Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have independent drivers who work as contractors for the service. However, the drivers are required to pass a background and driving record check, which may differ slightly between the two companies. Uber drivers, for example, cannot have had a DUI conviction within the previous seven years. In Florida, Uber and Lyft drivers also have different insurance liability coverage amounts from other drivers. When they are active and are providing a ride, they must have at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage. They must also carry the required personal injury protection insurance.
Click Orlando reports that an Uber driver has been arrested after killing their passenger in an alleged DUI crash.
The crash occurred on January 7th on U.S. 17 at Shamrock Drive. The Uber driver, identified as 27-year-old Clint Fischer, Jr., had picked up his passenger, 30-year-old Estevan Pascual, in Orlando. He was taking Pascual to a destination on Uncle Pete Road in unincorporated Haines City.
At the intersection, a semi-trailer had stopped to try to look for the location he was dropping off a load at. Fischer slammed into the rear of the tractor-trailer. Pascual hit his head and suffered from traumatic brain injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Methamphetamine was discovered in a blood sample from Fischer and also in a bag located in his car.
Fischer was tracked down to his Orlando home and was arrested on Thursday, March 5th.
Punitive Damages in Florida DUI Accident Cases Drunk drivers can wreak havoc on Florida roads, causing serious, potentially life-threatening injuries and catastrophic property damage. A driver who gets behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level that exceeds the state’s limitations cannot safely operate their vehicle. They, and their insurance company, can be held accountable for their actions and your resulting expenses...
Florida Dram Shop Laws Dram shop laws refer to the statutes governing the liability of places that sell alcohol. In an accident, like a drunk driving accident, these laws can dictate whether you can file a lawsuit against the dram shop for serving the person who injured you. These laws differ by state, so Florida has its laws with...
Uninsured Drunk Driving Accidents: How to Seek Compensation You can seek financial compensation after getting hit by an uninsured drunk driver. One of your first options is to seek benefits from your insurance policy. You can also sue the driver, who must pay you from their assets. A Fort Lauderdale drunk driving lawyer from our law firm can also determine if someone else is...
How Many Accidents Are Caused by Drunk Driving? According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 10,142 people died in drunk driving accidents nationwide. That equals about one fatality every 52 minutes. In 2019, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says that drunk driving caused 4,984 collisions, 351 of which were fatal. If you...