Rideshare Los Angeles

The truism “nobody walks in L.A.” is more apt today than ever before. A whopping 4.6 million Los Angeles residents commute to work every day. And that doesn’t even count drivers who are on the road for leisure or travel.

Previously, the answer to busy Whittier roads was to carpool with coworkers or friends. However, according to data, rideshares such as Uber or Lyft have overtaken carpooling in recent years. The current carpool situation in the US has dwindled down throughout the past few years.

What’s more, instead of wear and tear on one’s own car, professionals and casual riders alike are sharing their Uber and Lyft rides. The cost associated with owning a car also contributes to the increasing usage of rideshare services. It costs time and money to maintain vehicles, not to mention increasing gas prices. Furthermore, driving in a busy city can be stressful for many commuters. As a result, rideshare has become one of the mainstream ways to commute in the 21st century.

Unfortunately, this shift in riding styles doesn’t mean less traffic on Whitter and Los Angeles roadways. And while it’s a great option, ridesharing has its drawbacks. Here’s what you should know about rideshare safety, what to do in case of an Uber or Lyft accident, and tips for a great ride.

Ridesharing Industry Statistics

According to a 2022 study done on the ridesharing market, 25% of the US population utilizes ridesharing services at least once a month. In other words, ridesharing has become a common method of transportation, and services such as Uber or Lyft may be the best option for commuters living in a busy city.

The industry is worth more than $61 billion and is expected to continue to grow throughout the following years. In the past, taxi rides used to be the norm when needing transportation from point A to point B. However, the ridesharing business has been booming in recent years and more and more commuters are choosing Uber or Lyft over traditional taxi services. For example, many people choose Uber or Lyft to get to and from the Los Angeles International Airport.

Los Angeles Ridesharing Facts

If you’re a Whittier resident, it’s likely you’ve already utilized an Uber or Lyft. In fact, data shows a range of people who utilize rideshare services. Here are a few fast facts about ridesharing:

• People who utilize rideshare regularly hire an Uber, Lyft, or other services an average of once every three months.
• One-third of Lyft hires include more than one passenger, including commuters.
• Rideshares are hired more often in densely populated neighborhoods than in other locales.
• Uber and Lyft accidents happen about as often as other motor vehicle accidents, making them no less dangerous than other forms of transportation.
• Lyft carries almost two million passengers each year. Almost one-third of Uber services include multiple passengers who are using the service carpool-style.

Rideshare Safety Tips

No matter which rideshare company you call, you’ll want to observe a few precautions. Keep the following in mind:

• Check the driver’s rating on the app before agreeing to the ride. Search for trustworthy drivers who have stellar reviews left by other commuters.
• Be familiar with your surroundings. Use your phone to map your route if you’re unfamiliar with the location you’re in. This way, you can be sure the driver is taking you to the right place at the fastest time.
• If possible, stay indoors until your Uber or Lyft ride arrives. This is especially important at night, or if you’re in a high-crime area.
• Ask for the driver’s name before you get into the vehicle. They may also ask for your name.
• Only share your ride with someone you know well. It can be risky to share a ride with a stranger, especially if you’ve been drinking.
• Sit in the back seat. Put some physical space between yourself and the driver.
• Wear your seatbelt. While this goes without saying, it’s always an important step to help keep you safe.
• Don’t distract the driver. Small talk is fine, but the driver is on the job in heavy Whittier traffic. Distractions cause accidents.
• Never pay cash for your ride. Always pay via the app and try not to give a cash tip. You want a digital record of all financial transactions.
• If you don’t feel safe for any reason, don’t get in the car. Go back inside and call for a different driver. You may be able to get a refund by contacting support.

If There’s an Accident

An Uber or Lyft driver can get into a collision just like any other person. If you’re in an Uber or Lyft accident, be aware of the following:

• You will not be at fault. In the state of California, a vehicle driver must prove he or she was not at fault in order to receive compensation from either insurance company. However, as a passenger, you have no liability for the accident.
• Get medical attention immediately. Don’t wait, even if you feel fine. Get more information here.
• You may be able to sue for personal injury during the accident. Call your Whittier Uber and Lyft accident attorney after you’ve received medical attention. Remember, your health and well-being come first.
• Keep all medical records you receive. You’ll need them when you file your claim.
• Safety is your priority. Don’t make any phone calls until you’re in a safe location.

Who Pays for Damages or Injury in an Uber or Lyft Auto Collision?

Again, this will be one or both of the drivers. It can be difficult to unravel whether your Uber driver’s personal insurance will pay, whether Uber will partially pay, and how many of your expenses may be covered. You need a professional on your side. Contact our Whittier Lyft accident lawyer right away to find out about compensation.

If you take the proper precautions, your rideshare experience can be safer. A little awareness goes a long way, so keep your eyes open for where you’re going and make sure you identify the correct driver before getting into the car. This way, you’ll ensure the most satisfactory ride possible.