Lyft and Uber have really revolutionized a night out. Instead of anxiously waiting on an expensive taxi fare, with a few clicks of an app and a wait of five minutes, a car is waiting to whisk you back to your flat. However, the vetting process for becoming an uber driver is nonexistent, and this places more risk on the shoulders of users.

Ultimately, if you’ve been in a harmful situation at the hands of a rideshare driver, then seeking a Lyft Accident Attorney can be incredibly helpful.

   1. Order your own Ride

Yes, it’s handy to have others get the fare for you, but it can come at a great cost. When you order your own ride, you can monitor the route yourself, and it also opens up the app’s safety features for your ride. This can include checking the driver’s identity in the app, and Uber’s Ride Check feature.

   2. Pay attention to the vehicle

When your lift arrives, always make sure to double-check the make and model of what pulls up. Compare license plate numbers; does the vehicle match what’s on the app? Also, have a quick check to see whether the driver themselves match the ID picture on their profile.

   3. Don’t Assume

Never get in a car with someone who pulls up and says to be with Uber. Rides could and should be only requestable through the app. Once you’ve done this, don’t just clamber into the first dented, dusty car that pulls up. Ask the driver to identify who exactly they’re here to pick up, and to clarify the destination.

   4. Drink in moderation

In an ideal world, you would be able to safely assume that a ride home would be guaranteed. Unfortunately, the reality is that assaults and dangerous situations stem from opportunistic predators. Here, being very intoxicated puts yourself at incredible risk, as you’re no longer in control. Always try to stay within your limits.

   5. Sit in the back seat

If you’re on your own, staying in the back seat can help avoid any physical contact and assaults. By remaining physically further away, it gives you and your driver some well-defined personal space. It also allows you to make a quick exit, as both passenger doors are accessible, allowing you to escape on the other side that the traffic is on.

For this point, quickly check whether child lock is on. The lock is often located on the edge of the rear doors.

   6. Tell a Friend

As you’re traveling, quickly get your friends in the loop by tapping ‘share status’ in the app. This shares the driver’s photo, name, and location. Your friend can then keep an eye on your trip, seeing your location and ETA- all without needing to download the Uber app.

   7. Trust your Gut

If something feels off, never be afraid to cancel a ride. If you ever feel physically threatened, call 911 immediately. You can do that from within the Uber app, making use of the emergency button.