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.
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