There are many great things that technology has brought into our daily lives and much of the population in Chicago would have a tough time getting around without recent technological advances. Whether you carry your iPad with you everywhere, refuse to leave home without your smart phone, or can’t seem to recall life before a laptop existed, odds are that technology permeates many of your daily activities.
Technology also changed the transportation game in Illinois with the arrival of Lyft, a peer-to-peer ridesharing program that is now in more than 200 cities across the country, including Chicago. Lyft works by enabling those in need of a ride to request exactly that through the use of an app. In response, a Lyft driver will pick up that rider and take her to the location of her choice. Lyft has a relatively wide service area and will accommodate riders anywhere in their area which makes traveling by Lyft relatively easy and flexible.
Lyft functions much like an on-demand cab service with fees that are often lower and with riders who often report a greater satisfaction in the trips they take.
Problems with Lyft Rides in Chicago
With all of the positives associated with Lyft, it may be surprising to some users to consider the fact that there are numerous drawbacks with electing this mode of transit.
First, Lyft vehicles are not regulated to the same extent that many other vehicles offering rides to the public are regulated. Riders often use Lyft and assume that the vehicle taking them to their destination is safe. Lyft advertises minimum requirements for its vehicles and says that all vehicles undergo a 19 point inspection before being cleared to operate as a Lyft but that should not provide a lot of comfort for riders. Much can be missed in a general inspection and a vehicle can sustain damage or run into problems after the inspection occurs, leading to a potentially dangerous ride. These cars are also unfamiliar to passengers who may not know that the vehicle’s brakes have been showing signs of wear or that an in-dash unit is not functioning as it should. In the worst situations, a mechanical failure may take place and lead to a car accident.
In a similar vein, passengers cannot control the actions of the individuals who operate a Lyft vehicle. Drivers are rated based upon past performance but there is no guarantee that ratings are accurate. Instead, some drivers may speed, fail to stop completely at red lights or stop signs, or otherwise act in a dangerous manner to get riders to their locations faster. This not only will appeal to some riders but it will allow a driver to pick up new clients, thereby making more money. Reckless conduct behind the wheel increases the odds that a car accident will happen in Chicago and that someone will be injured in that collision.
While many forms of transportation require passengers to forego a degree of control over their own safety, other transit options are more heavily regulated at the state and local level than Lyft, providing those other forms of transportation with greater requirements towards safe conduct and protecting their passengers in response.
What to Do After a Chicago Lyft Car Accident
Lyft collisions happen with regularity in Illinois, and if you are involved in a crash, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself and your rights.
You should always cooperate with local law enforcement officers as they conduct their investigation. Many investigations take place at the scene of the crash but some require additional follow up at a later time. No matter the length of an investigation, it is a good idea to cooperate to the best of your ability and to be honest in your responses to any questions you may be asked.
If you are injured in an accident, make your health a priority. Victims of accidents who seek medical treatment quickly often fare better in the long run than those who wait to get help as injuries can worsen as time progresses. Injuries are often masked by adrenaline in the moments immediately following a collision and may not set in fully for a few hours or even a day after a crash. No matter the timing, make sure you seek help if you need it.
Finally, if your accident happened in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, know that you are protected by state laws designed to protect the rights of victims. Often, those injured in Lyft accidents can make a claim for their damages and can utilize the services of a personal injury attorney to assist them at every step of their claim.
If you have questions about your options or if you need help, call the legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. for a case consultation without cost or obligation. We have a licensed attorney available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak with you and we never charge our clients a fee unless we make a recovery in their cases. You can reach us toll free at (855) LAW-CHICAGO (529-2442), locally at (312) 924-7575, or online at your convenience.
If you were injured in a Chicago Lyft accident, call Abels & Annes, P.C. at (855) 529-2442 for a free case consultation.