Rideshare Safety Tips

Rideshares (Uber, Lyft, and other Transportation Network Providers, or TNPs) are an entrenched part of Chicago’s transportation network. They offer convenience, reduced need for parking, and often a safer alternative to drunk driving. But rideshares also create unique safety and legal issues: from verifying that the vehicle picking you up is the right one, to understanding who’s liable if a crash or assault occurs. In this blog, we discuss practical, Chicago-specific safety tips for riders, summarize the legal and insurance landscape you should know, and explain what to do if you’re injured in a rideshare crash.

Before you request a ride: plan ahead

Planning reduces risk. Before you tap “request,” take these simple steps:

Check your pickup location. Choose a well-lit, public spot (not a secluded alley). Many Chicago institutions recommend waiting indoors until your driver arrives.
Share your ETA with a friend or family member through your phone or the app’s “share trip” feature. Both Uber and Lyft offer trip-sharing so someone else can follow your route.
Know the driver’s name, photo, and the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate before you approach the car. Confirm these details aloud if necessary. This small verification step is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and local safety campaigns.

At pickup: confirm and position yourself safely

The moments when you meet the driver are critical:

Verify the car matches the app and ask the driver, “Who are you here to pick up?” Compare names. If anything seems off, do not get in. Both major TNPs and Chicago’s Ride Smart campaign advise matching driver/vehicle details.
Wait inside when possible. Standing inside a building or behind a window until the app indicates arrival reduces exposure to street hazards and reduces the chance of getting into the wrong vehicle.
Sit in the back seat if you are alone. This gives you options to exit on either side and provides personal space between you and the driver. Seat-belt use is essential and it’s the single most effective way to prevent serious injury in a crash.

During the ride: stay alert and document concerns

While the trip is underway, maintain situational awareness:

Keep your phone charged and accessible. Use the app’s emergency and safety features if you feel threatened: Uber and Lyft both provide in-app reporting and access to safety lines or emergency services.
Avoid sharing personal details or letting the driver access your phone. If the driver behaves erratically (e.g., distracted driving, impaired, or aggressive), ask to end the trip in a safe location and report the conduct through the app and to local authorities if necessary.
Photograph the license plate and take a screenshot of trip information if you have concerns. This documentation can be critical if an incident occurs. Chicago’s Ride Smart guidance and institutional safety pages recommend keeping a record of identifying details.

If there’s a crash: immediate steps to protect your safety and legal rights

Motor vehicle crashes can be chaotic. If you are injured or a vehicle collision occurs in a rideshare, take these steps:

Prioritize medical care. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, get examined, as some conditions (concussion, internal injuries) may not be obvious right away.
Document the scene. When safe, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, visible injuries, and any traffic or road conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
Exchange information. Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance info, and vehicle details. Use the app’s trip details to capture the driver’s profile and the exact pickup/dropoff timestamps.
Report the crash. Notify the rideshare company through the app’s reporting features and file a police report so the incident is officially recorded. Chicago maintains crash datasets and the police report is essential for insurance claims and legal actions.

Understanding liability and insurance in Illinois rideshare crashes

Rideshare insurance can be confusing because coverage depends on the driver’s app status (offline, available, en route to pick up, or transporting a passenger). Key points for Illinois riders:

Illinois law and company policies generally require higher insurance limits when a driver accepts a fare or is transporting a passenger (often a $1,000,000 combined limit in many states and company policies), but coverage specifics vary by company and driver status.
If the driver was not logged into the app (i.e., driving for personal reasons), the driver’s personal auto insurance may apply first. If the driver was logged in and en route or carrying a passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial policies typically apply.
File claims promptly. Because multiple insurers and policies can be involved (driver’s personal policy, TNP’s temporary coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist policies), prompt reporting, police documentation, and legal consultation improve the likelihood of fair compensation.

Special situations: late-night rides, solo travelers, and accessibility needs

If traveling late at night, consider asking a friend to wait for a text update or use the app’s safety contacts to share your ride. Prefer well-lit pickup points near open businesses.
Solo female riders or riders with accessibility needs should use app features designed for safety (trip sharing, trusted contacts) and may prefer ride options that allow for additional verification of driver identity (some platforms have women-focused matching pilots).
Riders who use wheelchairs or need accessible vehicles should select services that guarantee accessible vehicles or contact TNPs in advance; document any failure to provide required accessibility accommodations. This can be important both for safety and potential discrimination or negligence claims.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rideshare Accidents

Q: What should I do if I’m injured in a rideshare and the driver was transporting another passenger?
A: If the driver was carrying a passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance often applies. Seek medical care, call 911 if necessary, document the crash, report it in the app, and file a police report. Then consult a Chicago car accident attorney experienced with rideshare claims to identify liable insurers and pursue compensation.

Q: Can I sue the rideshare company if their driver caused the crash?
A: Potentially, yes. Liability depends on the facts, including whether the driver was acting within the scope of the company’s service. In many cases, the company’s commercial policy will be a primary source for recovery, and depending on negligence and legal strategy, the company can be a defendant. Legal advice is critical.

Q: Are rideshares safer than taxis in Chicago?
A: Safety depends on many variables (driver screening, vehicle maintenance, passenger behavior). Both taxis and rideshares are regulated and have consumer safety guidance in Chicago. The City’s Ride Smart resources cover both modes.

Q: What if the driver’s insurance cancels after an accident?
A: Insurance cancellations can complicate claims. If a driver’s personal policy lapses, the rideshare company’s coverage timeline and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may become relevant. Early legal counsel helps protect your rights.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates If You Were Injured in a Chicago Rideshare

Rideshares are convenient, but they are not risk-free. If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Chicago, whether as a passenger, driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, there are important medical, evidentiary, and legal steps that protect your recovery and legal rights. Insurance coverage in rideshare incidents can involve multiple policies and often hinges on the driver’s app status and company rules; swift documentation, police reports, and legal counsel make a difference.

If you or a loved one suffered injury in a rideshare crash in Chicago, contact our firm for a free consultation. We can help preserve evidence, evaluate applicable insurance coverage, and advise on next steps to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other recoverable losses. Time matters, let us review your case and protect your rights.