Stephen Schultz | May 2, 2025 | Car Accidents
When choosing between traditional taxis and Uber in St. Louis, safety is often what riders care about most. Both options have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to keeping passengers safe. Knowing these differences helps you pick the best ride for your needs.
The Rise of Ridesharing in Missouri
Uber has changed how people get around cities over the last ten years. Apps like Uber and Lyft let riders request cars through their phones, watch their drivers in real-time, and pay without using cash.
In 2018, Missouri created statewide rules for rideshare companies. This law replaced local rules, including stricter ones from local taxi boards. Taxi services have run for decades with set rules and oversight. Cities have specific requirements for taxi licenses, car inspections, and driver background checks.
Before ridesharing became popular, regular cab companies controlled the local market. They used dispatch centers, street hails, and taxi stands. The industry followed the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission (MTC) rules for standard vehicles, marked cars, and set prices.
Passenger Vulnerability in Both Systems
Both ride types put passengers in a risky spot. You get into a car with someone you don’t know and trust them to take you somewhere safely.
Taxis were designed with safety in mind from the start, including:
- Clear markings make them easy to spot.
- A physical barrier between the driver and the passenger adds protection.
- The visible license number helps with accountability.
Despite these safety steps, taxi riders have reported problems, such as drivers taking longer routes to charge more, refusing rides to certain areas, and sometimes arguing with passengers.
Rideshare users face different risks. Since Uber uses regular cars, finding the correct ride can be hard. Uber conducts background checks, but it is always possible that something falls through the cracks. The loose rules for these services raise questions about safety standards.
Insurance Coverage Differences
Another key safety factor is insurance after accidents. Taxis usually have commercial insurance policies made for carrying passengers. These policies often have higher coverage limits than personal car insurance, giving riders better protection if there’s an accident.
Rideshare insurance is more complicated. Uber has different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, going to pick someone up, or driving a passenger. This system can sometimes leave gaps that might affect riders in accidents.
Rideshare Safety Features
When thinking about whether Uber is safe, these tech advantages stand out:
- GPS tracking for every trip
- Digital records of drivers, riders, and trip details
- Emergency buttons in the app for quick help
- Rating systems for drivers and passengers
- Cashless payments that lower robbery risk
- Trip sharing so friends or family can watch your journey
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, taxi drivers face more workplace violence than many other jobs. Rideshare companies say their technology helps reduce these risks for both drivers and riders.
Traditional Taxi Safety Features
Taxi companies offer different safety benefits:
- Regulated by local transportation authorities
- Drivers usually go through government background checks
- Vehicles get regular safety inspections
- Many taxis have cameras installed
- Most taxis have a partition between the driver and the passengers
- Drivers often know the local area well
Many people feel safer knowing that taxis are regulated by government agencies rather than private companies that set their own rules.
Background Check Differences
One big difference between rideshare and taxi services is how they screen drivers. Rideshare companies usually use third-party background checks on potential drivers. Uber checks for driving violations, criminal history, and other red flags before letting drivers use the platform.
Taxi drivers in most cities must get special licenses, which require fingerprinting, drug tests, and thorough background checks. However, the exact requirements differ greatly between cities.
Safety Statistics and Research in Missouri
Research on safety between these transportation options in Missouri shows mixed results. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the arrival of ridesharing services has changed traffic patterns and possibly accident rates in urban areas like St. Louis. Researchers are still collecting data to understand these impacts better.
Both ride types have faced criticism over safety incidents in St. Louis. Ridesharing companies and taxi services in Missouri have had passenger complaints, driver misconduct claims, and accidents.
Personal Safety Considerations
Beyond the systems themselves, smart safety habits can protect you no matter which ride option you choose.
- Wait indoors until your ride arrives
- Check the driver’s identity and vehicle details before getting in
- Sit in the back seat instead of the front seat
- Keep your belongings close and easy to grab
- Don’t share personal information with drivers
- Stay alert and aware during your trip
- Trust your gut if something feels wrong
These simple steps reduce risks whether you choose taxis or rideshare services.
Legal Liability After Accidents
When accidents happen, who’s responsible becomes important for injured passengers. Taxi companies usually bear responsibility for their drivers’ actions. The business relationship between the company and the driver creates clear paths for passengers seeking compensation for injuries.
For rideshare services, liability questions get more complex. Under state law, rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification has created legal hurdles for passengers trying to hold the companies responsible for driver behavior.
Recent court decisions and new state rules in Missouri have started addressing these liability questions, but differences remain in how claims against taxis and rideshare companies work.
In March 2025, the Missouri Court of Appeals ruled that the Lyft app qualifies as a “product” under state law, allowing for product liability claims against the company. This decision stemmed from a wrongful death lawsuit where the plaintiff alleged that design flaws in the Lyft app failed to prevent a fatal carjacking. The court’s ruling marks a significant shift, potentially increasing the liability exposure for rideshare companies in Missouri.
Legal Recourse After Transportation Incidents
You have options for a problem during a taxi or rideshare trip in St. Louis. For taxis, you can file complaints with the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission. This agency can investigate and take action against drivers or companies that break the rules.
Uber users can report issues through the app or contact the company’s safety team for rideshare services. In serious cases with injuries, you might need to take legal action to get compensation for your injuries or other damages.
No matter which transportation option you choose, knowing your rights as a passenger and how to report safety concerns can help protect you and others.
Contact the St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers
The pain, suffering, lost wages, and medical bills related to delayed pain can quickly take a toll. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. If you’re experiencing delayed pain after an accident, schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and protect your legal rights.
If you’ve been injured, please contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr
St. Louis, MO 63124
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502
Columbia, MO 65201
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
