Listen to this article Lyft Rideshare Safety: Driver and Passenger Shot at in Woodlawn; Driver Assaulted by Passengers’ Friends, Video Footage Shows
Introduction
An attorney for a Lyft driver claims that the rideshare safety company left his client to fend for himself after he and his two passengers were shot at by a gunman in Woodlawn, a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.The incident took place last month, and the driver’s attorney has released two videos taken by the driver’s dashboard camera that show the terrifying moments when the driver and his passengers were under attack, highlighting the importance of rideshare safety.
The Shooting
The videos show the driver speeding through traffic as he repeatedly tries to contact Lyft’s emergency team. An SUV suddenly fires shots, causing the driver and passengers to take cover. Thankfully, nobody is hit by the gunfire, but it shatters the back window of the driver’s car.
The Beating
The Lyft driver dropped off his passengers at the 6500 block of South King Drive after the shooting, where the passengers’ friends allegedly beat him, according to the videos. Although the driver managed to escape and flag down officers, the experience left him traumatized.
Lyft’s Response
Attorney Bryant Greening has called on Lyft to do more to protect its drivers, including real-time emergency assistance and regular screening and background checks of passengers. “Ride-share companies advertise that their services are safe and tout their purported safety features,” Greening said. “In this case, we witness a driver pleading for aid and left in a helpless and exposed state.” There was no immediate comment from Lyft.
Possible Lawsuit
Greening has said that he plans to file a lawsuit against Lyft “in the coming weeks.” Currently, the driver prefers not to disclose their identity publicly.The attorney said his client intends to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Details of the Incident
The harrowing ride began around 2:50 a.m. when the driver, 52, picked up two passengers near the University of Chicago. The video shows the two passengers demanding the driver speed away, as they duck low into their seats. As the Lyft driver stops at a red light in the 600 block of East 67th Street, a black SUV approaches from behind, pulls alongside, and someone inside opens fire.
The Lyft driver adhered to the protocol by informing Lyft’s emergency team through the ride-share’s app, as per his training. He pleaded for assistance and requested that they “help me” and “call police” to report the shooting incident. However, the SUV cut off the chase, and the Lyft driver dropped off the passengers at their destination. It was at this location that the driver was beaten by the passengers’ acquaintances. He pleaded for assistance and requested that they “help me” and “call police” to report the shooting incident. However, the SUV cut off the chase, and the Lyft driver dropped off the passengers at their destination. It was at this location that the driver was beaten by the passengers’ acquaintances.
Police Investigation
Police confirmed that they are investigating the shooting and the beating, but released no other details. Greening said Lyft never notified police on its own, and the company has not offered support for any injuries to the driver or damage to his car.
Conclusion
This incident is a reminder of the risks that ride-share drivers face every day while performing their jobs. Lyft and other ride-sharing companies promote their safety measures, but additional efforts are necessary to safeguard drivers and passengers from violence. The Lyft driver in this instance was fortunate to survive, but the incident left him traumatized and injured.
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