What Happens If Your Uber or Lyft Driver Is Under the Influence?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an essential form of transportation throughout Florida. While these companies promise safe and reliable rides, there are instances where passengers find themselves in the dangerous situation of having an impaired driver behind the wheel. After an injury in an accident caused by an intoxicated Uber or Lyft driver, talk with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation.
Identifying an Impaired Driver
Before an accident even occurs, you may notice warning signs that your Uber or Lyft driver is under the influence. These signs include:
- Slurred speech or erratic behavior
- Smell of alcohol or drugs in the vehicle
- Delayed reactions or reckless driving
- Difficulty focusing on the road
Should you be in a car where you suspect a driver is impaired, it’s best to end the ride immediately and report the driver to Uber or Lyft. But if you weren’t able to exit the vehicle before an accident occurred, understanding your legal rights is crucial. There are likely several avenues for seeking compensation.
In some situations, the rideshare’s insurance policy will be activated. This is typically the case if the accident took place while the ride was in progress. These policies typically cover up to a million in damages, but there will be coverage limits if the driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride.
Other avenues of financial relief include the driver’s personal insurance policy or pursuing an injury lawsuit. For instance, some drivers carry personal insurance policies that could supplement your claim, especially if the rideshare company’s insurance denies or limits your compensation. But if your injuries are severe or insurance claims do not fully cover your losses, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
In cases where Uber or Lyft failed to properly screen the driver, the company itself may be held liable for negligence. You may be entitled to recovery funds for medical expenses, lost earnings, emotional stress, and long-term costs.
Investigating the Event
Filing an injury claim after an Uber or Lyft accident can be complex, especially when dealing with corporate insurance policies and multiple liable parties. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an impaired rideshare driver, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone, professionals who are familiar with the process can help.
A Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can help by looking into the specifics of the accident and collecting documentation to support your need for financial relief. Attorneys know how to communicate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation, and they have the skills to file a successful lawsuit if negotiations fail.
Are you recovering from ham that is directly related to a drunk rideshare driver? Whether you were hurt in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach, the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez are available to protect your rights. Be sure you have your claim assessed before agreeing to any settlement amount, you need to ensure you are securing the compensation you deserve. Call 561-660-9421 today.
