Prior to the emergence of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, non-drivers had limited convenient transportation options. They could either take a bus or call a taxi, but both options were either inconvenient or costly.
Another major issue that Uber has helped address is drunk driving. However, like any other human, Uber drivers can make mistakes and get into accidents.
If you were involved in a rideshare car accident in Moultrie, GA. where the Uber driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In such cases, the Joe Durham law firm can provide you with an Uber accident lawyer who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Are Common Causes of Uber Accidents?
The primary 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 Uber drivers typically spend more time on the road than the average driver, and driving is their profession, we still expect them to be involved in fewer accidents.
Nonetheless, Uber drivers are susceptible to accidents like any other driver. Therefore, if you are involved in a collision while riding in an Uber, it may be necessary to seek the services of an experienced Uber accident lawyer.
Our Uber Accident Lawyers are Always Ready to Deal with the Insurance Companies
In the event of an accident, dealing with your insurance company can already be a daunting task. However, it becomes even more complicated when the accident involves an Uber driver.
It may be unclear which insurance company to file a claim with – that of the driver or the company. To navigate through the legal complexities, seeking the help of experienced Uber and Lyft rideshare lawyers is highly recommended.
It’s always wise to consult with rideshare attorneys following an accident and consider filing a claim with both the driver’s and company’s insurance companies as it’s impossible to determine how much coverage the driver has in advance.
If your injuries are severe, it’s possible that your claim will surpass the driver’s policy limits, hence the importance of pursuing the company’s insurer too. Rideshare attorneys can offer you guidance in navigating this complex process and work towards getting you the compensation you deserve.
According to Georgia law, both the Uber driver and the transportation company are required to maintain insurance coverage at the following levels:
- $100,000 coverage for personal bodily injury
- $50,000 per person per accident
- $50,000 for property loss per accident.
While the transportation company may choose to provide its own coverage, most rideshare companies impose this requirement on their drivers. As long as the coverage is available, you should have no trouble obtaining compensation for your claim.
However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, the insurance company will deny your claim or fail to pay the amount you are entitled to. In Moultrie, GA, your Uber accident lawyer will work to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries. Some of the damages your attorney may demand include:
- Medical bills: Your attorney will seek coverage for both your existing medical bills and any future expenses resulting from your injuries.
- Lost wages: Serious car accidents often result in extended hospital stays, surgeries, or physical therapy, which may cause you to miss work. Your lawyer will work to ensure you are compensated for this time.
- Pain and suffering: In Georgia, you are entitled to damages for pain and suffering. Your attorney will fight to obtain compensation for the pain caused by the accident.
Your Uber Accident Attorney will File a Lawsuit if Necessary
If insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your damages or if the insurance company refuses to pay, legal action may be necessary. When deciding whom to sue, it’s advisable to name all parties involved. Pursuing the transportation company is essential because they are more financially stable than the driver. However, it’s also important to file a lawsuit against the driver as they are the one responsible for your injuries.
In most cases, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate a settlement for your claim. Settling is in the best interest of all parties involved, as trials can be both time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, after covering costs and expenses, there may not be much money left to award you in a judgment.
An experienced Uber accident attorney will have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and will work tirelessly to obtain the compensation you deserve. The last thing Uber wants is negative publicity, and they may not pay your claim immediately. However, once they become aware of your legal representation, they may be more willing to cooperate.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for An Uber Accident?
An Uber accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance in identifying and understanding the various types of Uber accidents, as well as determining the parties responsible for your injuries. Depending on the nature of the accident, negligence may be attributed to one or multiple parties. With their experience, a qualified lawyer should be able to identify these entities. They may include:
The Lyft/Uber Driver
In some instances, the Uber driver may be at fault for the accident, particularly if they failed to take proper care of their passengers. In these cases, compensation claims may be made through the driver’s insurance coverage.
However, if you sustained injuries as a result of the driver’s negligence, an experienced Uber accident lawyer can help you recover damages from their personal insurance carrier. If you need help after an Uber accident, call us immediately!
Rideshare Companies
Ridesharing companies may also be held accountable for the actions of their drivers, despite the fact that Uber and Lyft drivers are technically classified as independent contractors rather than employees. In certain cases, your Uber accident lawyer may argue shared responsibility on behalf of the company. While the company may initially deny liability, a skilled attorney may be able to negotiate for them to pay damages, particularly if the driver’s personal insurance coverage is insufficient.
