Rideshares like Lyft and Uber are so popular that most people have probably taken one at least once. While we trust these apps to connect us with reliable drivers, sometimes the person who you are told is your driver is not the person who shows up. Ghost drivers are becoming an increasingly dangerous problem, and some riders have gotten hurt.
A “ghost driver” is an Uber or Lyft driver who is not the person depicted in the driver’s profile. When you order a ride, you should be provided with the name and a photo of your driver. A ghost driver may be someone else who shows up, either claiming to be the driver or driving in their place, usually without authorization from the rideshare company. Some ghost drivers might not mean any harm, while others have more sinister intentions. Still, others might be unlicensed and unfit to drive, and a serious accident can occur. If you are injured because of a ghost driver, call the police and speak to an attorney.
Call The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797 and ask our Dallas Uber and Lyft accident lawyers for a free, private case review.
What is a “Ghost Driver?”
If you have never heard of a “ghost driver” before, consider yourself lucky.
Rideshare apps pair riders with drivers and charge a fee, and the app almost always provides the rider with information about the driver, including a photo, name, and details about the make and model of their vehicle. A ghost driver is someone who claims to be the rideshare driver, but they are clearly someone else.
Ghost drivers often use a friend’s or family member’s rideshare app who is an authorized driver for Lyft or Uber. For example, a person who drives for Uber might let their friend use their Uber driver profile to make some extra money. They might think this is harmless, but it can be frightening for passengers.
Part of what makes ghost drivers so dangers is that riders cannot verify their identities. They might claim to be a close friend or a family member of the driver depicted in the rideshare app, but they could easily be lying.
There have been cases of riders being intimidated, assaulted, or injured by ghost drivers. If this happens to you, call the police and seek help from a lawyer as soon as possible.
Who is Responsible for Injuries Caused by Ghost Drivers?
If you are injured because of a ghost driver, an attorney can help you determine who to hold responsible. While our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help you sue the ghost drivers, others might also be involved.
The Ghost Driver
Of course, we can help you sue the ghost driver who actually caused your injuries. Incidents with ghost drivers might involve assault or other acts of violence. This sometimes happens when riders express safety concerns or say they will report the ghost driver to the police.
Still, the ghost driver might not have a driver’s license and be completely unfit to drive. This might be why they are using someone else’s rideshare profile to drive and earn some money. In such cases, serious accidents can occur because of the driver’s lack of experience behind the wheel and negligence.
The “Real” Driver
We should also consider including the “real” driver in the case. This may be the person who knowingly let the ghost driver use their vehicle and their rideshare app profile to pick up paying customers. This is especially important if the ghost driver causes a serious accident and has no license or insurance. If the owner of the vehicle knowingly let this happen, they might be on the hook for your damages.
Uber and Lyft
Generally, Uber and Lyft are not liable for accidents caused by their drivers because drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Since ghost drivers are often not even authorized to drive for Uber or Lyft, these companies are likely not responsible.
Even so, many believe that these rideshare companies should bear some responsibility for not doing more to prevent ghost drivers.
Common Legal Claims Involving Ghost Drivers
An attorney may help you sue those responsible for your injuries after an accident or incident involving a ghost driver.
One possibility is that the ghost driver caused an accident with you in the car. You might have gotten in the car without realizing the driver was a ghost driver until it was too late. Ghost drivers might be unlicensed or simply reckless on the road and cause serious crashes. What is worse is that they might not even be insured.
There have also been multiple cases involving ghost drivers who assault or otherwise harm riders. Again, many riders do not realize the problem until after they get in the car and start moving. The ghost driver might demand more money or make sexual advances. If you deny them, they could lash out.
There have also been cases of ghost drivers taking riders to different destinations. For example, they might kick someone out of the car in the middle of the highway because they said they would report the incident to the police. If you were dropped off in an unsafe location, the driver should be held responsible.
What to Do if You Encounter a Ghost Driver
If you suspect the driver is not who they say they are, do not enter their vehicle. Report the incident to the rideshare company immediately. If the ghost driver tries to make you get in the car, call the police.
If you do not realize you have a ghost driver until after you enter the car, remain calm. If you can, cancel the ride using the phone on your app and ask to be let out somewhere safe. If you cannot get out of the car, use your phone to record the ride. Recording audio and video may help you if you file legal claims later.
If you are injured, call the police and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Contact an attorney to discuss how to get fair financial compensation.
Call Our Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers if You Had a Ghost Driver
Call The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797 and ask our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers for a free, private case review.