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What Should I Do If My Uber Driver is Driving Drunk?

March 15, 2023 |
What Should I Do If My Uber Driver is Driving Drunk? Rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber are innovative alternatives to taxis and public transportation. Uber drivers are hired to safely get you from point A to point B. But what happens if your driver appears intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that drunk driving car accidents cause more than 10,000 fatalities per year.  Uber has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence. So, if you suspect that your driver is driving drunk or impaired in any way, it is essential to take action immediately.   Here are the steps you should take:  Step 1: End the ride with your Uber driver. You can ask the driver to pull over or use the app to end the ride early.   Step 2: If needed, seek medical attention by calling 911. Drunk driving accidents can cause severe damage. Even if it's not an emergency, always see a doctor after a car accident. Some common car accident injuries like concussions are not instantly apparent.   Step 3: Take photos or videos of the accident and your injuries if you can.   Step 4: Report the incident to the police. You can also ask for witness contact information if anyone saw the accident.   Step 5: Report the driver to Uber by clicking "Report an Issue" in the app.   Step 6: If you were injured in a car accident involving a drunk rideshare driver, contact a car accident attorney ASAP.  

Injuries from Drunk Uber Driver Accidents 

Drunk driving accidents are serious. Inebriated drivers are not alert and tend to speed or drift when behind the wheel. In addition, the driver may not have the reaction time or awareness to avoid accidents to the best of their abilities.  

Some of the injuries that can occur include: 

  • Concussions 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Traumatic brain injuries 
  • Head injuries 
  • Internal bleeding 
  • Organ damage 
  • Broken bones 
  • Fractures 
  • Sprains 
  • Dislocations 
  • Nerve damage 
  • Burns 
  • Puncture wounds 
  • Lacerations 
Driving under the influence is a serious crime in all states and puts everyone on the road at risk. If you received a life-altering injury while in a rideshare accident, do not wait to get the legal support you need. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. The Ward Law Group will defend your rights and fight for the maximum settlement for your injuries.  

Compensation from a Drunk Uber Driver Accident Claim 

Do you want to initiate a claim for negligence in Florida following a rideshare accident? As the victim, you must show how the accident negatively impacted your life, like loss of body function, permanent injury, disfigurement or scars, or serious bodily harm. You deserve fair compensation if you were injured in a car crash caused by a drunk rideshare driver.   Depending on your case, you may be able to receive the following forms of restitution: 
  • Medical expenses, including surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, medication, follow-up visits, and more. 
  • Lost income. This applies if you cannot go to work or cannot work due to injury or recovery time later on.  
  • Property damage if your items or belongings were damaged, broken, lost, or need to be replaced because of the incident.  
  • Pain and suffering damage to cover emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, fear, and more.  

Are There Liability Issues With Rideshare Accident Injury Claims? 

Determining liability when a rideshare car has an accident can be complicated. Uber drivers don't work for Uber. They are independent contractors. This can make defining who is liable for the driver's actions more problematic and may require additional legal analysis. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is vital to help navigate the legal process.   A rideshare accident lawyer will help determine if you have a valid legal claim. If so, your attorney will secure the evidence needed to show responsibility and damages, ensure that legal motions are filed on time, and go after the maximum compensation you deserve.  NOTE: If you're considering filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida, you have four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. It is recommended that you do not hesitate to take legal action.   

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit With Uber 

In general, if the rideshare vehicle driver is at fault for the accident, the driver's insurance policy would cover any damages or injuries. Uber also has liability insurance policies that cover accidents involving their drivers. These policies can provide passenger coverage, but there may be certain limitations and exclusions in these policies. Under certain circumstances, it is possible to sue Uber itself. This is typically the best route for individuals who were severely injured in a drunk-driving Uber accident. Uber is responsible for performing background checks on their drivers. If Uber hires a driver, despite a history of drunk driving convictions or if they allow them to keep accepting rides after complaints of possible intoxication, the accident victim may have a personal injury case against Uber.    Are you considering filing a lawsuit against Uber? To sue Uber because of a drunk driver accident, contact the best Miami car accident attorneys

What is Uber's Insurance Coverage? 

Uber has insurance coverage for drivers and riders in case of accidents. Passengers riding in a vehicle with an Uber driver are protected for up to $1,000,000 in liability. Drivers are protected for $50,000 in liability. Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage is also provided. If the other driver involved in the collision has insufficient insurance or is uninsured, Uber provides coverage up to $1,000,000.   Let us help you determine who is liable for accidents and injuries caused to a victim because of a drunk Uber driver. The Ward Law Group is the premier law firm in Miami for Uber accidents. We know how to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.  

Contact an Uber Accident Attorney For Your Free Consultation 

Contact The Ward Law Group today for a free case evaluation if you were hurt by an intoxicated Uber or another rideshare driver. We have extensive experience with Uber and Lyft accident cases.   

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