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Globally, around 93 million people use Uber, making the platform the number one most downloaded app in the travel category for both iOS and Android users. Even in 2020, a time of reduced travel, Uber was installed over 95 million times on various smartphones.
If you’ve recently joined the statistics and participated in a rideshare journey that went wrong, then you might mistakenly believe that your accident claim will be as seamless as possible. After all, you’re dealing with one of the most well-recognized ridesharing services, right?
Sadly, that’s not always the case. Regardless of whether you use ridesharing services through Uber or Lyft, an accident claim is inevitably going to be complicated. In most cases, it’s best to consult with a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer in Atlanta to ensure that your legal interests are preserved throughout the process and that you get a fair settlement award. Learn more about rideshare accidents in Georgia and how our firm here at Kermani LLP can help you get justice below.
The Growing Trend of Ridesharing and Associated Risks in Georgia
Ridesharing means using one vehicle to transport customers from one place to another for a fee. Unlike a taxi service, the ride is not conducted through a company. Instead, the journey is facilitated through a smartphone app that connects interested customers with independent contractor drivers. Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing apps do not hire drivers as employees. Instead, they simply create a platform that connects individuals interested in doing business together.
These factors make ridesharing very attractive in 2024.
- A ridesharing experience often costs less than a taxi service. Economically, it makes more sense to hire an Uber than a taxi.
- Uber and Lyft drivers are scattered throughout the country, and typically, you won’t have to book a ride in advance, especially if you live in a bigger city. All you have to do is log in to the app, look for available drivers, and wait for your ride to arrive.
- Ridesharing drivers provide access to areas that public transportation or taxi services may be unwilling to drive in.
- Drivers are also often available 24/7, so someone can help you with a ride even if it is 2:00 A.M.
These advantages are not risk-free, though. At the end of the day, rideshare drivers are independent contractors or freelancers. They are not employed by Uber or Lyft. That means you are trusting the independent rideshare driver to be a responsible driver, have a safe vehicle, and be an overall safe person. Unfortunately, this trust can be broken. Experiencing a motor vehicle crash is always a risk you take when you agree to a rideshare trip. On top of that well-known risk, you’re also taking on the less-recognized risk of getting into a car with a stranger. Crimes have happened on rideshare journeys.
Challenges with Uber & Lyft: Regulations and Insurance Issues
One of the biggest issues surrounding ridesharing accidents is insurance issues and various regulations that apply to the industry. In Georgia, all motorists are obligated to carry car insurance to cover an accident in the event they cause one. This type of insurance policy doesn’t always cover an accident if the driver was conducting business, though. Typically, if a driver wants to become a rideshare business and use their car for business purposes, then they are expected to take out a separate policy to cover those types of accidents. If your rideshare driver causes a crash and they only have a traditional car insurance policy, then their insurance company will likely deny the claim altogether.
Uber and Lyft also have tight policies that protect their businesses from liability in many situations. If you’re currently struggling with insurance issues or other challenges, an Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Georgia can help advocate for you and help you identify your options.
Determining Liability in Uber & Lyft Accidents
If you do experience an Uber or Lyft accident, then determining who was responsible for the crash will be a critical aspect of your recovery and case. Most states operate on an at-fault basis, including Georgia, which means the party who caused the accident will bear liability for the financial losses associated with the crash. In many situations, the at-fault driver can file a claim with their insurance provider and get the coverage and compensation necessary to cover the losses associated with the incident.
If you were hurt and you’re not sure who is liable in the situation, then it’s a good idea to contact an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Atlanta. Your attorney will help you determine whether to file for compensation with the driver’s insurance, a third-party driver, or the company Uber or Lyft.
Common Injuries and Compensation in Rideshare Accidents
When it comes to car safety, who do you think is at a greater risk for severe injuries: the driver or a backseat passenger? The answer may surprise you, as recent statistics reveal that backseat passengers are more likely to get severely hurt. Some of the most commonly reported injuries for backseat passengers include concussions, fractures, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, and facial injuries.
