For those nights when you head out to a California bar with your friends, or if you simply do not feel like driving, you may hail a Lyft or Uber. What do you do if you think your driver is drunk, or if you are in an accident because the driver is drunk?
Observer offers guidance on this matter. Learn what to do to protect yourself and your rights when you are a passenger in a car with a drunk driver.
Communicate your concerns
The moment you suspect a rideshare driver of being drunk, it is best that you voice your concerns to the driver. It may be necessary for you to end the ride and immediately get out of the vehicle, so you do not put yourself at risk.
Contact authorities
Rideshare apps make it easy to know what kind of car a drunk driver has. Use that information when you contact the police, giving them the car’s license plate number if you can get it. The same applies if you are ever in an accident due to a drunk rideshare driver. You may need to contact emergency services in the event anyone sustains injuries.
File a complaint
Once you contact the police about the drunk driver, the next thing you want to do is contact the rideshare service and let them know about the incident. Hopefully, they will launch an investigation and keep you updated on its progress and results. Contacting the rideshare service is also best in the event of an accident caused by a drunk rideshare driver.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.