Georgia Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers Serving Atlanta’s Injured
Our Atlanta Uber Accident Attorneys Fight for Maximum Compensation in Georgia Rideshare Claims
People throughout Georgia and millions of others use popular ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, as a form of transportation. Being able to hail a ride and pay for it from your smartphone is not only easy, it’s convenient.
But what are you supposed to do if your Uber or Lyft gets into an accident and you’re injured?
We understand you probably have more questions than answers, and the Georgia Uber accident lawyers from our Atlanta law firm are ready to help. The rideshare accident attorneys from Gary Martin Hays & Associates know how to establish who’s at fault in your Uber crash and can hold that person accountable.
Get the compensation you need and deserve to move on from your Uber accident. Contact us today for your free consultation.
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FAQs About Uber Accidents in Georgia
- Who’s at fault in an Uber accident?
- Who is responsible for paying damages after an Uber or Lyft accident in Atlanta?
- Can I sue Uber or Lyft if my rideshare driver caused an accident in Georgia?
- What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident in Atlanta to protect my rights?
- What insurance coverage applies if I was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident?
- What happens if a rideshare driver hits my car in Atlanta?
- Can I file a claim if I was injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?
- What if an Uber or Lyft driver was off duty but caused my accident—can I still file a claim?
- What are the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Atlanta?
- How long do I have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit in Georgia?
- What types of compensation can I recover after an Uber or Lyft accident in Atlanta?
- What if my loved one was killed in an Uber or Lyft accident—can I file a wrongful death claim?
- How do insurance companies try to deny or reduce Uber and Lyft accident claims?
- Are rideshare accident claims different from regular car accident claims in Georgia?
- How can a lawyer help me recover full compensation after an Atlanta rideshare accident?
- How much does it cost to hire an Atlanta Uber or Lyft accident lawyer, and do I have to pay upfront?
Who’s at fault in an Uber accident?
If you were injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, determining who’s legally responsible hinges on a few different things. What “period” your Uber or Lyft driver was in when the crash occurred and whether or not you got hurt as a passenger in the car accident will impact whose insurance company you’ll have to deal with.
The different parties that may be held liable include:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- Uber or Lyft
- Other drivers involved in the accident
Who is responsible for paying damages after an Uber or Lyft accident in Atlanta?
Liability in an Uber or Lyft accident depends on who was at fault and the driver's status at the time of the crash. If the rideshare driver was actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick someone up, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy may cover the damages. If the driver was logged into the app but had no active ride, a lower-tier policy applies, and if they were off duty, only their personal insurance is responsible. These cases often involve multiple insurance companies, each trying to shift blame, which is why having a lawyer handle the claim can be crucial.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft if my rideshare driver caused an accident in Georgia?
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which means they are not direct employees of the company. Because of this, suing Uber or Lyft directly is challenging unless there is evidence of negligence in their hiring or safety policies. However, you can file a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance, and in many cases, Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance policy will also apply. Determining the best course of action requires legal analysis, especially when companies try to minimize payouts, so consulting an attorney can help maximize your compensation.
What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident in Atlanta to protect my rights?
A rideshare accident can be disorienting, especially if you are a passenger or another driver caught in the crash. Taking the right steps after an Uber or Lyft accident can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and strengthen your claim.
Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious. A medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries, which is critical for a claim.
- Call the Police: A police report provides an official record of the accident and may include information on citations issued to the at-fault driver.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the vehicles, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If you were a rideshare passenger, screenshot your ride details in the Uber or Lyft app.
- Get Contact Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved, including the rideshare driver. Get contact information for any witnesses as well.
- Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft: Both companies have in-app options for reporting accidents, but be cautious when providing details—stick to the facts.
- Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters: The rideshare company’s insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to get you to make a recorded statement or accept a low settlement.
- Consult an Uber Accident Attorney Before Accepting Any Offers: Rideshare accident claims are complex, involving multiple insurance policies. A lawyer can handle the process and ensure you receive full compensation.
These steps can protect your legal rights and prevent insurance companies from minimizing your claim. A lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
What insurance coverage applies if I was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident?
