Orlando Uber Driver Arrested on Fatal DUI Charges

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 3, 2020

On January 8th, police within Haines City were called to the scene of an accident involving a truck and a car being used by an Uber driver. Now, more than two months later, the investigation into the incident has resulted in the arrest of the driver on charges of vehicular manslaughter as well as a DUI.

The incident involving the Uber car and the truck started on the night of Thursday, January 8th. On this day, a 30-year-old individual from Orlando arranged for an Uber ride from an Orlando location to Uncle Pete Road in Haines City. Simultaneously as the Uber driver and passenger were making their way down Uncle Pete Road, the driver of a semi-truck was also driving down Uncle Pete Road looking for the drop-off location for their load.

It is not clear exactly what happened, but the reports from the Florida Highway Patrol indicated that the Uber car was traveling behind the truck, approaching it at an advanced rate of speed, while the truck was traveling at a slower rate. The Uber driver, apparently unaware of the presence of the much larger vehicle, failed to slow down in time and crashed into the rear of the semi-truck. The force of the crash caused the 30-year-old passenger to hit their head on something within the interior of the car.

When the authorities reached the scene, they found a bag within the Uber car that contained trace amounts of methamphetamine. A blood sample taken from the driver also contained methamphetamine. It is not known if the driver was arrested at the scene and then later released on bail, and it is also not known if they were injured at the crash. The 30-year-old passenger, however, was severely injured when they struck their head and, despite the efforts of the emergency response crews, they were declared dead as a result of their injuries.

Early in March, members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office made an official arrest of the Uber driver at their Orlando home. It is not known when the trial is expected to take place.

The driver of the semi-truck is not believed to have been injured as a result of the accident.

Sources:

• Florida Uber driver killed passenger in DUI crash, police say

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.