Rideshare driver warns prospective drivers of risks following crash

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- A rideshare driver has a warning for those looking to get into ridesharing: If you end up getting in a wreck while working, you could be stuck with the bill, and a large one at that.

The Lyft driver caught another driver in a truck weaving and then slamming into him. The incident was caught on video, and now, Darren Hafner is stuck with a bill, because the other driver is uninsured.

What started off as a regular rideshare ride for Hafner last Friday took a dramatic turn for the worse on Highway 143, near the 202. Hafner is a retired police officer. He moved to the valley from Canada, and started driving for ride share companies to make ends meet.

"My poor passenger, it shook her up real bad, she took the brunt of it and was transported to the hospital," said Hafner.

The driver of the truck is uninsured and was ticketed by DPS, and Hafner's deductible through Lyft is $2,500.

"I did absolutely nothing wrong," said Hafner. "Was driving as perfect as perfect can be, get rear-ended by a guy who's on his phone, no insurance, and I've got to pay $2,500."

Hafner says he's tried repeatedly to get in contact with someone with the rideshare company, but so far, no luck. He says his story is a warning to other drivers who think the company will look out for them.

"If you watch the video, you can see my main concern was the passenger," said Hafner. "I felt horrible for her, tried to calm her, and this is the thanks I get. Pay $2,500 or I got a car that's going to sit wrecked. I don't have $2,500 coming out of my pocket."

FOX 10 has reached out to Lyft, and they referred us to their insurance policy with their $2,500 deductible. Hafner says the car is going to remain wrecked until he can reach someone at Lyft.