According to an article published by Fortune in 2015, written firsthand by a passenger involved in an Uber accident, the process can be stressful. The author shared that Uber and Lyft “have notoriously worked to avoid as much responsibility as possible when it comes to accidents.”
For some passengers injured in accidents, the solution is simple – bring everyone to court and let a judge decide. If you or a loved one have questions about an Uber or Lyft accident, contact a Florida injury lawyer at Fetterman & Associates for assistance.
The Accident
Perhaps the most notorious Uber accident in Florida history occurred over the holiday season in 2015, when a twenty-year-old passenger from southwest Miami-Dade was killed in a dangerous crash.
Pablo Sanchez Jr. called for an Uber to a Miami nightclub just after four o’clock in the morning on December 27. The driver, Jean Ralph Adam, arrived to transport Sanchez and three of his friends home. While making a left-hand turn, the GMC Yukon was struck by a Toyota Corolla.
The Uber vehicle rolled over, landing against a wall and exploding into flames. While Adam and Sanchez’s friends escaped without serious injury, Sanchez was trapped and killed.
After the accident, a spokesman for Uber released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and our thoughts are with all those involved and their families during this very difficult time.” This statement was repeated in an article published on the CBS Miami website describing the accident.
Despite the response from Uber, members of Sanchez’s family demanded to know if Adam was distracted or tired during the drive. A lawsuit was ultimately filed against both Uber and Adam, in addition to vehicle owner ShammaChery and Alexander Chica – the driver of the Toyota Corolla.
Who’s Responsible?
When an Uber or Lyft accident takes place, blame is often thrown in several different directions. First, the company attempts to learn the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. Was the driver tired or distracted behind the wheel? Was the passenger involved? How could the accident have been avoided?
Once these questions are answered and eyewitness accounts are provided (if possible), the company determines whether to file the claim on the business policy or force the driver to file a personal claim. In the midst of this, passengers often find themselves unsure who to hold responsible for sustained injuries and medical bills.
Contact Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys at Fetterman & Associates
Because there are so many questions and complications surrounding the issue, a team of professionals can help passengers and injured drivers obtain the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one would like to speak with a Florida injury lawyer about a life-altering Uber accident, contact Fetterman & Associates at 561-845-2510.