Las Vegas, NV (November 21st, 2024) – An Uber driver who caused an impaired driving accident last year will serve up to six years in prison as part of a plea agreement. The rideshare driver had Delta-9-THC, marijuana’s psychoactive compound, in his system at the time of the crash.
A teenage passenger in the Uber driver’s vehicle at the time of the rideshare accident suffered serious injuries, including multiple broken bones. The teen was using the popular rideshare service to get home from basketball practice.
The Danger of Impaired Rideshare Drivers
Rideshare platforms, like Uber and Lyft, promote safe travel. However, they aren’t immune to the dangers of impaired driving. Some rideshare drivers, despite background checks and company policies, make the reckless decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Such behavior can lead to serious motor vehicle accidents that leave victims with life-altering injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Rideshare accidents, especially those involving drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, can result in serious injuries for passengers, other motorists, and the rideshare drivers themselves. After a rideshare accident caused by an intoxicated driver, determining liability is crucial.
Parties who may share liability for such accidents and the resulting damages include:
The Driver
Whether on the clock or not, drivers are directly responsible for their decisions if they get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs. As such, they may be held financially liable for such accidents and any resulting injuries.
Rideshare Companies
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide significant insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers. When a driver is logged into the app and actively transporting passengers, these policies typically cover up to $1 million in losses. However, pursuing compensation from these policies can be complex, and victims should work with a Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyer to navigate the process effectively.
Third Parties
Sometimes, other parties, such as another driver or a business that over-served alcohol, may also be partly responsible for rideshare accidents. In such cases, victims may pursue legal action against these parties with the help of a Las Vegas motor vehicle accident attorney.
What Compensation Can Victims Seek?
Victims of rideshare accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may face a range of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Nevada law allows victims to pursue compensation to help cover these losses. The compensation available includes:
Medical Expenses
Rideshare accidents often result in serious injuries, such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries. Through a rideshare accident case, victims may seek compensation for emergency care and hospital stays, surgeries, and medical procedures, prescription medications, and future medical needs related to the injury.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Injuries can keep victims from work for weeks, months, or even permanently. As such, compensation can include wages lost due to missed work. Victims may also recover compensation for the loss of future earning capacity if the injuries prevent them from returning to their previous jobs or careers.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are financial. Those involved in rideshare accidents may endure significant physical pain and emotional suffering due to their accidents. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the impact on quality of life, and includes chronic pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
The steps passengers take immediately after rideshare accidents can significantly affect their ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. The actions they should take include:
Seeking Medical Attention
Even if they think their injuries are minor, getting checked out by a medical professional is crucial. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Documentation of their injuries may also be essential for any insurance claims or legal action.
At the scene, victims should call 911 if they or anyone else is seriously injured. They should also be sure to follow through with any recommended treatments and follow-up appointments to establish clear records of their injuries.
Reporting the Accident to Law Enforcement
In Nevada, accidents that involve injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage must be reported to law enforcement. Typically, this is the responsibility of the drivers involved. As a passenger, however, it may be helpful to obtain a copy of the accident report. The official police report may serve as an essential piece of evidence when determining fault and seeking compensation.
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
If they’re able to do so safely, it can be helpful for victims to collect as much evidence as possible. Such information may be critical for establishing liability. To this end, they may take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any injuries, vehicle damage, the road conditions and traffic signals, and the license plates and driver’s licenses.
Those injured in rideshare accidents should obtain the contact information for their driver, the other motorists involved, and any witnesses. It is also advisable that they note the rideshare app’s involvement, such as whether the driver was logged in and actively transporting a passenger.
Notifying the Rideshare Company
Most rideshare platforms have reporting systems for accidents. Reporting the incident through the app creates an official record, and may trigger the company’s insurance coverage. They should use the app’s support feature or follow the instructions on their website, and keep copies of any correspondence.
Keeping Detailed Records
Maintaining thorough documentation can strengthen your case and make the claims process smoother. To this end, those injured in rideshare accidents should keep records of:
- Medical bills and treatment plans
- Lost wages and time off work
- Repair Estimates or receipts for property damage
- Communications with the rideshare company, insurers, and law enforcement
What Should Rideshare Accident Victims Avoid?
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is generally to minimize payouts. Therefore, after a rideshare accident, injured passengers should avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents without first seeking legal guidance. They should stick to the basic facts when talking to insurers and avoid discussing fault or the extent of their injuries, and let their legal representatives handle negotiations to ensure they get fair compensation.
To help protect your right to compensation after a Nevada rideshare accident, you may benefit by consulting with our attorney at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices. With more than 30 years of experience, motor vehicle accident lawyer George Bochanis has helped recover millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of people like you. To discuss your case, call us today at 702-388-2005.
