Every week, across the country, there are more and more reports of rideshare drivers being assaulted.
When You Should Call 911?
The “911” number is used throughout the United States to alert local authorities of an emergency. If you are assaulted or a witness to an assault, call 911 immediately.
You should also call for fires, medical emergencies, car accidents or any situation where the police, fire department, and/or an ambulance is needed.
What Happens When You Call 911?
Each 911 call is answered by a Police call-taker. After reporting a crime, the Police call-taker will share the details that you provide to a Police dispatcher who then directs the Police unit where to go based on the information provided. It might be important to know that If you are the victim or witness of a crime, police officers cannot inquire about your immigration status.
There are steps that will help the response unit arrive faster and more prepared, and in the end, help you, as well. When calling 911:
- Stay calm – Try to remain calm and provide as much detailed information as possible. The calmer you are, the clearer you can be, the better call-takers and responders can hear and help you.
- Ask for a translator – Foreign language assistance is available in more than 140 different languages. Callers can be connected to Spanish-speaking operators, or to other live translators while on the call.
- Give your location – Give the call-taker the address and borough as specifically as possible. If you don’t know the exact street address, provide a street name, nearby cross streets, and any landmarks or highways you’ve passed on the way. If you don’t know where you are, describe what you see around you in as much detail as possible.
- Answer questions – Call takers and dispatchers will ask you questions to give to responding officers. They will also provide you with life-saving instructions if needed, like how to administer CPR. You might have to repeat some information for FDNY or EMS responders on the call, but this does not delay the response.
- Describe the emergency – Let the call-taker know if you or anyone else was injured. Explaining the injuries can be critical. Describe what is happening to the best of your ability, if you or the other person is bleeding, if the other person is awake or conscious, or choking. If you cannot speak, ask some to speak for you and leave the phone line open.
- Describe the suspects – If you have been assaulted or are a witness to an assault, get to a safe place first, as quickly as possible, and call 911. Describe the attackers, how many, if weapons were involved, what they looked like by height, age, weight, and what they were wearing. If they ran away, try and describe which direction they went, and if they were in a car, provide as much of the license plate number as you can remember.
- Keep your phone on – Let the operator know the number you are calling from and keep your phone on until help arrives.
Additional Help
As a rideshare driver in New York State, you have access to Workers’ Compensation benefits if your injuries occurred while on the job. These benefits, which are provided by The Black Car Fund, can help with:
- Payment for all medical treatment related to the injury
- Weekly payment if you are unable to work due to the injury
- Monetary award if you suffer any permanent injury
IDG Legal can help you file a Workers’ Compensation claim. Learn more here.
The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) is also available to you, a member of the family, or a friend who has been a victim of a crime. They’ll help to explain your rights as a crime victim. You can also apply for compensation to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with the crime. You can learn more by visiting the OVS site here.
