Uber has revolutionized the transportation industry. On average, Uber drivers provide 1 million rides per day, and the service is available in more than 400 cities. Although ride-sharing is cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis, passengers take certain risks when they request a lift.
Sometimes the driver is not the person who the passengers expect. There are also inherent dangers that come with taking a ride with a total stranger.
The next time you use a ride-share service, keep these tips in mind:
- Verify the driver’s identity;
- Wait for your ride inside;
- Communicate with friends and family;
- And review the driver’s app ratings.
If you were injured by an Uber driver, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. An injury attorney in New York City will evaluate your claim, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you pursue the maximum compensation.
Our lawyers have more than 75 years of combined experience negotiating and litigating personal-injury claims. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit accident.usattorneys.com/new-york/ to learn more about injury lawsuits in New York.
Here are four tips to keep you safe when using Uber:
- Verify the driver’s identity.
You can find details about the driver on your Uber app. His or her profile will contain a clear image for identification purposes, along with a license plate number, first name, vehicle photograph, ratings, and recommendations. According to the Cato Institute, you can use this information to screen and verify the driver before getting into his or her car.
It is imperative that you ask the driver’s name before entrusting him or her with your safety. Also, check for signs of inebriation.
- Wait for your ride inside.
Your driver will use the Uber app to alert you when he or she arrives. This function eliminates the need to wait outside in a potentially dangerous area.
- Communicate with friends and family
Uber’s app can also send your location to friends and family. It lets you share details about your trip, including routes and arrival times, with anyone in your contacts. Use this feature to communicate with the people who are expecting you.
- Review the driver’s app ratings.
Uber’s innovative rating system allows both drivers and riders to rate each other on their behavior, professionalism, punctuality, and more. This encourages proper conduct, and it provides information about bad experiences that other passengers have had with specific drivers.
Unfortunately, even the safest Uber drivers are not immune to accidents. If you were injured in a crash with an Uber vehicle, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP.
A New York City accident lawyer can investigate your wreck and help you pursue the maximum compensation for health-care bills, lost income, and noneconomic damages. If your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interest. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation.