When an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident while intoxicated, victims may have claims beyond standard negligence. Drunk driving opens the door to punitive damages and strengthens claims against the rideshare company for allowing an impaired driver to operate.
Legal Consequences of Impaired Rideshare Driving
Drunk rideshare drivers face both criminal charges and civil liability:
Criminal DUI charges are prosecuted by the state, potentially resulting in license suspension, fines, and jail time for the driver.
Civil liability for injuries caused allows victims to sue for compensation. DUI evidence strongly supports negligence claims and may justify additional damages.
Punitive damages are available in many states when defendants act with reckless disregard for safety. Driving commercially while intoxicated clearly demonstrates such disregard.
Claims Against the Rideshare Company
Drunk driving incidents strengthen claims against Uber or Lyft directly:
Negligent hiring: If the driver had prior DUI convictions that a proper background check would have revealed, the company may be liable for allowing them to drive.
Negligent retention: If the company received reports of a driver appearing intoxicated but failed to investigate or remove them from the platform.
Failure to implement safety measures: Claims that the company should have systems to detect impaired driving, such as monitoring for erratic driving patterns.
Insurance Coverage for DUI Accidents
Standard rideshare insurance coverage applies to drunk driving accidents—insurance policies cannot exclude intentional criminal acts of the insured in a way that leaves innocent victims uncompensated:
The $1 million liability coverage during active rides covers victims regardless of whether the driver was intoxicated.
Victims can pursue the full policy limits plus potentially the driver's personal assets and punitive damages.
Evidence in Drunk Driving Cases
Strong evidence supports drunk driving claims:
Police reports documenting blood alcohol levels, field sobriety test results, and officer observations.
Criminal court records from DUI prosecution, including guilty pleas or convictions.
Witness statements about the driver's behavior, appearance, or alcohol odor before or after the accident.
Bar or restaurant records showing where the driver was drinking before driving.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation
Victims of drunk rideshare drivers should:
Cooperate with criminal prosecution as criminal evidence supports your civil case.
Document all damages thoroughly including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Pursue punitive damages to hold the driver accountable beyond mere compensation.
Investigate the company's knowledge of any prior incidents or complaints about the driver.
Consult an experienced attorney who can navigate both the insurance claims and potential company liability theories.