When you book a ride with Uber or Lyft, you’re entering into an agreement—you pay for a direct, professional transportation service, and in return, the driver is expected to safely and efficiently take you to your destination. But what if your driver decides to make a personal stop along the way?
At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we’ve spoken with individuals who’ve experienced just that. These incidents are more than just unprofessional—they could be considered violations of both rideshare platform policies and your consumer rights. In some cases, they may even expose you to unnecessary safety risks.
If your Uber or Lyft driver made personal errands during your trip, here’s what you need to know—and how we can help.
Is It Legal for Rideshare Drivers to Run Personal Errands During a Ride?
No. When a driver accepts your ride request, they are contractually agreeing to provide a transportation service—not to use that time for personal business.
Both Uber and Lyft have strict guidelines in their Terms of Service and Driver Agreements that prohibit this kind of behavior. Drivers are required to maintain a professional standard at all times. Making unapproved stops or taking detours for personal errands can constitute a breach of contract, potentially leading to driver deactivation.
From a legal standpoint, this behavior may also fall under negligent conduct, especially if:
- The detour results in a car accident.
- You are placed in an unsafe situation.
- The delay causes you financial or personal harm.
If you’ve been impacted, you may be entitled to compensation.
Your Rights as a Rideshare Passenger
As a rider, you have several rights under both the rideshare company’s policies and state law. You have the right to:
- A safe and uninterrupted trip to your chosen destination.
- Know the planned route and arrival time.
- Report any misconduct, detours, or suspicious behavior.
- Cancel a ride if you feel unsafe.
- Request a refund for disrupted service.
- Seek compensation if you suffer harm due to a driver’s negligence.
If your ride was diverted because your driver was running errands, and it led to stress, delay, or worse—don’t brush it off. Your experience matters, and you may have legal options.
Why This Behavior Is a Serious Safety Concern
What seems like a “quick stop” to a driver can have serious consequences for a passenger. Every time a driver deviates from the designated route:
- Your location becomes unpredictable.
- Response times in emergencies are delayed.
- You may be exposed to unfamiliar or unsafe environments.
- It becomes harder for Uber or Lyft to track the trip in real-time.
We’ve seen how rideshare negligence can result in injury or trauma. A small act of unprofessionalism can open the door to much larger risks, including liability in the event of a crash.
What You Should Do if This Happens to You
If your driver makes an unapproved stop or begins running personal errands, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and document everything. Here are immediate steps to take:
- Remain calm and observe. Note the time, location, and nature of the stop.
- Communicate clearly. Politely express that you’re uncomfortable with the detour.
- Exit the vehicle safely, especially if the situation seems suspicious or unsafe.
- Document the incident. Take screenshots of the route, trip summary, or receipts.
- Report it to Uber or Lyft immediately. Use the in-app Help section.
- Contact a legal professional if you experienced harm, distress, or significant disruption.
Your quick actions can not only protect you—but also help hold the driver accountable and protect future riders.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for Driver Misconduct?
In some cases, yes. While Uber and Lyft often try to avoid direct liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors, courts have increasingly held them accountable for driver behavior—especially if there was gross negligence or failure to act on prior complaints.
You may have a claim if:
- The driver’s personal detour led to an accident.
- You were left in a dangerous or harmful situation.
- You suffered financial losses due to the delay.
- The incident caused emotional distress or trauma.
Our attorneys at West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers specialize in rideshare-related claims and can help determine whether your case qualifies for compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses (if an accident occurred)
- Lost wages (due to missed appointments or work)
- Emotional distress
- Transportation reimbursement
- Punitive damages for reckless behavior
We conduct a thorough evaluation of your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
When to Contact a Rideshare Attorney
If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies as a legal issue, it’s always better to speak with an attorney. Situations that may warrant legal action include:
- Your driver became confrontational or hostile when questioned.
- You missed a flight, meeting, or crucial event due to unauthorized stops.
- You were placed in an unsafe or uncomfortable environment.
- The driver violated other policies, such as texting while driving or making multiple pickups without your consent.
How West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
Rideshare platforms are built on convenience and trust. When a driver violates that trust by prioritizing their own errands over your safety and time, it’s more than a minor inconvenience it could be grounds for legal action. With decades of experience in personal injury and rideshare-related claims, West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers is committed to protecting passengers’ rights.
Our team of skilled litigators knows how to take on Uber, Lyft, and their insurance companies to secure fair treatment and compensation for victims of negligence.
When you choose us, you get:
- A dedicated legal team that fights for your interests
- Transparent communication every step of the way
- A record of winning multi-million dollar settlements
- No fees unless we win
If you’ve had a rideshare experience that made you feel unsafe, disrespected, or put at risk, we are here to stand by your side. Let us help you hold negligent drivers and the companies behind them accountable for their actions.
Call us today at (213)-465-8682 or fill out our quick contact form for a free case review!
