wait too long to get medical care, insurance companies will try to argue your injuries did not result from the Uber or Lyft accident, or they will try to say that your injuries are not severe.

Once you have taken care of yourself, you should report the accident to the rideshare company. Report the accident, but don’t speak with anyone from the company until you consult an injury attorney.

Call a skilled car accident attorney to set up a free consultation

Set up a consultation with a skilled Massachusetts personal injury attorney with experience handling injuries suffered in Lyft and Uber accidents. Spada Law Group offers FREE consultations and is a top car accident and personal injury lawyer in Boston and Massachusetts.

If you hire Spada Law to handle your case after a free consultation, we take the burden of managing the case from you. We will communicate with the rideshare company and all other parties involved so you don’t have to. This way, you can focus on your healing and recovery, and we take over the headache of managing everything else, all while protecting and advocating for your rights.

Who Pays My Medical Bills From an Injury in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident in Massachusetts?

You have the right to compensation if injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Massachusetts. As a passenger, you have a right to file a claim against whoever is at fault for the crash.

The most important thing you need to know is that if you were injured in a car accident as a passenger in an Uber or a Lyft, you have rights and options. Uber and Lyft car accident injury cases can be more complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties and insurance companies, but skilled car accident injury attorneys at Spada Law Group are ready to assist you.

Consulting a car accident attorney as soon as possible will allow the attorney to best assist you after your injuries. One of the first things an injury attorney will look into is who was at fault for the accident. Typically, because Uber and Lyft drivers are not considered “employees” of the rideshare companies, when an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence causes the car accident, their negligence does not automatically make the company liable for your injuries.

However, there may be circumstances under which the company could also be liable, and it takes a skilled injury attorney to determine this. The good news is that as an Uber or Lyft passenger, you should be covered by a $1 million liability insurance policy. This provides you with a certain level of security when pursuing damages after an injury. Uber and Lyft prices may be higher than taxicab costs at times, but taxicabs are only required to carry $20,000 of liability insurance, which is hardly enough to cover your damages for any substantial injury.

Damages You May be Entitled to After an Injury in a Lyft or Uber Car Accident:

Medical bills
Lost Wages: loss of income from not being able to work due to injuries
Compensation for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
Compensation for chronic pain and suffering

Injured In An Uber or Lyft Car Accident in Massachusetts? Text or Call a Boston Car Accident Injury Attorney For A FREE Consultation

As Massachusetts car accident attorneys, we know the unfortunate truth: Car accidents in an Uber or Lyft are inevitable. You have legal rights and options after suffering a backseat car accident injury as an Uber or Lyft passenger in Boston, Massachusetts. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about the compensation you deserve and how we can fight for your rights.

Over the last three decades, we’ve helped thousands of people in Massachusetts get the recovery they need after a car accident injury. Spada Law Group was recently recognized as one of Boston’s Top 20 Car Accident Attorneys. Attorney Spada was named one of Boston’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers. We’re here and ready to help. As personal injury lawyers, you never pay us a penny until we win your case.

We have offices in Chelsea, Peabody, and Worcester, but we proudly serve the entire state and can meet with you remotely from the comfort of your own home.

The Most Common Uber and Lyft Cars in Massachusetts and What it Means for Your Safety as a Rideshare Passenger