In June, a Lyft passenger was injured in a fatal DUI crash between the car they were riding in and another vehicle near Humboldt Park in Chicago. The passenger is now suing Lyft and both the drivers. The accident, which took place in early June, occurred when the driver of a Toyota Avalon crossed over the center line at about 3:55 a.m., striking the Lyft vehicle [1] Abraham Vucekovich and Anudari Bayaraa were riding in. Bayaraa suffered blunt force head trauma in the collision and was taken to Stroger Hospital where she later died. Vucekovich survived the crash, suffering head injuries and a concussion. The driver of the other vehicle, Travis Anderson, was also taken to Stroger Hospital with minor injuries. He is being charged with a felony count of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death.
The Lyft driver, Elizabeth Renter, was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition following the accident. She is being charged with driving under the influence of a drug, a misdemeanor count. In the lawsuit, Vucekovich is accusing Lyft, Renter, and Anderson of negligence and is asking for more than $50,000 in damages.
Rideshare Passenger Have the Right to a Safe Ride
According to Vucekovich’s attorney, Lyft and other rideshare services should provide a safe option for passengers. Over the last several years, Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular and offer a reliable option for people to get from point A to point B. However, there is also a responsibility of the driver to operate the vehicle safely and sober. When a Lyft or Uber driver does not do this, the passengers are at risk. In the event of an accident, it is important for victims to work with an experienced Lyft accident attorney to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. These types of cases can be quite complicated, as Uber and Lyft have safety clauses in effect protecting them from lawsuits. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, our lawyers will advise you on how to proceed and what type of compensation you may be able to obtain.
As Uber and Lyft continue to grow and become even more of a presence in our society, we are likely to see more and more accidents take place. It is imperative that these rideshare companies are held accountable and only hire drivers who are trustworthy, experienced, and reliable. If they keep their verification process as laid-back as it is right now, it could result in far more injuries and accidents than we would like to think. If you have been involved in a Lyft accident in Dallas, Lake Charles, or the surrounding area, please contact Shamieh Law today. Our Dallas Lyft and Uber Accident attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to represent you and ensure justice is served. To learn more about what type of compensation you may be able to receive, please contact us today and schedule a free consultation.