Uber Driver and Rider Protection

How Does Uber Protect Its Riders?

From making your own schedule to controlling your potential earnings, the thought of becoming an Uber driver can be tempting. With the promise of earning $1,800 in your first month, Uber has lured in over 160,000 active drivers in the United States alone.  

However, according to recent media reports, the colossal rideshare service has run into several obstacles, including car accidents and sexual and physical assault cases. These cases have gotten Uber drivers and riders rethinking whether it is worth associating themselves with this rideshare company as they fear they may become the next victim. 

According to Uber’s 2022 safety report, there were a total of 101 deaths reported in 91 Uber-related accidents from 2019 to 2020. 42 percent of those involved in these deadly crashes were vulnerable road users, 64 percent were pedestrians, 29 percent were third-party motorcyclists, and 7 percent were bicyclists or scooter riders.

Uber also received nearly 4,000 reports of sexual assault. 43 percent of those who were identified as the accused party were riders. Fatal physical assaults were another problem that occurred during Uber trips. A total of 20 people were killed in 19 violent attacks. 75 percent were riders and 25 percent were Uber drivers. 

Nonetheless, it is understandable for Uber drivers and riders to fear for their safety after learning about the statistics of what could happen during a ride. To make your ride experience less stressful, you should take precautionary steps to ensure your safety. In the section below, we have created a list of ideas a rider or rideshare driver should take into consideration to keep themselves protected from potential dangers.

If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident or were sexually or physically assaulted, our skilled personal injury attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you get the justice you deserve. Our legal team has won more than 5,000 cases and recovered over $1 billion in settlements for our clients. Due to our success with client satisfaction, we are confident that we will deliver a good outcome to your case.

If you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Protections That Uber Provides to Drivers

As seen in recent news, there have been several instances where an Uber driver has been physically attacked while on the job. As an Uber driver, the company has certain policies in place for your protection. Listed below are some guidelines Uber uses to safeguard their rideshare drivers:

1- In-app assistance. In case of an emergency, Uber has a built-in feature that can immediately send your trip information to the local authorities.

2- Friends and family follow. Uber allows friends and family to follow your route.

3- Rating system. As a rider can rate an Uber driver, the Uber driver also has the ability to rate the rider. Any dangerous, messy, or obnoxious riders will be banned from using the application.

4- GPS tracking. The company keeps a record of all trips and routes in case of any emergencies. 

5- Insurance. Uber has joined with major insurance companies to provide protection against uninsured motorists and hit and run accidents.

6- Cash value for car. With a $1,000 deductible, you can have your car insured for the cash value. 

7- Optional Injury protection. This protects a driver if they're in an accident and are unable to drive or pay their medical bills. This optional insurance provides many benefits, which include disability payments (earnings replacement up to $500 each week), medical expenses (accidental medical expenses up to $1,000,000 with no deductible or copay required), and survivor benefits (up to $150,000 for your family).

8- Door-to-Door Safety Standard. To protect drivers and riders, each party is given the option to wear a face mask.  Riders must also sit in the back seat of the vehicle. 

9- Ride Safety Feedback. If a driver or rider is going against Uber’s COVID safety guidelines, it can be reported. This feedback will allow the rideshare company to make improvements to prevent issues like this from occurring in the future. Furthermore, they will hold all parties who have violated their safety guidelines accountable.

Uber’s Safety Policy 

In order to protect its drivers, Uber has an in-app emergency button that connects the driver to the nearest 911 dispatcher. Uber discourages the carrying of firearms while working as required by the law. Though there is a no gun policy, laws in different states can challenge this ruling. However, under Uber regulation, the driver will be fired if found holding a firearm. 

Uber also prohibits riders from carrying guns even in states where it is legal to carry a firearm. 

Lyft, who has similar policies, released this statement: “The safety of our community is fundamental to Lyft and the incidents described are frightening. We have been in touch with the drivers involved to offer our support and will assist law enforcement to help in any way we can."

To document a trip for protection purposes, Uber and Lyft drivers may resort to placing dashboard cameras in their vehicle. Most local regulations will allow a rideshare driver to do this, however, the rideshare driver is required to inform the rider that they are being recorded in or around the vehicle, and must acquire consent. Uber and Lyft assault cases is something that is taken very seriously by both companies and is something to be aware of.

If you are interested in using a dashboard camera while on the job, it is highly suggested to check rules and regulations established by your city on whether or not it is legal for you to do this. 

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for your losses. We are committed to resolving your legal issues as quickly as possible while receiving the best results. Our clients are represented on a contingency fee basis. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. There is no financial risk to prevent you from reaching out. 

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.