Uber Accident Leads to Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A tragic Uber accident in southwest Miami-Dade County has resulted in both DUI manslaughter charges and a wrongful death lawsuit, highlighting the complex legal challenges that arise when rideshare drivers and intoxicated motorists are involved in fatal collisions.
Accident Overview
According to Miami-Dade Police, the accident occurred near SW 157th Avenue and SW 144th Street.
Uber driver Jean Ralph Adam was transporting 20-year-old Pablo Sanchez Jr. and three passengers in a GMC Yukon when he attempted a left-hand turn onto SW 144th Street.
At that same moment, 21-year-old Alexander Chica, driving a Toyota Corolla, allegedly struck the SUV at high speed. The impact caused the Uber to overturn and crash into a wall before both vehicles caught fire. Tragically, Sanchez was trapped inside and pronounced dead at the scene.
The Uber driver and other passengers escaped with minor injuries.
Criminal Charges Filed
Police later confirmed that Chica was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter and related offenses under Florida Statute §316.193.
During his court appearance, prosecutors urged the judge to deny bond, citing flight risk concerns after a social media post hinted at travel. Defense counsel argued the post referred to a soccer match, not an intent to flee.
Ultimately, Chica was granted a $30,000 bond and ordered to surrender his passport.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Uber, Driver, and Chica
Following the criminal arrest, Sanchez’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Uber Technologies, Inc., driver Jean Ralph Adam, and Alexander Chica.
The lawsuit alleges multiple forms of negligence:
The Uber driver failed to yield the right-of-way, making an unsafe turn.
Chica drove under the influence, directly contributing to the fatal crash.
Uber may share liability under Florida’s rideshare regulations for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
Under Florida’s comparative negligence laws, fault can be divided among all responsible parties, potentially reducing recoverable damages based on each defendant’s percentage of fault.
Legal Analysis: Shared Fault in Rideshare Accidents
Even though one driver was allegedly intoxicated, liability may not rest solely on that party.
In rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft, courts often evaluate:
Which driver violated traffic laws or right-of-way rules
Whether Uber maintained proper safety standards
The insurance coverage limits under Florida’s rideshare liability laws
This case demonstrates how multiple defendants can share responsibility in a fatal accident, especially when both poor judgment and impaired driving are involved.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage in DUI Crashes
Uber’s insurance coverage can vary depending on whether the app was active and if a ride was in progress.
When an Uber driver is carrying passengers, the company provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. However, determining coverage requires a close review of:
The trip’s status at the time of the crash
Whether the Uber driver’s actions violated traffic laws
Coordination between Uber’s insurer and the at-fault driver’s policy
An experienced Miami Uber accident attorney can help navigate these insurance complexities to ensure families receive the compensation they deserve.
Statement from the Family
Sanchez’s grandmother called Chica’s arrest “a glimmer of hope in the family’s darkest hour.”
While the criminal process moves forward, the civil lawsuit aims to bring accountability to all responsible parties and provide justice for a life cut short.
Legal Perspective
“Our legal system allows families to hold every negligent party accountable — even in cases involving intoxicated drivers,” says the UberLawyer.com legal team. “Uber and its drivers have a duty of care to passengers. When that duty is breached, victims’ families deserve justice and fair compensation.”
Talk to an Uber Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a rideshare crash or drunk driving accident, you don’t have to face the legal system alone.
Our attorneys investigate Uber and Lyft accidents across California, fighting for families impacted by negligence and wrongful death.
Schedule a free consultation today.
📞 Call 888-979-7979 or visit UberLawyer.com/contact
💼 Serving clients across California.
