Key facts
- Lyft driver Osahon Aburime was injured in a car accident on Mother's Day last year.
- Aburime used to earn about $1,700 a month driving for Lyft.
- He lost his Chevy Malibu in the accident.
- His lender repossessed his minivan due to missed payments.
- Mobilitas, the ride-hailing insurance provider for Lyft, denied Aburime's claim.
- The North Carolina Department of Insurance has advised Aburime to seek legal help.
Osahon Aburime, a former Lyft driver, is facing significant physical and financial hardship after being injured in a car accident while on the job. Aburime was driving for Lyft on Mother's Day last year when he was involved in a collision while on his way to pick up a passenger. He has been unable to return to work due to his injuries, which require him to use a cane to walk.
Before the accident, Aburime typically earned around $1,700 per month through Lyft, supplementing his wife's income from an eye clinic. Since the accident, he has been unable to earn any income, leading to his minivan being repossessed earlier this year. He is also in a protracted dispute with Mobilitas, the insurance provider for Lyft drivers, over his claim. Aburime stated that Mobilitas initially denied his claim with incorrect information and has continued to deny it despite some corrections. He has sought assistance from the North Carolina Department of Insurance, which advised him to hire a lawyer, a step he finds financially prohibitive.
A Lyft spokesperson stated that safety is fundamental to the company and that they maintain auto liability insurance meeting local and state regulations. Aburime's experience highlights the challenges faced by gig workers, who often have fewer protections than traditional employees, even when companies provide insurance.