Rideshare App Glitches and GPS Errors: Do They Affect Liability in a Crash?

770GoodLaw | Georgia Personal Injury Law Firm | (770) 214-4309

Technology has fundamentally changed how we move through the world. With a few taps on a smartphone, apps like Uber and Lyft summon a ride in minutes. Yet as rideshare services become deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life, so too do the risks associated with technological failure.
What happens when an app glitch or a GPS error leads to a crash? And how does that affect who is legally responsible?

At 770GoodLaw, we believe that understanding the intersection of technology and liability is critical for anyone involved in a rideshare accident. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your rights when technology goes wrong.

Rideshare Liability: The Basics

Before examining the impact of glitches and GPS errors, it’s important to understand how liability works in a typical rideshare accident.

• Negligence: In most accident cases, liability is determined by who was negligent—who failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.

• Multiple Parties: In rideshare accidents, there may be more than one responsible party: the driver, the rideshare company, or even third parties like app developers or GPS providers.

• Insurance Coverage: Uber and Lyft maintain layered insurance policies that apply differently depending on whether the driver is logged into the app, en route to a rider, or transporting a passenger.

When technology malfunctions, it complicates—but does not eliminate—the question of negligence.

How Technology Shapes Rideshare Safety

Rideshare apps are built around GPS navigation and real-time communications. This technological infrastructure introduces specific risks when errors occur:

• Incorrect Routing: A GPS system that directs drivers to unsafe or illegal turns can create dangerous situations.

• Delayed App Responses: If the app lags or crashes, a driver may be distracted or may engage in risky behavior to catch up on lost time.

• Driver Distraction: Malfunctioning apps force drivers to troubleshoot on the move, diverting attention from the road.

• Unexpected Errors: In rare cases, app miscommunications have led drivers to unfamiliar or high-risk areas.

Technology is a tool—but like any tool, when it fails, the consequences can be serious.

Rideshare App Glitch? Liability in Rideshare Accidents Involving App Glitches

When a rideshare accident occurs and app or GPS errors play a role, multiple legal questions arise.

1. Is the Driver Still Negligent?

Drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely, even when technology fails.
If a driver allows a malfunctioning app to distract them—or makes dangerous decisions based on bad GPS directions—they can still be held personally liable for negligence.

In short: A glitch is not a free pass. Drivers must maintain focus and safe driving practices at all times.

2. Is the Rideshare Company Liable?

Uber and Lyft have historically argued that their role is merely that of a “platform provider,” not an employer. However, courts have increasingly held these companies accountable under certain conditions, particularly when:

• App defects create dangerous situations.

• Company negligence in maintaining or updating the app is proven.

• The driver was logged in and actively accepting or completing rides.

If it can be shown that a system failure contributed to unsafe driving, the rideshare company may share liability.

3. How Does Insurance Apply?

Uber and Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status:

• Logged In, No Passenger Yet: Limited third-party liability coverage.

• En Route or Carrying a Passenger: $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

• App Off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.

If an app error caused or contributed to the crash, claims would typically fall under these insurance frameworks, although negotiations can become more complex.

GPS Errors: Another Layer of Complexity

While generally reliable, GPS systems are not foolproof. Errors can lead to accidents in several ways:

• Wrong Address Routing: Drivers may swerve, make illegal turns, or enter restricted areas trying to correct a mistake.

• Unsafe Route Selection: GPS errors might direct drivers through poorly lit roads, construction zones, or accident-prone intersections.

• Delayed Recalculations: Slow updates can leave drivers confused in high-speed or high-traffic areas, increasing accident risk.

If GPS inaccuracies contribute to a crash, liability may hinge on whether the driver acted reasonably in responding to the error—or if they allowed confusion to turn into negligence.

Proving Liability When Technology Fails

In accidents involving technological issues, evidence gathering becomes even more critical:

Key Evidence to Collect:

• App Logs: Data from Uber, Lyft, or Google Maps showing route history, ride timing, or malfunctions.

• Police Reports: Official documentation often notes driver distractions or confusion at the scene.

• Witness Testimony: Statements from passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians who observed erratic driving or confusion.

• Phone Records: These can show if the driver was actively interacting with the app during the accident.

• Expert Testimony: In some cases, technical experts may be brought in to explain how app or GPS failures contributed to the crash.

Building a strong case means connecting the dots between technology failure and human negligence.

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in a Rideshare Accident Involving a Glitch?

Step 1: Prioritize Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.

Step 2: Document Everything

Take photos of the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and any visible app screens if possible. Obtain witness contact information.

Step 3: Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Use the rideshare app’s accident reporting system. Keep screenshots of your submission and any company communications.

Step 4: Preserve Your Own App Data

Save ride receipts, route maps, and ride confirmation emails.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

A rideshare accident attorney can help navigate the complex intersection of driver negligence, corporate responsibility, and insurance coverage when technology malfunctions.

Conclusion

Technology is supposed to make rides safer and easier—but when apps or GPS systems fail, they can introduce dangerous complications.
In rideshare accidents where app glitches or GPS errors play a role, liability still rests largely on the fundamental legal principles of negligence and reasonable care.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t let technology confusion cloud your rights.
Contact 770GoodLaw today at (770) 214-4309 for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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