Whether it is your first time visiting Las Vegas or you are a resident of the city, it is important to use safety tips when getting around in taxis or ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft. Taking a few precautions can prevent you from becoming a victim of a serious crime or car accident. Use these guidelines from our Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyer to help ensure your safety.
Ask Your Hotel for Arrangements
If you are staying at a hotel or casino in Las Vegas, visit the guest services desk to have a taxi arranged for you. Locals who work at the hotel are more likely to know the best and most trustworthy taxi companies and businesses in the area to use for your transportation. A staff member at the hotel can help you arrange a ride and find a trusted driver with ease.
Only Use Official Taxis
If you plan on taking a taxi in Las Vegas, use reputable taxicab companies. Call these companies to arrange a ride in advance. Make sure you get the information of your driver beforehand. Do not flag down an unmarked vehicle or approach a driver who says he or she is a taxi driver outside of your location. Stick with official taxi drivers who are part of a larger organization for the safest travel.
Request a Ride Indoors
Remain indoors while you arrange for a taxi or rideshare car to pick you up. Do not wait outside or in the street, as this could put you at risk of being assaulted, mugged or kidnapped. Stay inside and wait in a safe location for your ride to arrive. If possible, wait with a group of friends or a hotel staff member instead of waiting alone.
Confirm Your Ride
Always confirm that it is the correct vehicle and driver before getting into a car. Match the driver’s name and the vehicle’s license plate numbers to the information given to you by the rideshare app or taxicab company. Ask for the driver’s name instead of giving him or her your name to ensure a match.
Share Your Location
If your phone has a location-sharing feature, have it turned on for the ride. This can allow your friends or family members to track your location in real time as you ride in a taxi, Lyft or Uber. Rideshare apps also have safety features that you can take advantage of, such as adding Trusted Contacts who will automatically be alerted to your location and notified of anything amiss, such as the vehicle being parked for a long period of time.
Follow Along on Your Phone
Whether you are taking a taxi or rideshare vehicle, follow your route using Google Maps or GPS on your smartphone. Map yourself to your destination and keep track of where your driver is traveling compared to the given directions. If your driver starts to deviate from the correct course, this may be a red flag. Ask your driver to pull over immediately and call for help, if necessary.
Report Any Accidents or Issues
You can help keep others safe by reporting any issues that you experience with your driver or during your ride, including a car accident or sexual misconduct. Report the incident to 911 if it is an emergency or if someone is injured. Otherwise, notify the taxi company or Uber or Lyft using their customer service lines. If you have been injured, consult with a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas about your legal options. You may be able to recover financial compensation.
What to Do if Your Ride Gets into an Accident
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Accident: Notify the police about the accident and request that they come to the scene to file a report. This report will be essential for any future claims or legal actions. Ensure you get the names and badge numbers of the responding officers.
Collect Information: Gather as much information as possible from the scene. This includes:
- Driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details
- Vehicle information, including license plate number
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
Notify the Rideshare Company: If you were in a rideshare vehicle (such as Uber or Lyft), report the accident through the app or customer service line. The company will need to know about the incident, and they may provide additional instructions.
Contact a Lawyer Handling Personal Injury Cases in Las Vegas: After ensuring your immediate safety and reporting the accident, consult a lawyer handling car accident cases in Las Vegas. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and pursue any compensation you may be entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.