What if the Rideshare Driver Was Under the Influence at the Time of the Accident?

When a rideshare driver is under the influence at the time of an accident, it can have a serious impact on your case. At Triumph Law, we offer support and guidance to rideshare accident victims who may have been in an accident because the rideshare driver was drunk. Talk to a Sacramento rideshare accident lawyer for help getting the compensation and closure you need following your accident.

The Aftermath of a Rideshare Accident

When you trust a rideshare driver, you expect them to protect your safety while riding with them. Unfortunately, you may have gotten into a rideshare only to notice signs of intoxication. Sadly, it may have been too late to avoid an accident that left you severely injured and in need of compensation for those injuries.

Now, you may need help determining where to turn for the compensation you need for recovery. You may be aware that rideshare drivers should have insurance, but what can you do about the fact that they were driving drunk and actively endangered your safety? If you need help getting these answers, you may need to contact us, as we have the knowledge and resources to provide detailed guidance on your case.

You May Have Grounds for an Insurance Claim Against Uber or Lyft

You may have specific options when involved in Uber & Lyft accidents because of the rideshare company. Remember that these companies may try to avoid responsibility for the accident. Because of this, it can be difficult to sue them for a car accident.

However, suing is not your only option. Rideshare companies require their drivers to carry commercial driver insurance. That means that if you were injured during a rideshare accident, your insurance payout may be as high as $1 million, depending on the specifics of your injuries.

However, that does not mean that the insurance company will default to that amount, and while it may sound like a large amount, the costs of your injuries can pile up fast. You may need to pursue compensation in the courtroom based on specific evidence you and your attorney have uncovered. Bring your evidence to a powerful legal advocate who can guide you to the specifics of your case.

Identifying Who Is Liable When Your Lyft or Uber Driver Is in a Drunk Driving Accident

When you are involved in a drunk driving accident because your rideshare driver was drinking, identifying the liable party may seem more straightforward. If the accident was caused by the lack of judgment and reaction time that comes with drunk driving, the accident may have been the rideshare driver’s fault entirely. In these cases, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through their insurance claim or against the driver.

However, your case may be different if someone else caused the accident. For example, another driver may have been texting while driving, speeding, or engaging in road rage. In any of these cases, liability becomes more complicated because we may consider holding both parties liable.

In other cases, the accident may have happened because of a parts failure in the car, such as the brakes failing. In these cases, the manufacturer may be held liable for your injuries. However, the driver may have been unable to avoid the accident or worsened the accident because they were driving drunk, so discuss the exact details of your accident with our office before you file a claim.

Your Claim May Be Impacted by Criminal and Civil Cases

One of the biggest concerns in drunk driving accidents may be more than where your compensation comes from. You may also be concerned about whether the rideshare driver will face a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. If criminal charges are involved in your accident, it can complicate your timeline for compensation.

Different branches of the court system handle civil lawsuits and criminal charges. When a crime is committed, that case typically takes precedence. That means you may have to wait for the criminal justice system to hand down a verdict on the DUI case before you can sue.

This case does not prevent you and your personal injury lawyer from filing a claim, but it does mean you may have to wait. However, your time should not run out because of the criminal case, as the statute of limitations is on hold during this trial, meaning you can still seek compensation for your accident. Because the criminal case will only cover the criminal punishment for drunk driving, you can still pursue repayment for the suffering you were put through.

You May Be Eligible for Fair Compensation After a Crash

Once your claim reaches the courtroom, however, you need to know what your claim is worth. If you do not know and settle for less, you may have no further opportunities to seek compensation for your current and future economic and non-economic damages. Below are some examples of the damages for which you may be due compensation:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases where someone is grossly negligent or actively tries to harm you, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are not meant to compensate you but to punish the wrongdoer. While these damages can be difficult to seek, we can determine whether you have grounds for them and pursue them in court for your case.

Let Your Rideshare Accident Attorney Guide Your Case

Realizing that your rideshare driver is not sober can be a terrifying experience, and it only gets worse when an accident happens. Unfortunately, you may not have realized they were drunk, or you may not have had the ability to get out of the vehicle before the accident happened. When this happens, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

However, filing a claim against a rideshare company can be complex. They may be unwilling to pay for your recovery, leaving you holding the bill for the many injuries that the rideshare driver caused. Fortunately, your rideshare accident attorney can guide you through this case.

Starting with a free consultation, your legal advocates at Triumph Law are prepared to pursue the compensation you are due when another person’s actions injure you. To learn more about our services, take your free consultation by calling or completing our online contact form.