Each time you step into an Uber vehicle, you expect a safe and pleasant experience. Unfortunately, not every Uber ride is a good one, and you may be dealing with the fallout from the actions of a drunk Uber driver.
If you’re trying to figure out how to move forward with your life because an Uber driver caused a drunk driving accident, you need a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand your rights and to gather the necessary evidence to file a lawsuit.
An Uber rideshare accident lawyer in Plantation, FL, can help you to identify the liable party and to move forward with a lawsuit. Call Scarfone Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys now for more assistance.
Does Uber Hire Drivers With DUI Convictions?
Uber’s Driver Safety and Behavior Policy states that drivers with a DUI conviction in the last seven years are not allowed to drive for Uber. Drivers who have had their case expunged or dismissed may still be eligible to drive for Uber, even with a DUI in the past seven years.
Uber also restricts drivers with reckless driving charges in the last seven years, drivers with more than three traffic violations in the past three years, and speeding violations over the speed limit by at least 20 miles per hour In the last three years. Uber drivers must have a minimum of three years of experience driving in the United States before ridesharing.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Uber Driver is Drunk
You may be able to help prevent injuries to yourself and others by taking action if you believe an Uber driver is drunk when you get into the vehicle. You can terminate your trip immediately if you believe that your driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on the road. Uber applies a zero-tolerance policy, meaning that anyone who drives for Uber or uses the Uber app may not use alcohol or drugs at any time.
Uber requests that riders who have had a bad experience with a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs publicly share their experiences. You can help prevent other people from being catastrophically injured by canceling your own ride and reporting this behavior to Uber right away.
Who is Liable for a Drunk Uber Driver’s Accident?
Determining liability is difficult in drunk Uber driving accidents. Uber drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles in a sober, safe, and careful manner at all times.
Multiple entities or people may be responsible for the accident. If you were involved in an accident with a drunk Uber driver, the negligent Uber driver and their insurance company may be held responsible for damages. Anyone driving for Uber has to maintain their own car insurance policy.
If an Uber driver was operating this vehicle under the influence of alcohol and they caused an accident while in the scope of their job duties, Uber’s insurance coverage may additionally come into play to provide support for all or a part of the available insurance coverage.
Should I sign an agreement with Uber post-accident?
It can be a complicated process to file a lawsuit or claim against Uber. Occasionally, ridesharing companies like Uber try to make riders sign agreements that prevent them from filing lawsuits or claims against Uber directly. These waivers are also problematic because they may limit your settlement opportunities if you sustain injuries in an accident.
Do not sign an agreement provided to you by Uber or any other ride-sharing company until you have first contacted a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who has experience with cases against Uber.
If you’re sent any agreement or waiver post-accident, inform the rideshare company that you want your lawyer to look it over first. This may prevent you from being taken advantage of or signing away your rights.
Whose insurance will cover my injuries?
There are multiple different types of insurance coverage available for an Uber accident, depending on the circumstances. Insurance coverage limits from Uber apply for the time that occurs between trips.
Uber’s insurance coverage only comes into play when the driver’s individual insurance coverage does not cover a personal injury lawsuit or claim. Furthermore, Uber provides $1 million of liability coverage for those incidents in which an Uber driver is on the way to pick up someone transporting a fare to their destination or transporting a fare to their destination on the ride.
Additionally, Uber provides $1 million worth of underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, but this only applies when another driver has caused the accident and the Uber passenger or driver suffers injuries.
What are the most common injuries in Uber DUI accidents?
An Uber passenger can strike their head against a window, headrest, or door frame in a forceful collision, causing traumatic brain injuries. Other injuries can include broken bones, strains, and sprains.
Always go to the hospital to confirm your medical conditions and treatment plans. If you experience any changes in your symptoms in the hours and days after your accident, tell your doctor about these issues immediately.
Keep track of any medical records and all your doctor’s visits. In the future, this information may be important for explaining how the accident impacted your life.
How Can an Uber Accident Lawyer in Plantation Help?
You might assume that you can work directly with Uber on the accident damages. However, Uber and their insurance company are concerned about protecting their liability and not your best interests.
You need someone who can help support your rights and make sure you have the best possibility to recover from your injuries.
Most victims have a lot on their plate after an accident involving an Uber driver. If you or a loved one are struggling to figure out what to do next, an auto accident lawyer in Plantation, FL, can help you.
Our lawyers can help you collect evidence, communicate with the insurance companies, and file all paperwork for your lawsuit. Considering filing a lawsuit against a drunk Uber driver? Call Scarfone Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys now to start the process.