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Have you been injured in a rideshare vehicle? Find out everything you need to know in our ultimate guide to Uber & Lyft accidents.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on July 28, 2021, last updated on December 20, 2023.
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What You Need To Know About Uber And Lyft Accidents In Georgia
You may have been injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and don’t know what to do. In our guide to Uber and Lyft accidents, you will learn more about such accidents and some tips on how to handle them.
Ridesharing is a form of transportation where an app connects drivers to individuals looking for a ride. Rideshare companies do not employ drivers or maintain driver’s cars. Instead, they work with them as independent contractors as they use their own personal vehicles.
Uber and Lyft are leading companies offering ridesharing services in Georgia. Transportation network companies connect passengers with drivers who can offer paid services in their personal vehicles. The connection is made online using a smartphone app, differentiating the service from taxi cabs. However, accidents can happen while using these services, and it’s essential to know what steps to take in case of an Uber or Lyft accident.
REASONS FOR UBER AND LYFT ACCIDENTS
Ridesharing accidents in Georgia could be due to various factors. Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers may get distracted by using their phones or adjusting the GPS while driving, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Fatigued drivers: Uber and Lyft drivers often work long hours to maximize their earnings, leading to driver fatigue and increased risk of accidents.
- Reckless driving: Some drivers may engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding or failure to yield, putting passengers at risk.
- Vehicle maintenance: As independent contractors, drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Failure to properly maintain the vehicle can lead to accidents.
Who Is Responsible in the Case of an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Who takes responsibility when an Uber or Lyft accident occurs depends on various factors. These include:
When the Uber or Lyft Driver Is Not Using the Uber App
In any case, where an accident occurs and the Uber or Lyft driver is offline, Uber and Lyft do not insure the driver. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance covers all damages caused.
When the Driver Is Logged Into the App But Has Not Accepted a Ride Request
For accidents caused by the driver, Uber or Lyft provides liability coverage that takes care of suffered injuries for all parties involved and property damage. In these cases, each rideshare company offers $25k in property damage, $50k in bodily injury per person injured, and up to $100k for bodily injury per accident.
When The Driver Is On The Way To Pick Up Customer(s)
If the accident occurs when an Uber or Lyft driver is on the way to pick up a rider or when the driver is transporting a rider, both Uber and Lyft offer full coverage. The total insurance coverage comprises the following:
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$1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
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$1 million liability coverage per accident
When Other Drivers Cause the Accident
When an Uber or Lyft accident is caused by another driver who is not the ridesharing driver, the at-fault driver takes responsibility for the compensation. Using a third-party car insurance claim, you can petition for compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage or file a personal injury claim.
When the case is tough to decide who is at fault or the issue gets too complicated to handle, you can seek help from an Uber accident lawyer.
Speak with trusted Personal Injury Lawyer today, for free.
STATISTICS ON UBER AND LYFT ACCIDENTS
According to research from where Uber and Lyft have lately been inaugurated, they have reported increasingly severe auto accidents. On average, auto accident rates increased 2-3 percent in the city, adding up to about 1,100 additional fatalities each year in the U.S.
Research also suggests that the uptick in Uber accidents could be partially accounted for by “deadheading.” Deadheading is the time an Uber driver spends searching for a new ride. It contributes to 40-60 percent of driving time, which escalates road congestion.
What to Do if Your Lyft Gets in a Car Accident in Georgia
Accidents are a nightmare no one wants to encounter. However, when a Lyft accident occurs, there are several actions you need to take, no matter the intensity of the collision. Here is what you need to do:
Check for Bodily Injury
Before you do anything, it’s crucial to check for any possible injuries. If you or anyone else needs emergency medical attention, call 911 for emergency services. It is also essential to note that not all damages show up immediately; therefore, getting a doctor’s checkup and medical treatment sooner rather than later is wise.
Call the Police
Despite the nature of the Lyft accident, it’s always a good idea to call the police. Once the police reach the accident scene, ensure you answer all questions appropriately, leaving no details untouched. You should also ensure you take a copy of the accident report at the accident location and the police’s details.
Take Pictures
Ensure you take many clear photos capturing the accident scenario, injuries, and vehicle damage. You can look for pictures captured by other cameras like traffic lights, cameras in nearby buildings, or photos taken by witnesses to gather additional evidence. Video footage can serve a better purpose in supporting your claim.
Collect Information
It is essential to get the contact details of all the parties involved at the scene, including other drivers and passengers. Also, ensure you exchange insurance information in case of a multi-car accident.
Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance agent and explain the situation even if you don’t believe you are at fault. Ensure you only share factual information with the agent. Do not share any information with the other party’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer, as you could say something incriminating.
Get Witness Information
Witnesses can come in handy when you are making compensation claims. Ensure the witness participates willingly in the process and take note of their contact information. Ensure you get all detailed information of what they saw and, most preferably, record a narration video.
Call an Experienced Attorney
One thing you should not ignore is calling an attorney. Call an experienced rideshare accident lawyer as soon as the accident occurs so that they get details when you can still recall the events. The lawyer will offer legal advice on steps you need to take when filing a compensation claim.
WHAT HAPPENS IF UBER AND LYFT GET IN AN ACCIDENT?
If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident, the insurance company’s 1 million dollar insurance policy should cover all damages. However, the insurance coverage has limitations as to whether the Uber driver was at fault. The insurance policy would reimburse you for damages if the accident happened exclusively during your ride.
Insurance companies cover some losses like:
- Accident-related medical expenses
- Property damage
- Accident-related lost wages
- Wrongful death
Things No One Tells You About Uber And Lyft Accidents
There are specific details about Uber and Lyft accidents that are not mentioned often.
Lyft & Uber Accident Settlements
When one has inquired about injuries in a Lyft or Uber accident, and they are not at fault, they should get compensated for the injuries. Georgia law labels the compensation as “damages.” The compensation is a settlement if a personal injury lawsuit is resolved before trial.
Georgia law acknowledges various types of damages that can be compensated in Uber accident settlements that you should know if you file a rideshare accident claim in Georgia. Potential compensable damages include:
- Past medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Interference with daily living
- Lost wages
- Wrongful death
Contact an Experienced Accident Lawyer
No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but seeking legal assistance is essential if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. An experienced Lyft accident attorney can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, LLC, our team of skilled accident attorneys in Atlanta, GA, has the knowledge and experience to handle Uber and Lyft accident cases. We understand the complexities of these accidents and will fight for your rights to get the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Georgia, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to help you through this difficult time and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait, call us today at (404) 373-5800. Let us guide you through the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve.
FAQS ABOUT UBER AND LYFT ACCIDENTS
Here are some questions about Uber and Lyft accidents and answers from our experienced Uber accident lawyer.
Who’s Liable for a Fatal Collision Uber Accident?
In Georgia, the person responsible for the car accident is liable for all costs. In some cases, the driver’s insurance company takes care of the damages.
Can You Sue an Uber Driver For Injuries in an Accident?
Whether you were using Uber as a passenger or were hit by an Uber while in another vehicle, you may be able to hire personal injury attorneys to sue an Uber driver for any injuries inquired.
Does Insurance Cover Uber and Lyft Drivers?
Their personal auto policy covers most Uber drivers. However, personal auto insurance policies exclude businesses, meaning the insurance coverage doesn’t apply when the driver uses their private vehicle for business.
Are Rideshares Dangerous?
Rideshare services offer cost-friendly and convenient services compared to taxis. Even so, one needs to be cautious when choosing a rideshare driver. If you have been injured in a rideshare vehicle, contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in Uber or Lyft accidents today.
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(404) 373-5800
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030