The explosion in popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have raised significant questions about customer safety. Serious injury accidents, assaults, and even abductions and murders have caused many to be concerned about these companies’ commitment to the consumer safety.
The rideshare injury attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm want you to get to your destination safely every time you accept an Uber or Lyft ride. We fight to protect those in our community who have been hurt in an accident or by someone’s reckless actions. We’ve provided the following rideshare safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Staying Safe When Taking an Uber or Lyft Ride
It’s wise to remain alert when hailing a rideshare vehicle. Remember that you are accepting a ride from someone you don’t know, so keep these important safety tips in mind:
- Know your surroundings – If you are in an unfamiliar area and are getting picked up from a bar or restaurant at night, check around to see which businesses are open.
- Wait inside for your ride – Don’t linger outside while waiting for your car to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
- Ask for your name first – To avoid getting in the wrong vehicle, always ask the driver the name of their passenger before you get in. Don’t say your name first.
- Look for the company sticker – In South Carolina, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to apply reflective stickers on their windshield. But even if this symbol is present, it’s essential to look at the car’s license plate number to make sure it matches the information in your app. A common example of driver fraud is for them to display the company’s symbol to make it look like they are official drivers when they are not.
- Share your trip – Once you get in the car, let a friend or loved one know where you are going. Send them a text with the driver’s name and license plate number. (This information appears in the app.) Or use the ridesharing app to send a notification to your friend’s phone that will allow them to follow along via GPS. Watch the mapping function on your smartphone to make sure you know where you are going at all times.
- Keep your personal information private – There’s no harm in small talk with your driver, but avoid sharing personal information. Don’t share how long you are traveling, your full name, where you are from, your phone number or other contact information.
- Sit in the back seat – Passengers are always safer in the back seat if a car accident occurs. Sitting in the back seat allows you to exit safely from either side, and it gives you and the driver some space.
- Follow your intuition and use your best instincts – If you ever feel you are in an urgent situation, use your phone to call 911. Or use the emergency button on your ridesharing app. This in-app button will send your real-time location information to the dispatcher, which will aid in getting you help more quickly.
How to Report an Uber or Lyft Driver
If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you can give feedback or make complaints about your driver through the company’s website or app. If you are a bystander, call the company’s customer support center to make a report. Make sure to enter as much information as possible, such as the license plate number and the make, model, and color of the vehicle.
When to Call a Lawyer
Passengers who use ridesharing companies have every right to reach their destinations without incident. If an accident occurs in a rideshare vehicle, passengers can and should exercise their rights to seek damages from the at-fault party(s).
An experienced lawyer can help determine your eligibility for compensation. As rideshare services expand, it’s reasonable to expect changes in the laws governing them as well. A knowledgeable attorney will be familiar with every statute that applies in your case.
How Can Jebaily Law Firm Help Me?
If you have suffered injuries in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, Jebaily Law Firm will demand maximum compensation for your losses.
Call us or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Jebaily Law Firm, is one of South Carolina’s long-established and well-respected legal practices. Located in Florence, S.C., we are trial lawyers focused on plaintiff litigation in personal injury, workers’ compensation, social security disability, and criminal defense. Established in 1969, we have more than 100 years of combined legal experience in protecting the rights of clients and advocating for the safety and well-being of South Carolina citizens.
