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

It is a rideshare passenger’s nightmare. Your Uber or Lyft driver appears intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Both companies have zero-tolerance policies. You should call 911 and follow up with Uber or Lyft’s critical response team.

An NYC Uber accident lawyer at Douglas & London will protect your rights and fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in serious car accidents through settlements and verdicts.

Uber Zero Tolerance Policy

Uber advises passengers who believe their driver is under the influence to end the trip at once, leave the vehicle and call 911. After the trip, Uber always asks for feedback. Add the information that you think the driver was drunk or high. Of course, if a driver behaved in an inappropriate manner, such as making lewd comments, report that as well.

Lyft Zero Tolerance Policy

Lyft’s policy tells riders to dial 911 right away and then tap on “Call Me” to reach the company’s critical response team. Someone is available 24/7 to take your call.

After an Accident

Perhaps you did not realize your driver was under the influence until after an accident occurs. If that is the case, tell the police officer at the scene that you suspect alcohol or drugs were involved in the collision.

As with any accident, document the scene with photos and videos. Take pictures of your injuries. If there are eyewitnesses, obtain their contact information and ask them to record their observations or write them down. In addition, write down or record your memories of the crash. Detail any behavior indicating intoxication.

Seek medical treatment right away, even if you do not think you were injured. Many serious injuries, including concussions, are not apparent immediately. Waiting to go to the doctor may harm your health and your claim. Insurance carriers will try to deny or minimize the injuries of someone who did not seek prompt medical care. They will allege the injuries occurred elsewhere or were not that serious.

Liability Issues

Because Uber and Lyft drivers do not work for these companies but are independent contractors, determining liability when a rideshare car has an accident is often complicated. However, it is more straightforward when an if a passenger is in the vehicle. New York City requires these companies to carry auto liability insurance of $1.25 million for all bodily injury and property damage claims for passengers.

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. If a person was killed due to another party’s negligence, their family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When someone is severely injured in a drunk driving Uber accident, that $1.25 million may not prove sufficient to pay for the lifelong expenses relating to their medical treatment and care. Under certain circumstances, it is possible to sue the rideshare company itself.

As noted, rideshare drivers are not employees. However, Uber and Lyft are responsible for performing background checks on their drivers. If a driver was hired despite a history of drunk driving convictions or if the company allowed them to keep accepting rides after complaints of possible intoxication, the accident victim may have a personal injury case against the company.

Your drunk driving accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation so you may receive justice. Do not make any statements to the insurance company or sign any agreements until you have obtained legal counsel.

Contact us for a free consultation

If you were seriously hurt by a drunk Uber or another rideshare driver, you need the services of an NYC Lyft accident lawyer at Douglas & London. Fill out our online form to arrange a free consultation or call or text us 24/7.

After a case evaluation, we will advise you of your options going forward. Our dedicated attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you never pay a fee unless you receive compensation. Hablamos Español.