Quick trips and last-minute rides have rideshare written all over them, but are you really prepared for what could happen once you step into that car?
We all agree that these services are extremely convenient, but everything comes with risks, including rideshare. What do you do in case of an accident or if you stumble upon a driver who oversteps their boundaries?
You can’t realistically prevent every potential unsettling experience, but you can arm yourself with information on what to do to stay safe, prepared, and informed when you book a rideshare. Let’s get into what you need to know.
3 Key Tips for Rideshare Users
Staying safe in a rideshare starts before you get into the car.
Here are three main tips that everyone who uses this service needs to know.
1. Choose a Reputable Rideshare Service
Stick with well-known platforms, like Uber and Lyft that have safety features in the app. Before you book a ride, look through the driver’s ratings and reviews, and the feedback on the service.
This way, you get an idea of how safe your ride is and what you can expect from it in terms of quality.
2. Stay Safe During the Ride
Before you get into the car, always confirm the driver’s name, the type of the vehicle, and license plate and make sure it matches with what the app shows. Use the app to share details of your trip with someone you trust so they can track your ride.
Another great thing to do is to use the safety tools in the app, like emergency buttons, which let you contact local authorities if you need to.
3. Trust Your Instincts
We can’t overstate the importance of trusting your instincts. If something feels off, you’re not paranoid and you need to trust yourself. If the driver acts weirdly or they take an unusual route, do not hesitate and act immediately.
You can cancel the ride or ask the driver to pull over the second you start feeling uncomfortable.
Potential Risks of Rideshare Services
All ways of transportation are risky to some extent, and an accident is probably everyone’s biggest concern. Just like with your personal car, a rideshare car can be involved in collisions, and the aftermath can be complicated and messy.
Usually, rideshare companies have their own insurance policies which cover certain damages, but these policies are often limited or they don’t work the same as personal car insurance.
Aside from accidents, there could be other issues, like the driver not behaving properly and disputes between passengers and drivers. This isn’t something that happens frequently, but it can still create uncomfortable or even dangerous situations. Generally, rideshare services are safe and reliable.
After all, they’re popular and many people use them, but you should be aware of the things that can go wrong. Otherwise, you won’t know how to respond and you won’t be prepared for a potentially dangerous situation if and when it happens.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Rideshare Accident: 4 Suggestions
You never expect to be in an accident, but if you know how to respond, it makes a world of difference.
Here’s what to do if you get involved in a rideshare accident.
1. Assess the Situation
The first thing to do should be obvious, but let’s mention it anyway; check yourself and the others in the car for injuries to make sure everyone is okay. If there’s someone hurt, the most important thing to do is to get medical help. If it’s safe, try to move somewhere secure and away from traffic.
2. Call 911
Always call 911 to report the accident, even if it’s a minor one. This will make sure that you get medical help if it’s needed, and that a police report gets filed. Police documentation is key because you’ll need to deal with insurance or any legal matters.
3. Gather Evidence
Get as much information as you can at the scene. Note the driver’s name, the details on the vehicle, and if there were any witnesses, you’ll need their contact information.
Take photos of the site where the accident happened, the damage to the vehicle, and any injuries that are visible. These are details that are critical if you plan on filing a claim or working with insurance.
4. Know Your Legal Rights
After an accident, it’s important to know your rights and how to protect them. The best thing to do is to look for a Lyft rideshare accident attorney to get you through the complicated insurance claims, liability issues, and potential compensation.
Conclusion
As flexible and convenient as they are, rideshare services can be risky. Not too often, but it could still happen, and you need to be prepared.
Not in a paranoid way; but you should just know what to do in case of an accident or if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
The next time you book a ride, remember some basic safety tips because they can make all the difference.
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