Uber and Lyft Safety Tips for Riders

Top 10 Uber and Lyft Safety Tips in 2022

Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, provide convenient traveling services to the public. Even though these companies enforce thorough background checks and vehicle inspections to ensure that a candidate is qualified to take on the role of becoming a rideshare driver, it is simply not enough to protect a rider.

There have been several instances where an Uber or Lyft driver has shown acts of recklessness or negligence. From rape allegations to assault, kiddnapping, and even murder, Uber and Lyft have been faced with turmoil and have ran into serious legal issues in recent times.

If you were harmed or injured while using an Uber or Lyft, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have over 60 years of collective legal experience in handling personal injury cases. With our track record of recovering more than $1 billion in settlements for our clients, we are confident that we will deliver a good outcome to your case.

Uber and Lyft Safety Tips for Riders in 2022

Listed below are a few ways that you can stay safe while taking an Uber or Lyft.

1. Stay inside while requesting your ride. As always, your app will let you know when your ride has arrived. It is best to stay inside a building while you wait, especially when you are in unknown or dark areas.
2. Know the car. Double check the car before you get inside. Be sure that it is the correct driver by checking the license plate and verifying the name of the driver. Most drivers usually display the app on their phone and have it in plain view. You can quickly verify the driver’s photo by asking to see their phone. It is important to authenticate your driver as there have been several instances where a person was murdered or kidnapped by someone claiming to be an Uber or Lyft driver.
3. Make sure the driver confirms your name. You should ask the driver who they are waiting to pick up. He or she should have access to your first name on the Uber or Lyft app. The driver may also ask you who you are waiting for to confirm whether you are the passenger they were assigned to.
4. Sit in the back seat. Sitting in the back seat allows you to have access to both exits. Furthermore, it has become a safety requirement for riders to sit in the back seat to prevent chances of COVID-19 from spreading.
5. Tell a friend. If your destination is far or if you are in an unfamiliar area, it may be a good idea to share the details of your trip with a friend or loved one. When you click on “share status” while using the app, the driver’s information, such as their name and license plate number, will be sent to the person of your choice.
6. Do not share your personal information. Your driver does not need to know your phone number or if the place you’re being dropped off at is your home. The app protects your personal information by giving the driver an anonymous number, which is for your own safety.
7. Wear a seat belt. As always, it is safer to buckle up. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), wearing a seat belt is still the best way of reducing injuries or saving a life while in a car accident.  
8. Keep a clear mind. Both Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare services that are used to get home after a night of drinking. However, getting too drunk can be dangerous for you and the driver. Unfortunately, not all rideshare drivers are good people as there have been cases of alleged rape when it comes to drivers taking advantage of intoxicated riders.
9. Protect yourself.  If you sense your driver is under the influence, or if he or she is sitting in the car with a friend, it might be a good idea to cut your ride short. Always trust your instincts.
10. Wear a face mask. Don’t forget to have a face mask on when entering an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Both rideshare companies enforce this to reduce the chances of the rider and driver from contracting COVID-19.

Can a Rider Sue Uber or Lyft for a Car Accident?

If a negligent rideshare driver was at-fault for the car accident you were involved in, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them. However, it can be quite tricky. 

Uber and Lyft rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, meaning that legal responsibility will not be placed upon Uber or Lyft if their drivers were at-fault for causing an accident. Uber drivers also have their own protections, and their own concerns of risk.You will have to file a claim against the rideshare driver to seek compensation that will help cover the cost of damages caused by the accident.

If you happen to be a Lyft or Uber driver, you can take a look at crucial safety types Uber drivers  should know.

To get better clarification on what legal actions should be considered in an Uber or Lyft accident case, you will need to acquire legal assistance from an expert personal injury attorney.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for your losses. We are committed to resolving your legal issues as quickly as possible while receiving the best results. Our clients are represented on a contingency fee basis. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. There is no financial risk to prevent you from reaching out. 

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.