A lawsuit was recently filed in a California court against Lyft as well as a Lyft driver after a Lyft passenger was killed. The passenger was being transported in a Lyft vehicle when he and the Lyft driver became involved in a verbal altercation. The Lyft driver pulled over to the side of a busy freeway, ejected the passenger from the car, pepper-sprayed him, and left him on the side of the freeway. The passenger was struck by another vehicle and died from his injuries.
The parents of the man who was killed have sued Lyft for the man’s wrongful death. The lawsuit claims that Lyft failed to provide the “utmost care” for its passengers. Lyft is a ridesharing service that connects drivers with vehicles and passengers who need a ride. Lyft’s website states that it provides over one million rides per day, and operates in over 360 communities, serving nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population.
Under California law, Lyft qualifies as a common carrier, which is a business that transports people for hire. Common carriers in California are required to use the “utmost care and diligence” for the safe carriage of those people, including the passenger who was killed. The lawsuit alleges that Lyft and the driver for Lyft failed to use the utmost care and diligence, which resulted in his death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving the wrongful actions of a rideshare company, such as Lyft or Uber, you should speak with an attorney. If you’re in California, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles personal injury attorney, at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.