Whether you are a pedestrian, passenger, or the driver of another car, the steps you should take after an accident involving Lyft or Uber are the same as for any other type of crash. Take pictures or videos of the accident scene and any injuries and property damage. Get contact information from witnesses, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
You should also reach out to an Atlanta Uber accident lawyer. Our car accident attorneys at The Herro Law Firm have the knowledge and experience to help you get the full compensation you deserve. We won’t let rideshare companies, their lawyers, and insurers take advantage of you.
Call (404) 433-6876 to schedule a free consultation so that we can help you gain an understanding of what you can be compensated for.
Lyft and Uber Accident Statistics
According to research by the University of Chicago and Rice University, ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber have led to a 2-3% increase in fatal vehicle accidents. This translates into around 1,100 deaths every year. The researchers found that accident rates roses in cities after Uber or Lyft launched in those locations.
What Are the Most Common Types of Lyft and Uber Accidents?
Lyft and Uber accidents occur in several different ways. They can also affect multiple parties, including passengers, Uber drivers, and other drivers on Atlanta roads. Below are a few common types of Lyft and Uber accidents.
- Injuries to a passenger or passengers caused by the negligence of the rideshare driver
- Injuries to a passenger or passengers caused by another negligent Lyft or Uber driver
- Injuries to a third party caused by the negligence of a rideshare driver
- Injuries to the driver of the rideshare caused by his or her negligence
- Injuries to the Uber or Lyft driver caused by the negligence of another driver
- Injuries to the driver and passengers caused by malfunctioning or defective vehicle parts
Compensation claims for rideshare accidents are very complicated. This is why you should contact a Uber accident lawyer in Atlanta to make sure you can go after the maximum compensation for your damages and injuries.
Who Can Be Found Liable in a Lyft or Uber Accident?
Uber accident lawyers in Atlanta, such as our team at The Herro Law Firm, can identify which party should be held liable for your damages and injuries. Your Uber accident lawyer will look at the facts surrounding the case and study the evidence to establish who should be held responsible for the crash.
Determining who is liable for a rideshare accident can be tricky since multiple parties could be held accountable.
The Lyft or Uber Driver
In many cases, the rideshare driver is to blame for an accident. The actions of the Uber or Lyft driver might have caused your crash. Distracted driving or speeding are some of the common things that often lead to Uber accidents.
The Rideshare Company
Lyft or Uber can also be held accountable for the actions of their rideshare drivers. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are technically independent contractors, which can make holding the company liable challenging.
Nonetheless, Lyft and Uber have a responsibility when it comes to safeguarding the interests of passengers (their clients). They should be conducting extensive background checks as well as ensuring they are hiring drivers that are qualified that won’t endanger passengers.
Related Third Parties
A Lyft or Uber accident can happen due to third parties’ negligent actions. In these situations, you can file your claim against this third party or their insurance company. You could sue a government entity for bad road conditions, or the manufacturer for a defective vehicle part that caused the accident.
In certain situations, a driver of another vehicle could also be held liable if you have sustained injuries. An example of this may include a driver that is drunk that hit the Uber you were riding in.
Why Are Uber Accident Cases Different From Regular Car Accident Cases?
The primary difference between a Lyft or Uber accident and a regular car accident in Atlanta, GA has to do with the insurance coverage. Uber requires Atlanta drivers to have their own insurance policies. However, Uber also maintains car insurance.
Whether the driver’s insurance coverage or Uber’s insurance coverage pays will depend on if the driver was using the app. Uber has a $1 million policy limit for accidents that occur when drivers are picking up or transporting passengers.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy For Accidents?
In Georgia, Uber has a $1 million insurance policy. But it only applies in certain situations.
Uber drivers are required to carry insurance policies of their own. If an accident occurs when the driver has the app turned off, the driver’s personal insurance covers it.
If the driver has the app on and is waiting for a ride request, Uber’s policy kicks in for accidents where the driver’s insurance doesn’t apply. In this scenario, Uber’s insurance can pay up to $50,000 for each person injured in an accident and $100,000 per accident.
If the driver is picking up or transporting a passenger, the coverage limit goes up to $1,000,000.
What Type of Compensation Can I Go After in an Uber Accident?
In most instances, passengers or drivers of other vehicles who are injured in a Lyft or Uber accident can recover non-economic and economic damages. These damages are awarded to a victim as compensation for losses they have experienced. They are designed to make a claimant “whole” after they were involved in an Uber crash.
Plaintiffs can also recover what is known as punitive damages, but these damages are rare in Lyft or Uber claims.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are compensation for expenses and financial losses. The exact value of these losses can be calculated using receipts, bills, and other evidence. Here are some of the typical examples:
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These are the damages that are not as easy to calculate. They compensate victims for the impact on their life, and can include the following:
- Loss of companionship
- Disability
- Suffering and pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Punitive Damages
Unlike the other two categories, punitive damages are designed to punish defendants who displayed extreme negligence or recklessness. Georgia law normally limits punitive damages to $250,000. But the jury can award punitive damages over this amount in drunk driving accident cases.
Should You Accept a Settlement Offer?
If you have experienced injuries or damages in a Lyft or Uber car accident, it is important to consult with an experienced law firm such as The Herro Law Firm in Atlanta, GA to find out what your claim is worth. Deciding to accept a settlement could mean that you are losing out on the compensation that you deserve.
How Much Will a Lyft or Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
At The Herro Law Firm, we won’t charge you any fees upfront to provide you with legal representation. Our Atlanta Uber accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means we will only take our fee once we have won your case.
Is There a Time Limit to File an Uber Accident Claim?
In the state of Georgia, you only have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you will miss out on the right to claim compensation.
Why Do I Need an Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyer?
Below are some of the important reasons why you should consult with an Uber accident lawyer directly after a Lyft or Uber accident.
Filing a Lawsuit
After your Lyft or Uber accident, an Atlanta Uber accident lawyer can assist you with building an ironclad case. Our legal team at Herro Law will collect and analyze the necessary evidence to establish the party or parties that are responsible for the crash. This usually includes medical reports, eyewitness statements, police reports, dashcam footage, and more.
Settlement Negotiation
The Herro Law Firm has the best team of lawyers with the experience to go after the compensation that you deserve. They have the skills and experience needed to negotiate with insurance companies and their adjusters to make sure you receive a settlement that will cover all your damages and injuries.
Trial Preparation and Representation
The trial lawyers at Herro Law are well prepared to represent you if your case lands up in court. This means presenting a strong case before the jury and judge so that you are offered fair and just compensation.
Contact a Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Today!
If you were hurt because of a careless or reckless Uber driver, you should not have to shoulder the burden of injuries, medical bills, and lost income alone. Contact our Atlanta office today at (404) 433-6876 to book your free consultation with a professional Uber accident lawyer.
Compensation claims for rideshare accidents are complicated. Our Uber accident lawyers at The Herro Law Firm have the legal knowledge and experience to help you get the full compensation you deserve. We won’t let powerful rideshare companies, their lawyers, and insurers take advantage of you.