Insurance coverage differs depending on what period the Uber or Lyft driver was in when the accident took place:
- Driver Is Not Logged Into the Ridesharing App: If the driver injures another person in an accident while not logged into the ridesharing app, Uber and Lyft provide no coverage, and the driver may be held legally responsible for damages.
- Driver Is Logged Into the Ridesharing App But Has Not Yet Accepted a Ride Request: In this case, Uber and Lyft offer coverage if their driver was responsible for injuring someone in a crash, including a per person bodily injury limit of $50,000, a per-accident limit of $100,000, and up to $25,000 for property damage liability. If another driver is at fault, that driver’s insurance company may be responsible for coverage.
- Driver Is Logged Into the Ridesharing App and Has Accepted a Ride Request: If the Uber or Lyft driver is on their way to pick up a passenger and injures someone in a crash, both ridesharing companies have $1 million in coverage that can kick in for bodily injury and other damages suffered by the victim.
- Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request and Has a Passenger: Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage up to $1 million and limited coverage for property damage and uninsured motorists.
What happens if a rideshare driver hits my car in Atlanta?
If an Uber or Lyft driver hits your car, their insurance coverage depends on their status during the crash. If they were off duty, their personal auto insurance applies, but if they were actively accepting rides or transporting a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance may cover damages. Accidents at busy intersections like Peachtree Street and 10th Street or along I-75 often involve disputes over liability, with rideshare companies trying to deny responsibility. A lawyer can help determine which insurance policy applies and ensure you are not left covering repair costs and medical bills out of pocket.
Can I file a claim if I was injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?
Yes, passengers injured in an Uber or Lyft accident can file a claim, regardless of who was at fault. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance should cover your injuries, but if the rideshare driver was responsible, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy may apply. Passengers are rarely considered at fault, but insurance companies often delay or undervalue these claims. A lawyer can ensure that all available insurance coverage is pursued so you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What if an Uber or Lyft driver was off duty but caused my accident—can I still file a claim?
If an Uber or Lyft driver was off duty and caused your accident, only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber or Lyft’s corporate policies will not provide coverage, even though the driver works for them. In cases where the driver has insufficient coverage, a lawyer can explore other options, such as filing a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What are the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Atlanta?
Rideshare drivers spend long hours on the road, often navigating Atlanta’s busiest streets and highways. Their focus on completing rides quickly and maximizing earnings can lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
Some of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers frequently check their apps for ride requests, directions, or passenger updates, which can take their attention off the road.
- Fatigue: Many Uber and Lyft drivers work long hours, sometimes driving late at night after working another job, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: To complete more rides, some drivers speed through intersections, take risks in traffic, or ignore red lights and stop signs.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers unfamiliar with Atlanta’s complex roadways, such as Peachtree Street’s multiple intersections or busy routes like I-285, may fail to yield or misjudge traffic flow.
- Unsafe Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs: Stopping abruptly in traffic, double-parking, or pulling over in dangerous locations can cause collisions, particularly in crowded areas like Midtown or Buckhead.
- Unqualified or Inexperienced Drivers: Uber and Lyft have basic background checks but do not require professional driving experience or extensive safety training.
- Defective Vehicle Maintenance: Rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles, which may not be properly maintained. Brake failures, worn tires, or malfunctioning signals can lead to accidents.
Understanding these common causes can help injured victims determine liability. An attorney can investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather evidence, and hold the responsible party accountable.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident is two years from the date of the crash. This applies to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the accident involved a government vehicle or poorly maintained road conditions, such as those on I-285, the deadline could be shorter. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation, so speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible ensures your case is filed on time.
What types of compensation can I recover after an Uber or Lyft accident in Atlanta?
Rideshare accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, financial burdens, and long-term consequences. A claim can help recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any future medical treatments required for accident-related injuries.
- Lost Wages: If the injuries prevent returning to work, victims may be compensated for lost income and future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and recovery process.
- Property Damage: If the accident involved another vehicle, the cost of repairs or replacement can be covered.
