When most people think about Uber/Lyft accidents, they picture two cars colliding. But these accidents can happen in many different ways. Passengers are often injured while leaving the vehicle. This sometimes happens when Uber or Lyft drivers dump passengers in unsafe locations – such as the sides of highways or busy streets. Often, passengers are dumped without warning due to arguments or other incidents. But what can you do if you were injured after being dumped on the side of the road by an Uber/Lyft driver? Is it true that you can sue for these incidents?
What Might Happen After an Uber/Lyft Driver Drops a Passenger in an Unsafe Location?
Passengers may suffer a range of different injuries after being dropped in an unsafe location. Perhaps the most obvious threat is being struck by a passing vehicle. This is even more of a threat when you consider that many people who use Uber or Lyft are too intoxicated to drive their own vehicles. They might step out onto the road without seeing approaching vehicles due to their intoxication levels.
If Uber/Lyft drivers decide to dump passengers on the side of highways for whatever reason, the safety issues can become even more serious. Even if a passenger is completely sober, it can be extremely difficult to get off a highway. These individuals may need to walk for miles before reaching a pedestrian pathway. They might also need to run across multiple lanes of traffic to reach safety.
In some cases, drivers might dump passengers miles away from the nearest rest stop or gas station. These pedestrians might then have no choice but to walk for hours in order to reach civilization. Aside from the threat of being struck by a passing vehicle, these pedestrians may also struggle with dehydration, hunger, and exhaustion. They might also get heat stroke or freeze to death, depending on the season. These issues are especially pronounced for senior citizens or disabled individuals who struggle with mobility.
Finally, drivers may dump passengers in extremely dangerous neighborhoods. They may then become targets for local gang members, drug addicts, and other unsavory types. These are just a few examples of how dropping a passenger can be just as dangerous as a head-on car crash.
Examples of Past Injuries
In March of 2022, a California court determined that Uber drivers should exercise caution when dropping passengers off. This came after a garbage truck worker was injured by a passenger who opened the door of the Uber vehicle. This open door struck the worker as the garbage truck was passing – causing the worker to fall to the ground and suffer injuries. This shows that drivers can be held accountable for the manner in which they drop off passengers.
In another case from California, a pair of siblings hailed an Uber but became concerned when the driver started heading the wrong way down the highway. When they voiced these concerns, the driver became angry and ordered them out of the vehicle on the side of the highway. With no other option, the siblings were forced to run across six lanes of traffic. The sister was then struck by a vehicle, causing her leg to be crushed. Her brother managed to drag her to one side and watched as she bled uncontrollably. Fortunately, an ambulance arrived at the scene and took the injured woman to a nearby hospital in critical condition. A difficult lawsuit then followed, with Uber refusing to confirm the identity of the driver and attempting to dodge all liability. The case was finally settled for an undisclosed amount.
In another case, a woman was apparently dumped out of her Uber vehicle when the driver learned she was on her way to an abortion clinic. Although this situation did not result in an injury, it represents a clear example of how easily these rideshare drivers can become emotional or angry. If the woman had been dumped in an unsafe location, the outcome could have been much worse. In 2021, a Lyft driver became angry at a passenger in Tennessee – dumping him on the side of the highway with all of his luggage. His crime? Asking to raise the rear windows.
But perhaps the most famous example came in 2022 when a former Cuomo staffer was struck by a passing car on a Delaware highway. He had just been dumped on the side of the road by an angry Lyft driver. Few details were revealed – but it is clear that there was some kind of argument between the passengers and the driver. This argument caused the driver to abruptly terminate the ride and order all of the passengers out of the car. When the victim got out on the passenger side, he was struck by a passing vehicle that swerved to avoid the stopped Lyft vehicle. The Lyft driver was fired.
Is it Easy to Sue Rideshare Companies for These Accidents?
It should be relatively straightforward to get your hands on a settlement that covers your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. To make this process easier, you should get in touch with a lawyer who has specific experience with these types of incidents. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Lyft or Uber accident, you can still sue on behalf of your family member by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Where Can I Find a Rideshare Attorney in New Jersey?
If you have been searching for a qualified personal injury attorney in New Jersey who can help you with your rideshare accident, look no further than Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs – including those who were injured by rideshare drivers. Remember, negligent behaviors of all types may result in injuries. This includes the decision to dump passengers in unsafe locations. If you have experienced this firsthand, you may have an opportunity to sue the driver or the rideshare company itself. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective plan and pursue justice.
