In May, the White House announced a mass partnership with Uber and Lyft to offer free rides to vaccine sites as part of President Biden’s initiative to vaccinate 70% of Americans by the Fourth of July.

According to a White House official, “This is a partnership that’s going to boost access to vaccines and save lives without costing the taxpayers a single cent, and it builds on the incredible work we have done with partners in the public and private sectors to expand access to vaccines.”

Not Everyone Favors This Partnership

Although the partnership encouraged many to get out and get the COVID-19 vaccine, people approached it with skepticism. Several members of his senior administrative staff have gotten scrutinized. They advocated and supported rideshare companies with a history of legal disputes involving passengers, independent contractors, and employees.

Particularly, Biden’s national security adviser, chief of staff, and press secretary have an unconventional relationship with Uber and Lyft. According to ABC News, Delaney Marsco, ethics legal counsel for a non-profit organization in D.C., shared her insight into the deal. “In the absence of more robust lobbying disclosures, you really are relying on the government acting in good faith to make sure that the public’s interests are [getting] put first…” she said.

Although the internal connection may be concerning to many, the partnership has been helping older and younger Americans transport to get vaccinated.

How Did It Work?

  • Uber – offered rides to and from the vaccine site directly. Depending on the rider’s location, and access to the rideshare app, they could select the “VACCINE” button and schedule an appointment. The app also informed them whether the site offered shots to walk-in patients. Donations were accepted to help fund drivers that take patients to their destination.
  • Lyft works similarly. They provided free and discounted Passengers were required to visit their website for on-screen instructions to schedule an appointment and transportation.

Ridesharing Accidents and Employees

With many taking to the roads this summer, rideshare drivers and passengers should take caution. In recent years, Uber and Lyft have gotten scrutinized by ridesharing accident lawyers. Both companies gave injured rideshare drivers and passengers the runaround to avoid compensating for damages like medical costs after an accident.

Additionally, the industry has fought to prevent drivers from unionizing and becoming employees that would entitle them to benefits. When the partnership ends in July, union advocates hope this relationship will encourage reform instead of condoning exploitation and overlooking past mistakes.

At Gutierrez Law, we value the health and safety of our clients. If you or a loved one got hurt in a rideshare accident recently, whether it was getting to the vaccine site or another location, reach out to our personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles to protect your rights!