Atlanta Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Atlanta Rideshare, Uber, Lyft Accident Attorney

Hurt in a Rideshare Crash? We Can Help

If you’ve been injured from an Uber or Lyft rideshare accident in Atlanta, or in the surrounding area, call our accident attorneys at 1-800-738-WE-WIN. We will hold the at-fault parties financially responsible.

Injury cases involving Uber or Lyft can be complicated because determining which insurance carrier is responsible for the damages is not always clear cut. It may be tempting to just settle with an insurance company, but doing so could result in a significantly reduced settlement.

Uber and Lyft are convenient methods of transportation, but they are not without risk. A 2018 report states that since 2010, the number of people killed in accidents involving rideshare vehicles has increased by 2-3 percent.

The study was conducted in more than 2900 cities where rideshare services were introduced and examined accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Do You Have a Rideshare Accident Claim?

You may have a rideshare accident claim if one of the following conditions applies:

• You were riding as an Uber or Lyft passenger when the accident occurred
• You were injured in an accident and the other vehicle was an Uber or Lyft rideshare
• You were hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle while walking, cycling or riding a motorcycle

Under Georgia’s comparative fault rule, you may only file a claim if you have been found 49 percent or less at fault for the accident.

Why Should You File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

Any traffic accident can leave you with injuries. Some physical injuries, like a broken finger, are immediately felt and understood; others, like a traumatic brain injury, may take months to fully recognize.

You may feel fine at the scene of the accident and then hours later, start experiencing excruciating pain when the shock and trauma wear off. You may also require future surgeries or develop complications months or years afterward. Perhaps you have lost income due to hospitalization, therapy or disability. Without the right legal help, how will you be able to care for yourself or your family?

Our firm has decades of experience representing injured people. Our attorneys will make sure you are getting proper medical care and that your compensation includes payment for the full long-term effects of the injury.

Another reason it is important to file a claim is to hold the other party accountable under the law. People who engage in negligent behavior are more likely to repeat that behavior if they are not held responsible.

By making them pay for the damages they have caused, they understand there are consequences for their actions. It also sends a clear warning to others who may think its no big deal to speed through a light or drive under the influence of a controlled substance.

Who May be Liable for Injuries?

Rideshare accidents usually involve multiple parties such as the rideshare company and the driver of the vehicle. Our team will thoroughly investigate the facts of your accident to make sure all responsible parties are identified and held responsible.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident?

You may request compensation for the medical bills you have incurred. This can include the medical treatment you received at the scene, hospital bills, physical therapy and future medical procedures.

For instance, if you incurred a traumatic head injury, research shows that future problems can develop with cognitive functioning or motor skills. As such, you could need additional therapy or medical care, and it may be possible to obtain compensation to cover those expenses.

You may also suffer from emotional trauma, experiencing nightmares or struggling with resuming your regular activity. For some people, even getting back into a vehicle can generate images of the crash and panic attacks.

Some injuries are so severe, you miss several days of work or you may be unable to return to work at all. In such cases, you may be able to recover both the current and future income you have lost as a result of the rideshare accident.

If the investigation reveals the Uber or Lyft driver was committing a traffic violation or breaking the law at the time of the accident, such as speeding, driving under the influence or running a red light, you may be able to ask for punitive damages. Punitive damages are in place to punish the responsible party and act as a deterrent against future negligent behavior.

Don’t Negotiate with the Insurance Company. Call Us First

Uber and Lyft drivers are provided with a $1 million liability coverage, but the coverage is limited. According to Lyft’s website, they have four different types of insurance coverage to protect their drivers and they are only active from the time a driver accepts a ride through the Lyft App until that ride ends.

If the driver’s mode is turned off, the driver’s personal insurance policy is responsible. If the driver’s mode is turned on, but no ride has been accepted, Lyft states it will cover damages if the driver’s personal insurance company won’t. As such, trying to file an insurance claim on your own can quickly become frustrating and complex, especially when it comes to determining which insurance company the claim should be submitted to.

Call Merritt & Merritt at 1-800-738-WE-WIN or fill out our free case review form for a free consultation with one of our caring attorneys. There are no upfront costs and you only pay a contingency fee if you receive a settlement.