Uber Driver Files Suit After Passenger Allegedly Shoots Him In The Back
CHICAGO — A Chicago rideshare driver filed a civil lawsuit for damages against Uber Technologies Inc. and his Uber passenger, on December 16, 2021, alleging serious injuries after the passenger shot the driver, during an October 20, 2021 ride.
Uber allegedly paired driver Adebayo Adeyemo with passenger Luis Tinajero. Tinajero allegedly sat in the back passenger seat while Adeyemo drove towards Tinajero’s final destination. While on I-94, near 26th Street, Adeyemo heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain in back. As Adeyemo tried to control his vehicle, Tinajero allegedly said, “You’ve been shot.”
Adeyemo sped to Cook County Stroger Hospital for medical assistance. At the first opportunity, Tinajero allegedly jumped out of the car and fled the scene.
Adeyemo sustained serious injuries, including internal bleeding, a ruptured spleen, fractured ribs, and more. He required surgery and was in-patient for several days. Adeyemo has incurred thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost wages to date, not to mention long-term pain, suffering, disability, and emotional distress. He requires continued medical care.
Chicago Police Department officers located and arrested Tinajero. Tinajero has been charged with Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.
Adeyemo has retained the Chicago-based personal injury law firm LegalRideshare, LLC to represent him in the civil lawsuit.
LegalRideshare attorney Bryant Greening said Uber must do more to protect drivers. “Rideshare companies talk a big game when it comes to safety,” Greening said. “Yet nearly every day we hear about Uber and Lyft drivers being victimized by their passengers.”
Greening said his firm is demanding updated safety features, including regular screenings and background checks for passengers. “These billion dollar corporations have the technology and means to make rideshare safe for everyone. We’re tired of the companies putting driver safety on the backburner,” Greening said.
Greening said Adeyemo seeks compensation for costs of past and future medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, disfigurement, and emotional distress.
LegalRideshare LLC is entirely dedicated to protecting the rights of injured rideshare drivers, passengers and victims after auto accidents and assaults. The firm has offices in Illinois, Arizona and Ohio.
Attorney Greening can be reached at (312) 767–7950 or bryant@legalrideshare.com.
Illinois State Police is the lead investigating department. The case number is 21–39765600063.
