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Whether you use rideshare services like Uber for convenience, cost-savings, or because you might have alcohol or other drugs in your system, you might, one day, find yourself faced with an Uber driver who has been drinking. They might be buzzed or drunk, but either way, you are not sure how to approach the situation.
This blog answers the question, what do I do if my Uber driver is drunk? A Los Angeles ridesharing accident attorney could help you hold the at-fault driver and possibly Uber accountable for your losses if you were injured in a car accident because of an alcohol-impaired Uber driver.
Your Options if You Think Your Uber Driver Has Been Drinking
Let’s say that you called for an Uber ride. The car pulls up. You can smell alcohol when you open the door, and the driver is behaving as if they have been drinking. What should you do? Simple. Do not get in the car. Just as it is not safe to ride with a buzzed or drunk friend behind the wheel, you should not get in the car if you suspect the Uber driver has been drinking.
You can simply decline the ride politely, say that you changed your mind, and walk away. It is never a good idea to get confrontational with anyone who has been drinking. You will, however, want to write down the license plate number and make and model of the car. You can report the driver to Uber through feedback on the app. Also, you can call 911 to protect others.
You might wonder what you should do if you are already in the car and on the ride when you notice that the driver is drunk. Here are a few options in that situation:
- You can ask the driver to end the trip immediately.
- If the driver pulls over to let you out, get out of the car. Do not stay in the vehicle or argue with the driver. Be sure that it is safe to get out of the car before you do so.
- Take a photo of the car and license plate, or write down that information.
- Call 911 and report the driver. Share with the operator your location, the license plate number, the make and model of the car, and the direction the vehicle traveled after you exited.
- Report the driver to Uber in feedback within the app.
You should always do what makes sense in the situation. Depending on your circumstances, you might need to modify your actions and do something other than these suggestions.
Can You Sue If You Get Injured in an Accident with a Drunk Uber Driver?
Yes, if an Uber driver caused an accident through negligence, like driving while intoxicated, and you got hurt in the collision, you can sue the driver for your injuries and other losses. Also, Uber carries liability insurance that can cover rideshare passengers in specific situations.
A Los Angeles ridesharing accident attorney can help you sort out the liability issues and go after compensation if you got injured in a rideshare accident that was not your fault. You can reach out to our office today for a free consultation with no obligation.