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Imagine this: You’re on your way home, riding in what’s supposed to be the safest seat in the city—an Uber or Lyft. You’ve trusted the app. You’ve trusted the driver. And then, out of nowhere, the car drifts. The sound of metal crunching. A jolt. And it all goes black.
This isn’t just another traffic accident. This is what happens when a rideshare driver falls asleep at the wheel—a horrifying, preventable event that turns your ride into a nightmare. And if you’ve been a victim of this, you’re probably asking: Who’s responsible? And how do I make this right?
Let’s break it down.
Driver fatigue is a silent epidemic on American roads—and when it comes to rideshare drivers, the risk is even higher. Many of these drivers are working long hours to make ends meet. Some are on the road well into the night, driving back-to-back shifts. And the result? Drowsy driving that’s just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Falling asleep at the wheel is not just a mistake. It’s negligence—plain and simple. And if you’ve been hurt because of it, you need to know what your rights are.
Here’s where the legal fog starts to roll in. Companies like Uber and Lyft don’t call their drivers “employees.” They label them “independent contractors.” Why? Because it gives them a legal shield.
But don’t be fooled. There are plenty of situations where the rideshare company can be held responsible.
Was the driver logged into the app at the time of the accident? If yes, the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy may apply.
Was the driver actively transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up? Then the company is definitely involved.
Does the company have safety protocols against fatigue? If they failed to enforce those policies, they may be found negligent.
If the driver ignored signs of fatigue, skipped rest breaks, or broke the rules in any way, they could be personally liable for your injuries. But here’s the catch: most drivers don’t have the kind of insurance that covers severe injuries. That’s why going after the company’s insurance policy often makes more sense.
When the dust settles, you’re left with questions, medical bills, and trauma. You may be out of work. You may be battling insurance adjusters. But you don’t have to do it alone.
This is your most direct path to compensation. You can sue the driver for negligence—falling asleep while driving qualifies. You’ll need to prove that their actions directly caused your injuries.
Your claim can cover:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Emotional trauma
Property damage
If the driver was on-duty, you may be able to file a claim through Uber or Lyft’s insurance. These policies can provide up to $1 million in coverage, but don’t expect them to pay without a fight. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
That’s where having a bulldog of an attorney makes all the difference.
If neither the driver nor the company provides enough coverage, your own insurance policy may have your back. This is especially important if the driver was off-duty or if coverage is disputed.
If the unimaginable happens—if someone loses their life in one of these crashes—you can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These suits provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional devastation the family suffers.
No amount of money can bring someone back, but justice still matters.
The minutes and hours following a crash are critical. Here’s what you must do, step by step:
Even if you feel fine, go to the ER. Adrenaline masks pain. And delayed injuries—like internal bleeding or spinal damage—can be deadly.
Take photos of the vehicles, intersection, and conditions.
Get names and numbers from witnesses.
Ask the driver directly: “Were you working for Uber or Lyft right now?”
Screenshot your ride receipt if you were a passenger.
File a police report. Make sure the officer knows the driver may have fallen asleep.
Report the incident through the rideshare app. This creates a digital trail.
Notify your insurance company, but don’t give them a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
This isn’t a fender bender. This is a complex case involving corporate insurance, app-based platforms, and legal gray zones. A rideshare accident attorney will know how to navigate it.
Uber and Lyft have deep pockets—and deep legal benches. You need someone who knows how to fight fire with fire. A good personal injury lawyer will:
Investigate the crash
Secure black box data or trip logs
Demand sleep records or app usage from the driver
Prove negligence in court
Deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to
This is about more than just getting a check. It’s about making sure this doesn’t happen to someone else. It’s about accountability.
Crashes caused by sleeping drivers are often violent. Victims of these accidents can suffer:
Traumatic brain injuries
Neck and spine damage
Fractured bones
Internal organ damage
Psychological trauma and PTSD
And the worst part? Many of these injuries linger for months or years. Recovery takes time. And money.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we don’t flinch. We don’t fold. We fight.
We’ve handled rideshare cases before, and we know how to build cases that win. If you or someone you love has been hurt because a rideshare driver fell asleep behind the wheel, we’ll dig into the details, hold the right people accountable, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
Call us now at (475) 529-2634. The consultation is free. The fight is personal.
This isn’t just about one sleepy driver. It’s about a system that pushes workers too hard and leaves the public at risk. It’s about you reclaiming your voice after a traumatic experience. And it’s about standing up to the Goliaths of the gig economy when they try to dodge responsibility.
You’ve been hurt. But you’re not powerless.
Call. Ask questions. Demand answers. And let us help you fight for the justice you deserve.
