Rideshare Passenger Dies in Fatal Uber Accident

A 21-year-old driver faces DUI manslaughter charges following a fatal Uber accident in Miami-Dade County, highlighting once again the devastating consequences of drunk driving and rideshare negligence.

Table Of Contents

• DUI Suspect Identified

• Uber Driver Also Found at Fault

  • Understanding Liability in Uber Accidents
  • Justice and Accountability After A Fatal Uber Accident

DUI Suspect Identified

According to police, Alexander Chica, 21, was charged after allegedly slamming into an Uber SUV carrying multiple passengers near SW 157th Avenue and SW 144th Street just days after Christmas. The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames, trapping and killing 20-year-old Pablo Sanchez Jr., a passenger in the Uber.

At his court appearance, Chica’s bond was set at $30,000 after he surrendered his passport. Prosecutors argued he was a potential flight risk, citing a social-media post referencing his Colombian roots. Chica’s defense attorney countered that the post referred to a soccer match, not an attempt to flee.

Police later confirmed that Chica was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was taken into custody Wednesday evening and now faces serious felony DUI charges under Florida law.

“This is every family’s worst nightmare — a loved one taken because of someone else’s reckless choices,” said a member of the Sanchez family.

Uber Driver Also Found at Fault

Investigators say Uber driver Jean Ralph Adam was attempting a left turn onto SW 144th Street when Chica’s Toyota Corolla collided with the SUV. The GMC Yukon flipped and struck a wall, catching fire moments later. Though other occupants escaped with minor injuries, Sanchez was tragically unable to make it out.

Sanchez’s family has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Uber Technologies, Inc., the Uber driver, and Chica, claiming both drivers’ negligence caused their son’s death.

Rideshare accident liability can become complex, particularly when multiple parties share fault, as in this case, where Uber’s driver may have violated the right of way while the other driver was intoxicated. (Source)

Understanding Liability in Uber Accidents

Victims of rideshare crashes involving DUI often face complicated legal questions:
Who is responsible: the intoxicated driver, the Uber driver, or the rideshare company itself?

Under Florida law, Uber drivers are covered by $1 million in liability insurance during active rides. However, which coverage applies depends on the driver’s app status: the $1 million layer applies from the moment the driver accepts a ride until the rider exits, and lower limits apply while the driver is logged on and waiting for a request (Florida Statutes section 627.748). In this case, since the Uber driver was on duty, the Uber insurance policy may come into play alongside personal auto coverage.

Justice and Accountability After A Fatal Uber Accident

The victim’s family continues to seek justice through a civil lawsuit while prosecutors pursue criminal charges against the Uber driver. The case underscores how DUI accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers can devastate families and create lasting legal challenges.

If you or someone you love was injured or lost their life in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and wrongful death damages. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Call UberLawyer.com today for a free consultation with a California Uber accident lawyer.