Over the past few years, ridesharing services have become a common transportation method for many people living in New York. However, that does not mean that they come without risk. Read on further to learn about how you can stay safe when using a rideshare company.
Tell somebody you’re using a rideshare service
If you need to use a ridesharing service and have no time to get someone to ride with you, the second-best option is to inform others of your trip. This is especially important if you’re in a neighborhood or city that you are not familiar with. Uber, Lyft and taxi accidents do occur, so having someone track your whereabouts is important if you move forward with legal action against the driver or the ridesharing company.
Know how to enter and exit the vehicle
No, this doesn’t mean watching your step so that you don’t trip but rather the location where you wait for your driver. Although most ridesharing apps allow you to track your driver, it is highly recommended not to wait for them outside. Instead, wait until they arrive at your pickup location. When exiting, you may ask your driver to wait one or two minutes for you to enter your home.
Confirm driver and car identity
Something that most ridesharing apps offer is the ability to see the type of car that is picking you up and who the driver is. Thus, it is important for you to confirm that the information on the app matches the car and driver. It must be noted that both are matching as you do not want to get in a vehicle with a driver who is not within the ridesharing company’s database.
Although precautions can be taken to increase your safety, the fact is that accidents may still occur. In the event of an accident, it is important to consult with an attorney. An attorney experienced in dealing with motor vehicle accidents may provide you with the best chance of obtaining compensation for any injuries sustained.