- Disability or Permanent Impairment: Compensation for long-term or permanent injuries that impact the victim’s ability to work or enjoy life.
- Loss of Enjoyment: If the accident leads to a reduced ability to participate in daily activities, hobbies, or social interactions, additional damages may be available.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a rideshare accident, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other losses.
Calculating the full extent of damages requires experience and knowledge of Georgia law. An attorney can evaluate the claim, gather supporting evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurers to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
What if my loved one was killed in an Uber or Lyft accident—can I file a wrongful death claim?
Losing a loved one in a rideshare accident is devastating, and families may be left with financial and emotional burdens. In Georgia, surviving spouses, children, or parents of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills for accident-related treatments before death
- Lost income and financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
Rideshare wrongful death claims can be legally complex because they may involve multiple insurance policies, such as Uber or Lyft’s liability coverage and the at-fault driver’s personal insurance. A wrongful death attorney can investigate the crash, determine liability, and ensure surviving family members receive justice and financial support.
How do insurance companies try to deny or reduce Uber and Lyft accident claims?
Insurance companies use a variety of tactics to minimize payouts in rideshare accident cases. They may argue that the victim’s injuries were pre-existing, claim that the accident was not as severe as reported, or attempt to shift blame onto another driver. In some cases, Uber and Lyft’s insurers may claim the rideshare driver was not properly logged into the app, making their policy inapplicable. To strengthen your case, an experienced attorney can counter these tactics by gathering medical records, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony.
Are rideshare accident claims different from regular car accident claims in Georgia?
Yes, rideshare accident claims are more complex than standard car accident claims due to the multiple insurance policies involved. Unlike private drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers are covered by different levels of insurance depending on their status at the time of the crash.
Some key differences include:
- Driver Status Matters: If the rideshare driver was waiting for a ride request, picking up a passenger, or actively transporting someone, different insurance policies apply.
- Higher Insurance Limits: When a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, but getting full compensation can still be challenging.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Liability may fall on the rideshare driver, another negligent driver, Uber or Lyft’s insurance, or even the car manufacturer in cases of vehicle defects.
- Independent Contractor Issues: Rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, making it difficult to sue Uber or Lyft directly.
Because these cases involve overlapping policies and liability disputes, working with a lawyer who understands rideshare accidents is critical for securing full compensation.
How can a lawyer help me recover full compensation after an Atlanta rideshare accident?
Navigating a rideshare accident claim alone can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with corporate insurers that aim to pay as little as possible. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Investigating the Accident: Collecting police reports, video footage, and witness statements to determine fault.
- Identifying All Insurance Coverage: Ensuring all available policies, including Uber or Lyft’s liability coverage, are pursued for compensation.
- Calculating Total Damages: Accurately assessing medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Countering low settlement offers and ensuring insurers don’t minimize or deny rightful claims.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If fair compensation isn’t offered, an attorney can take the case to court and fight for maximum recovery.
With so many legal and insurance complexities involved in rideshare accidents, having an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation victims and their families need.
How much does it cost to hire an Atlanta Uber or Lyft accident lawyer, and do I have to pay upfront?
Most rideshare accident lawyers in Atlanta work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer only gets paid if they recover compensation for you, taking a percentage of the settlement or court award. This arrangement allows injured victims to access legal representation without financial risk. Since insurance companies aggressively defend these cases, having a lawyer handle negotiations can make a significant difference in the amount of compensation you receive.
Let Our Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyers Protect Your Right to Compensation
Ridesharing accidents involving large companies like Uber and Lyft can be complex. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, figuring out your legal options can quickly become overwhelming and frustrating. That’s why one of the best things you can do is talk to an experienced Atlanta Uber accident lawyer from Gary Martin Hays & Associates in Georgia.
Our Uber accident attorneys understand the ins and outs of ridesharing accidents and know what it takes to win cases like these in Georgia. We are Georgia’s Power Law Firm, with over $1 billion recovered for injury victims and their families.
Best of all? Our law firm offers a zero fee guarantee. That means you pay nothing unless we win. It’s that simple.
See how our law firm can help you. Contact us today for your free consultation.
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