Ridesharing is the latest in urban traffic trends–it’s like taking a taxi—but easier. Uber, and similar companies, like Lyft , have fast become household names as well.

What is Uber?

Uber is a ridesharing app that you can put on your cell phone for fast, reliable rides in minutes—day or night. There’s no need to bother a friend or family member, wait for a taxi, or take the dreaded bus. With Uber, you just tap to ask for a ride, and they arrive at your door in minutes. There’s no hassle about having cash on hand or slowing down your exit to pay the driver. You simply pay right there on the phone with a credit card. It’s available in more than 500 cities worldwide—and is as simple as downloading the app to your android or smartphone today. Whether you’re going to the airport or just across town, Uber can get you where you need to go with just the swipe of your finger.

How to Request Your Uber or Lyft Ride:

  • Open the app and put in where you need to go
  • The app uses your location so the driver knows where to pick you up – You’ll see your driver’s picture, vehicle details, and can track their arrival on the map. (Seriously…SO cool!)
  • Select cities accept payment via credit card, Android Pay, PayPal, or cash.
  • You can rate your experience and driver following your ride. Uber uses your feedback to improve the overall experience for others.
  • Need a receipt? You automatically get it in your email.

Additional Uber Ridesharing Options

Uber has a few options for repeat customers with specific needs—like UberX (for continuous transport usage), UberPOOL (carpooling options), and UberBLACK (luxury vehicles available). And there’s still more options—whether you’re traveling with a big group, or need a vehicle with accessibility features. To check out if Uber is available in your city or where you are traveling to, go to https://www.uber.com/cities.

What You Need to Know as a Ridesharing Passenger:

Companies like Uber and Lyft have basic safety standards and regulations in place to protect consumers. Their drivers must be 21 years of age, have a 4-door vehicle that is 10 years old or newer, pass a vehicle inspection, carry insurance coverage in driver’s name, pass a background check with a clean criminal history, and not have any excessive speed violations in the last 3 years.

Uber and Lyft drivers are not professional drivers. The state doesn’t regularly inspect their vehicles like they do a fleet service, such as taxis and chauffeurs. A private operator owns, maintains, and insures every vehicle. Uber and Lyft do provide additional insurance to cover accidents, usually as a contingency policy to the driver’s coverage.

Therideshareguy.com has several great articles on what to expect when using a rideshare as a convenient form of local transportation or while you’re traveling. It’s always good to know the facts about your transportation needs ahead of time.  http://www.ridesharingdriver.com/uber-vehicle-requirements-can-you-drive-for-uber-with-your-car/

What if You’re in an Auto Accident While You’re in a Rideshare?

Ridesharing has quickly grown into a multi-billion dollar company because it offers convenient ways to travel without a lot of hassle. It’s fast, easy to connect with a driver, and meets a variety of people’s needs like no parking quandaries, worrisome delays, or exorbitant rates. But like owning and driving your own vehicle, there is always an underlying risk of a auto accident when you’re on the road.  Odds are that the more you’re on the road the likelier you are to experience some kind of safety incident. Just because you’re not the driver, doesn’t mean you aren’t protected. Ridesharing can be convenient, but if you’re in an accident as a passenger, you need someone who can help you navigate the laws and terms of coverage.

Rideshare & Insurance

Uber and Lyft provide coverage amounts of $50k injury/$100k total/$25k property, but it’s contingent on the driver’s personal insurance policy.  As a passenger, this means you would have to make a claim with the driver’s insurance company before Uber/Lyft’s coverage would kick in. http://therideshareguy.com/uber-and-lyft-accident-insurance-coverage-am-i-covered-for-injuries/#more-16732

 

If you or someone you love has been hurt as a passenger in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to contact Fielding Law Group today for help.

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