In the past, people without access to a car had limited options for transportation, such as taking a bus or calling a taxi, which could be inconvenient or expensive. The emergence of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft has provided a convenient and affordable alternative.
Moreover, Uber has helped reduce the incidence of drunk driving, a significant problem in many communities. However, like all drivers, Uber drivers are not immune to making mistakes and getting into accidents. If you are injured in a rideshare car accident caused by an Uber driver, you deserve compensation.
The Joe Durham law firm specializes in Uber accident cases and can provide you with an experienced car accident attorney who will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
What Are Common Causes of Uber Accidents?
The most common causes of car accidents, such as speeding, distracted driving, careless driving, rear-end accidents, and wrong-way driving, are also the leading causes of Uber accidents. While we might expect Uber drivers to be involved in fewer accidents than the average driver, given their job requires them to drive frequently and for longer periods, accidents can still occur. Despite their experience and being expected to exercise caution, Uber drivers are not immune to accidents. When an accident involving an Uber driver does occur, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a skilled Uber accident lawyer to ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries sustained.
Our Uber Accident Lawyers are Always Ready to Deal with the Insurance Companies
Dealing with your insurance company after an accident can be a challenging task, let alone handling the complexities that come with filing a claim involving an Uber driver. It can be confusing to know which insurance company to file a claim with, whether it’s the driver’s or the company’s insurer. This is where the guidance of experienced Uber and Lyft rideshare lawyers comes in handy.
They can advise you to file a claim with both insurance companies to ensure your claim is adequately covered. It’s not always clear how much coverage the driver’s insurance policy provides, and if your injuries exceed their policy limits, pursuing the company’s insurer may be necessary. Under Georgia law, Uber drivers and the transportation company must maintain the following insurance levels:
- $100,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 for property damage per accident
The transportation company may opt to provide its own insurance coverage, but most rideshare companies shift this responsibility to their drivers. As long as the coverage is available, you should have no difficulty obtaining compensation for your claim. However, this isn’t always the case as the insurance company may reject or deny your claim or offer inadequate compensation.
In such cases, an Uber accident lawyer in Macon, GA can help you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries. Your lawyer may demand compensation for various damages, including medical bills for both present and future expenses, lost wages due to extended hospitalization, surgery, or physical therapy, and pain and suffering.
In Georgia, you are entitled to damages for pain and suffering, and your attorney will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
Your Uber Accident Attorney will File a Lawsuit if Necessary
In case insurance fails to cover your damages or refuses to pay, legal action may be necessary. When filing a lawsuit, it’s advisable to name all parties, including the driver and the company, as pursuing both parties can maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Pursuing the company is preferable due to their deeper pockets, but the driver should be held accountable for their fault in the accident.
In most cases, personal injury lawyers can settle claims without the need for a trial. Trials can be time-consuming and expensive, and by the time a judgment is made, the costs and expenses may deplete the award. An experienced Uber accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and their reputation may prompt the company to pay your claim swiftly.
Your lawyer will fight hard to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, and the last thing the Uber company wants is negative publicity. They may not pay the claim immediately, but once they realize you have an attorney, they will likely be more cooperative.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for An Uber Accident?
An Uber accident lawyer can assist in identifying and understanding the various types of Uber accidents while also identifying parties responsible for your injuries. The lawyer can determine the negligence of multiple parties or a single party based on the nature of the accident. Through their experience, the lawyer should be able to determine the entities responsible, which may include:
The Lyft/Uber Driver
The rideshare driver can sometimes be at fault, particularly if they fail to exercise due care towards passengers. In such cases, compensation claims can be made through the driver’s insurance coverage. However, if you sustain injuries due to the driver’s negligence, your accident lawyer can assist in recovering damages from their personal insurance carrier.
Rideshare Companies
Ridesharing companies can also be held accountable for the actions of their drivers. Despite Uber and Lyft drivers being classified as independent contractors, there are instances where an Uber accident lawyer may be able to argue shared responsibility.
Although the company may initially deny liability, a skilled lawyer may be able to persuade them to pay for damages, particularly if the driver’s personal insurance is insufficient.
Related Third Parties
If a third party is responsible for the accident, you can exercise your right to file for compensation from their insurance company. An instance of third-party negligence may arise if the accident occurred due to poor or improper road signage, particularly when under maintenance. Another driver may also be at fault. Additionally, an accident caused by a poorly-manufactured vehicle part can be traced back to the manufacturer.
