Sadly, many female passengers have been assaulted while using rideshare servings like Uber and Lyft. No one should have to be afraid when they get into a rideshare vehicle to get to their next destination, but unfortunately, these assaults do happen regularly, and it’s important to know what you can do to keep yourself safe when you’re using Uber or Lyft. 

Here, we’ve compiled seven tips that can help keep you safe when you’re using a rideshare service.

Tip #1: Check the Details 

We know—when you’re in a hurry, you’re likely scrolling on your phone, answering emails, and not paying much attention to what’s going on when your Uber or Lyft arrives to pick you up. Slowing down and checking out the details is an important part of keeping yourself safe when using a rideshare service. Be sure to look closely at the app to note the car that will be picking you up, and pay attention to your environment to make sure you feel safe. If you don’t feel comfortable getting into the car that arrives, or if something seems off, trust your gut and order a new ride. 

Tip #2: Get Confirmation

It’s easy to hop in a car that pulls up to where you’re waiting, assuming that it’s your rideshare vehicle there to pick you up. Doing so, however, can result in getting into an unsafe vehicle. When someone arrives and says that they’re your Uber or Lyft driver, ask them to confirm their name. If they are unable to do so, do not get into the vehicle. When the driver confirms that they know your name, ask the driver for their name and be sure it matches the driver in your rideshare app. 

Tip #3: Wait Carefully 

Request your ride while you’re waiting inside a building—not while you’re standing outside on the sidewalk. When you request your ride while you’re standing outdoors, you’re making it clear to those around you that you’re waiting for someone to pick up you, and that you’re distracted by trying to find a ride on your phone. When you wait in an enclosed space, you’re giving yourself the privacy necessary to choose your ride.

Tip #4: Stay in Contact With Friends and Family

When you’re using a rideshare service, let a friend or family member know the details of your trip. Let them know where you’re coming from and when you should arrive at your destination, and check-in with them to let them know that you made it safely. Most ridesharing apps allow you to simply share your trip details with a friend or family member at the touch of a button. 

Tip #5: Keep Your Personal Space 

Whenever possible, sit in the backseat of your rideshare vehicle so that you’re able to maintain some space between yourself and the driver. This doesn't just give you the comfort of staying out of reach of another person—it can also make it easier to safely enter and exit the vehicle at the start and end of your ride.

Tip #6: Only Message Within the App

Your driver should not request your phone number or other personal information. Some drivers may tell you that it’s easier to request a ride if you message them directly, but it’s important that you keep your message within the confines of the ridesharing app. Your driver is not able to access your phone number through the app, and messaging through the app only means that there is a record of your messages in case something goes wrong. In the event that you do give a driver your personal phone number and later receive inappropriate messages, be sure to report the driver to the ridesharing company.

Tip #7: Give Feedback

If you have a negative rideshare experience, it can be tempting to forget about it and move on with your day. Reporting a negative incident, however, can help to protect others and create more positive ridesharing experiences. If a driver made you feel uncomfortable, it’s important that you let the ridesharing company know by filing a complaint through the app. If you experience assault from an Uber or Lyft driver, it’s important that you both contact law enforcement and make the ridesharing company aware of the situation. 

If You’ve Experienced Rideshare Assault, We’re Here To Help. 

You should never have to worry about being hurt when you’re using a rideshare service. If you’ve experienced assault while using Uber or Lyft rideshare services, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help. To date, there have been nearly 6,000 reports of sexual assault on Uber and Lyft passengers. While there are many challenges to achieving justice in the wake of a rideshare assault, one of the most difficult is pursuing justice from the proper sources. Though the perpetrator may have been using Uber to find clients, it is not always the case that the driver is an employee of Uber or Lyft and therefore liability may lie exclusively with the driver, limiting the amount of compensation that can be recovered. In order to get the best possible outcome, you will need a superior attorney.

At Select Justice, we match people like you with experienced, compassionate attorneys who are devoted to getting you the outcome you deserve. Our attorneys use their subject knowledge and legal acumen to get you the best possible outcome. Additionally, our partners work on contingency meaning that if you don’t win, you don’t pay. People who have experienced assault while using Uber or Lyft may be entitled to compensation. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.