Related Third Parties
In cases where the accident was caused by a third party, you have the right to pursue compensation from their insurance company. For example, if the accident occurred due to inadequate or missing road signage, particularly if it was under construction or repair, this could be considered an instance of third-party negligence. Another driver may have also been at fault, or a poorly manufactured vehicle part could have contributed to the accident.
If neither the Uber driver nor the company was at fault, but a third party was responsible, it’s essential to contact an Uber accident lawyer in Moultrie immediately for assistance. The lawyer can advise you on the necessary steps to take, gather evidence, and file a claim within the set timeframes.
It’s crucial not to delay in contacting a lawyer or filing a claim, as there are strict deadlines for doing so. Failing to file a claim within the specified timeframe may result in the claim being invalidated.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident: What Is the Way Forward?
If you’re involved in an accident, the first step is to check if everyone is okay, including yourself. Assess yourself for any injuries before attempting to exit the car, especially if it’s on a busy road. Wait until it’s safe to do so before getting out.
If anyone has sustained injuries, call for paramedics immediately. Don’t disregard any injuries, regardless of how minor they may appear. It’s essential to have a paramedic assess them before leaving the scene of the accident.
The next step is to start collecting information about the accident, which will be necessary when filing for a claim. This information will provide your Uber accident lawyer with valuable legal ammunition for your case.
If possible, take a screenshot of the app before quitting to prove that you were using the service at the time of the accident. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after an Uber accident, contact Joe Durham’s law firm.
Follow the necessary procedures as you would in a personal car accident, such as collecting contact and license plate information of all drivers involved and their insurance information. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information politely, and call the police to file a report.
It’s essential to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained, regardless of how minor they may appear. A certified doctor should assess the injuries and provide a report showing the extent of your injuries, which will be used as the basis for personal injury claims. The more information and documents you can provide about the injuries, the stronger the case your accident lawyer can make.
Finally, look for a reputable rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible. Delaying can affect the claim and lead to more pain in the future due to delayed justice. Schedule follow-up treatments to ensure any injuries are adequately attended to. Some of these treatment records come in handy when filing for personal injury claims.
How Will a Lyft Or Uber Accident Attorney Help?
It’s a fact that insurance companies have a team of lawyers who will try to make you settle for less compensation unless you have legal representation. These lawyers are often unsympathetic and do not care about the emotional trauma you went through.
Their main objective is to save money, and they will even offer small settlements or delay payments to victims who are not well-informed. However, a rideshare accident attorney will ensure that you are fairly compensated for damages and represented adequately. Let our experienced team of accident attorneys help you get the justice you deserve.
Can An Moultrie Uber Accident Lawyer Help Me Get Compensation, And How?
Once the liable parties in the Uber accident have been identified, your attorney can start working on your compensation claim. However, to determine the appropriate amount of compensation, they may need to review several documents such as salary receipts, hospital bills, and medical expenses to quantify all financial losses.
Additionally, your lawyer might also consider intangible losses to calculate a more accurate figure. Although every Uber/Lyft accident case is unique, an experienced lawyer should be able to recover compensation for various types of damages, including:
Fiscal Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses that can be calculated and assigned a specific dollar value. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, hospitalization costs, property damage, lost wages, and emergency room fees.
Your Uber or Lyft accident lawyer should be able to evaluate all of your economic losses, including past and future medical expenses and lost wages, to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, unlike economic damages, are intangible losses that are difficult to calculate or quantify. These damages are based on the pain and suffering you or your loved ones have experienced as a result of the accident.
They represent a significant burden on both the injured party and their family. Your Uber accident lawyer may be able to assess and evaluate these damages and include them in your compensation claim.
Punitive Damages
If the accident was caused by malicious intent or severe negligence, your attorney may recommend that you file a lawsuit for punitive damages. However, strong evidence and thorough investigation will be necessary to prove these charges in court. That’s why it’s crucial to have a reliable and reputable Uber and Lyft accident attorney on your side.
Contact an Uber Driver Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured while taking an Uber ride, it’s recommended to get in touch with an Uber accident lawyer in Moultrie, GA. By consulting with an experienced lawyer, you can obtain an evaluation of your case and an idea of what it may be worth.
Your attorney can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf, and it’s worth noting that insurance companies tend to take attorneys more seriously than individual claimants.
The insurance company may attempt to shift blame onto you for the accident, claiming that the Uber driver was not on the clock or that you had not paid your fare yet.
Your Uber accident lawyer can challenge these arguments on your behalf. To schedule a free initial consultation, call the “rideshare attorney hotline” at 229-210-6226 and ask any questions or express concerns you may have.
