Rideshare Driver Arrested for DUI After Crashing Into Party Bus
An rideshare driver was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing into a party bus in downtown San Diego, authorities said. The driver is now facing DUI and resisting arrest charges following the late-night collision.
Details of the Rideshare Accident
According to San Diego Police Department Lt. Dan Smyth, the accident occurred just before midnight near the intersection of Sixth Avenue and F Street. Witnesses reported that the rideshare driver was heading south on Sixth Avenue when he ran a red light and slammed into the rear of a parked party bus.
The bus, described by officers as a “large party bus,” sustained moderate damage to its rear. Fortunately, it was empty except for the driver, who escaped injury.
“The Uber driver’s vehicle was completely totaled,” Smyth said. “He suffered a minor shoulder injury and was taken into custody after failing a field sobriety test.”
Rideshare Driver Arrested After Failing Sobriety Test
Police said the driver showed signs of intoxication and failed a field sobriety test at the scene. When officers attempted to arrest him, the suspect allegedly resisted and had to be restrained.
“We had to maximally restrain him,” Smyth told reporters.
Witness Kaleb Weakley, who saw the incident unfold, said he observed the rideshare driver being arrested. “All I know is he got tased, he went to the ground and then disappeared,” Weakley said.
Uber Confirms Driver Was Not Logged Into App
Authorities initially believed the man was working for Uber and was en route to pick up a passenger when the crash occurred. However, a spokesperson for Uber later clarified that the driver was not logged into the app at the time of the collision.
In a statement to local news outlet KTLA, Uber said:
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for using or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving on the Uber platform. This individual was not logged in to the Uber app at the time this incident occurred or on his way to pick up a rider. We are clearly disappointed that this occurred and have permanently removed this driver-partner’s access to the Uber platform.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not yet released the driver’s identity and said it remains unclear whether speed or other factors contributed to the crash. The case remains under investigation, and charges for DUI and resisting arrest are pending.
Legal Rights After a DUI Rideshare Accident
DUI crashes involving a rideshare driver present complex legal challenges. Victims may face confusion over liability and insurance coverage, especially when a driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the collision.
If you were injured in a DUI accident caused by a rideshare driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and emotional suffering
At Uberlawyer.com we have extensive experience handling Uber/Lyft rideshare accident claims and can help you navigate the insurance process to pursue full compensation.
Call at 888- 979-7979 for a free consultation with a dedicated Uber/Lyft rideshare accident lawyer.