Steps to Take Following an Uber or Lyft Accident
After a ridesharing accident, stay at the scene until the police arrive. If no one else wants to involve the authorities, then politely let them know that you’ll be calling the cops to preserve your rights as a passenger. You should make this decision if you think you’re injured because it will be hard to prove the accident and the damage it caused if a police report is never filed.
You should also report the crash in the ridesharing app. Take photographs of the scene of the accident and gather the contact information of any witnesses and involved parties. Get the medical care you need for your injuries. Once you’ve done so, you can contact an attorney to determine if you have the basis for a claim.
How Kermani LLP Can Help in Rideshare Accident Cases
The right Lyft accident attorney in Atlanta will ensure that your overall compensation award restores you to the financial position you were in before you got involved in the crash. Here at Kermani LLP, our team will work diligently to build up a rock-solid case that fully documents all your losses. We’ll help you identify potentially liable parties and then file your claim. Let us handle all the negotiations and legal aspects while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Kermani LLP for Expert Representation in Uber & Lyft Accidents
Getting the compensation, you need to move forward after your accident can be quite complicated, though, especially if your rideshare driver didn’t have the proper insurance policies in place or if you sustained a serious injury.
Despite the complexities present in your situation, your compensation claim is within reach. If you’re looking for an Uber or Lyft case lawyer in Atlanta, then our team here at Kermani LLP is prepared to take a powerhouse approach to your claim and fight for every penny you’re owed.
Schedule a meeting with our team now to discuss your rideshare accident in more detail with our reliable and trusted Atlanta attorneys.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take immediately following a rideshare accident in Atlanta, Georgia?
An unexpected crash can be overwhelming and confusing. In the aftermath, be sure not to rely on the word of anyone involved in the crash. Instead, involve the police and report the incident directly in the ridesharing app. This protects your rights if you are injured or need to pursue a case later. Once you’ve done so, make sure to get a medical evaluation to check for injuries. If you do experience losses, then consider contacting a lawyer next.
How does insurance coverage work in rideshare accidents?
After a rideshare accident, normal Georgia at-fault car accident laws come into play. If the rideshare driver was the one at fault for the accident, then the claim would be handled through their insurance company. If another driver was at fault, then the claim will be handled through that person’s insurance. If it’s determined that another party was at fault or liable, like Uber, Lyft, a product manufacturer, or someone else, then you’ll pursue a claim against that party’s insurance.
What types of compensation can I seek if involved in an Uber/Lyft accident in Georgia?
After getting involved in a rideshare accident in Georgia, you can seek out compensatory damages that restore you to the financial position you were in before the accident. These damages could include expenses like the costs of your medical care, damage to your property, a loss of income, pain and suffering, and potentially more.
Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle during the accident in Atlanta?
Yes. Passengers in a rideshare accident can file for compensation when they’re injured in a crash.
What challenges might I face when filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft in Atlanta?
If you attempt to pursue a claim against Uber or Lyft, then their legal team’s first response will be for you to instead seek coverage from the independent contractor who was driving at the time of the crash or another liable party. Under Uber and Lyft’s terms and services, liability is often shuffled off to someone else when it’s possible to do so. Since these companies are so skilled at deflecting claims, you’ll need to have an attorney who is equally as skilled to help you succeed.
Are there specific Georgia laws that affect rideshare accident cases?
Under the law in Georgia, all drivers are required to have a proper car insurance policy to protect anyone they potentially injure in a crash. Rideshare drivers are expected to take out the proper policies to protect passengers.
How can an Uber & Lyft accident attorney help with my case in Atlanta, Georgia?
Your rideshare accident lawyer will assist you in leveraging the law to get justice after your accident. After your crash, it’s up to you to prove your losses and attempt to negotiate with the other party to get what you’re owed. Your lawyer can work as your advocate while you focus on recovering from your injury.
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