Uber Safety Tips

Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services have become increasingly popular throughout the country. Florida is no exception: the convenience of these programs have led Miamians to use rideshare apps in droves. Like any technology, however, rideshare apps present dangers to riders and passengers alike. Violent crime has become serious problems for Uber drivers and passengers.

The Uber accident attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz have extensive skills in both victims’ rights and car accident cases. Residents and visitors of the Miami area trust our knowledge, legal expertise, and superior customer service to secure the compensation they deserve. Trust our team to protect your legal rights after any car accident or crime.

Since the inception of the Uber app, users have been understandably concerned about passenger safety. Bizarre cases (such as the driver who hit a passenger on the head with a hammer) may be uncommon, but they do occur. Sadly, sexual assault is more common, as one young passenger in a Los Angeles Uber learned the hard way. The intoxicated passenger, twenty-four, passed out in the back of the vehicle. The driver then drove to a motel, carried her upstairs, and sexually assaulted her. The driver had a criminal record of felony narcotics convictions, but because they were more than seven years old, they had not precluded his employment with Uber.

Passengers are not the only victims of violent crimes in Ubers. Outside of Chicago, an Uber driver was stabbed and killed by his passenger (a young girl, sixteen, who had no apparent provocation for the murder). And here in Florida, a Largo Uber driver was shot in the abdomen after being “jumped”.

So how can Uber drivers and passengers stay safe in a dangerous environment?

• Always be aware of your surroundings. If a driver or passenger is acting suspiciously, investigate the situation. Do not hesitate to get out of an unsafe vehicle, or remove passengers from an unsafe vehicle.
• Become familiar with safety features in the Uber app. These can protect both drivers and passengers who are prepared to use them in an emergency.
• Another feature of the Uber app is the ability to “share status” with a friend. This allows others to track your trip and ensure you arrive at your destination safely.
• Be respectful. Many Uber violence cases start with a situation that escalated quickly. There is no need to be angry, harassing, or aggressive with drivers or passengers.

With over forty-six years of legal experience, the lawyers of Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. have the skill and knowledge required to protect your rights after an Uber accident. Whether you were the victim of a crime or injured in a car accident, our victims’ rights attorneys and car accident lawyers will help secure the compensation to which you are legally entitled. Call our office today at (877) 475-2905 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Miami area car accident lawyer. You can also email our office through our online contact form.