Uber and Lyft have taken over the global ride-sharing industry.
Each day, millions of people order rides from these services. This is because of two main reasons:
- Low prices
- Convenience
However, when you push the low prices and convenience to the side, are there any risks involved when you ride with Uber or Lyft?
The simple answer is yes. There are several risks involved that you need to be aware of, whether you ride with Uber and Lyft on a regular basis or have never tried either of them before.
Grab your notepad and let’s examine the risks of riding with Uber and Lyft:
Road Accidents
Due to the sheer number of Uber and Lyft drivers on the road (particularly in the US), there are hundreds of accidents involving them each year.
Take 2019 to 2020, when there were 101 traffic fatalities across Uber’s service. This included 14 drivers and 19 riders.
So, if you’re ever riding with Uber or Lyft and get into an accident, you’re entitled to compensation. Typically, the more severe the accident is, the more compensation you’ll receive.
Remember, it’s perfectly legal to sue the Uber and Lyft companies directly. Or, you can sue the Uber or Lyft driver. To get started with your case, use car accident lawyers.
There are various reasons why an Uber or Lyft driver might cause a crash or accident. Common examples include:
- Reckless driving
- Tiredness and fatigue (as drivers often work long hours)
- Not paying attention to the roads
Whatever type of accident you get in, you might be entitled to compensation. This is why it’s so important to get legal help.
Assault
During Uber’s history, there have been several notorious cases where drivers have assaulted their passengers. It’s worth mentioning that this is a rare occurrence – but it can happen. This is the natural risk that comes with using any sort of ride-sharing app.
To reduce the risk involved with this, whenever you use Uber or Lyft, send a message to a friend or family member to let them know who you’re riding with and what your journey route is. Remember, the Uber and Lyft apps allow you to screenshot the names of the drivers you ride with as well as the registration plates of their vehicles.
Canceled Rides
Sometimes, it’s possible to order an Uber or Lyft, receive an estimated arrival time, and then the driver suddenly cancels after you’ve spent a considerable amount of time waiting. If you’re rushing to get somewhere (such as an important dinner party), this can be bad news. In other words, Uber and Lyft can be unreliable at times, which is something to always be aware of if you’re going to an important location and need to get there on time!
Cancellation Fees
If you cancel an Uber or Lyft ride before the driver arrives to pick you up, then you run the risk of getting charged a cancellation fee. Depending on how far your driver has traveled (and what the cost of your journey was going to be), the cancellation fees can vary.