If neither the Uber driver nor the company is at fault, but a third party is, you should contact an Uber accident lawyer in Macon promptly for assistance. The lawyer can guide you on the necessary steps to take, collect evidence, and file a claim within the given timeframe. Delaying contacting a lawyer or filing a claim can lead to invalidation of the claim since there are specific timeframes within which the complainant must file.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident: What Is the Way Forward?
When involved in an accident, the first step is to check if everyone involved is okay, including yourself. Refrain from leaving the vehicle, especially if on a busy road, and only exit when it’s safe to do so. If anyone is injured, call the paramedics immediately, and do not overlook any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. It’s best to have a paramedic examine them before leaving the accident scene.
The second step is to start gathering information about the accident, which will be crucial when filing a claim. Providing your Uber accident lawyer with this information will strengthen your case. If possible, take a screenshot of the rideshare app before closing it, as this will serve as proof that you were using the service at the time of the accident.
When involved in a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to follow the same procedures you would in a regular car accident. Collect contact and license plate information from all drivers involved, including their insurance information. If there are witnesses, kindly ask for their contact information and ask them to file a report with the police. These reports will be used as evidence by your rideshare accident lawyer.
Seek medical attention immediately, regardless of how minor the injury may appear. It’s essential to receive proper medical care before continuing with daily activities. The medical report will also serve as evidence for personal injury claims. A certified doctor should examine the injuries and provide a copy of the report indicating the extent of the injuries. The more documentation you have, the better the case your lawyer can build.
The final step is to find a competent rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible. Prompt action speeds up the case and ensures your compensation is processed quickly. Any delays could affect your claim and may lead to additional pain if justice is delayed. Schedule follow-up treatments to ensure any injuries are adequately addressed, and keep records of these treatments as they may be useful when filing for personal injury claims.
How Will a Lyft Or Uber Accident Attorney Help?
The reality is that insurance companies have their own lawyers who will try to pressure you into settling for less unless you have proper representation. Some of these lawyers may be ruthless and unsympathetic towards the trauma you’ve endured.
Their priority is to save money, and they may even resort to delaying or offering inadequate settlements to unwary victims. However, with an Uber or Lyft accident attorney by your side, you can rest assured that you will be represented properly and compensated fairly for any damages.
Our team of experienced accident attorneys is here to help you achieve justice.
Can An Macon Uber Accident Lawyer Help Me Get Compensation, And How?
Once the responsible parties in the accident have been identified, your Uber accident lawyer can start working on your compensation claim right away. However, they may need to review your income receipts, hospital bills, and medical expenses to accurately quantify all financial losses. They may also take into account intangible losses to ensure an appropriate and accurate figure is reached.
Although each Uber/Lyft accident case may be different, your lawyer should be able to recover compensation for the following types of damages:
Fiscal Damages
Economic damages are financial in nature, hence, they can be calculated. Good examples of economic damages include emergency room fees, loss of a wage, treatment expenses, hospitalization, and property damage among others. The Lyft and Uber accident attorney should be able to evaluate all the economic losses in full – these include present and past wages as well as medical expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Calculating damages for pain and suffering can be difficult, but it is an important part of your compensation claim. These damages represent the physical and emotional burden that you and your loved ones have endured as a result of the accident. Your Uber accident attorney can work to quantify these damages and include them in your claim for compensation. By seeking compensation for pain and suffering, you can receive financial support for the hardships you have faced, and start to move forward from the accident.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the accident was caused by malicious intent or extreme negligence, your Uber accident lawyer may advise you to pursue punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the liable parties for their actions and serve as a deterrent to prevent similar incidents in the future. Pursuing punitive damages will require extensive investigation and strong evidence to support your case in court. It is important to have a trustworthy and reputable Uber and Lyft accident attorney to guide you through this process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact an Uber Driver Attorney Today
If you have sustained injuries while using Uber services, it is advisable to contact an Uber accident lawyer in Macon, GA. The lawyer will assess your case and provide you with an estimate of its value. Moreover, the attorney will handle the insurance company on your behalf, as insurance companies take lawyers more seriously than individuals.
The insurance company may assign lawyers to argue that you were at fault for the accident. For example, they may claim that the Uber driver was not working at the time of your injury or that
you are not entitled to compensation since you had not paid your fare. However, your Uber accident lawyer can challenge these arguments.
To schedule your initial consultation, call the “rideshare attorney hotline” at 229-210-6226. The consultation is free and offers an opportunity to ask any questions or concerns that you may have.
