On June 8, 2018, a head-on collision between a vehicle operated by a Lyft driver and another motorist killed a Lyft passenger and injured another Lyft passenger in Chicago. The Lyft driver was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and the other driver was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
After hearing of the incident, Lyft put out a statement that they are deeply saddened and shocked by this incident and immediately deactivated the Lyft driver’s account.
Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber usually have a zero tolerance for drivers using alcohol or drugs while on duty. The ride share driver’s account can be permanently deactivated if the driver has been found to be driving under the influence. Lyft and Uber requires a background check into the driver’s criminal and driving record before allowing the driver to drive for them. After that, they only do annual background checks. Therefore, they rely on the passengers to report drivers driving under the influence.
Many people rely on Lyft or Uber to take them to their destinations safely. Unfortunately, you may face a driver that is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Follows these simple steps if you suspect your driver is impaired:
- Ask the driver to immediately stop the car in a safe area and exit the vehicle;
- Call the police; and
- Report the incident to the rideshare company.
If you have been injured or your loved one has been injured or killed in a car crash, you should have an attorney investigate the crash immediately. Contact Attorney Richard Washington at Washington & Washington now to protect your rights. Attorney Washington is a prominent African American lawyer in the Philadelphia area fighting for injured victims for over 20 years. See Automobile Accidents for more information.