Savannah Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Savannah Rideshare Accident Attorney

Ride-sharing is a convenience but comes with its share of risk as well. Rideshare vehicles can end up in a car accident, the same as anyone else. When this happens, though, those with injuries deserve restitution from the parties responsible.

Savannah rideshare accident attorneys often provide critical assistance to victims seeking fair restitution. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we’ve helped clients get what they are owed since 1973.

What Savannah Rideshare Accident Attorneys Do?

As your attorney, we are responsible for representing you and advocating for your interests, whether that be in negotiations with the party or parties responsible or through litigation. Through either method, we can work to secure full compensation for your injuries

Investigation

To represent you well, we often begin with a thorough investigation of the accident that you were involved in. We need to gather evidence that can be used to prove liability and the injuries that you deserve compensation for.

Negotiation

Before a claim goes to court, there will likely be an attempt to negotiate a settlement that avoids litigation. This is usually advantageous for both parties involved. Whenever a claim goes to court, there is an element of risk involved for both parties. The decision is ultimately made by the court, and there is a possibility that they may rule in an unexpected way.

A negotiation has the advantage of giving both parties a direct say in how the issue is resolved. A settlement may also be reached far more quickly than a months-long or years-long legal process. This is an advantage for those looking to receive their funds quickly.

Having a lawyer negotiate for you has some advantages. Firstly, it prevents you from accidentally saying something that may sound like you are taking the blame for the accident. A driver could claim that you were a distracting passenger, and that led to the accident. If you were to concede that possibility, it could be used to impact your ability to collect restitution.

The presence of a lawyer also indicates how serious you are about the case, so if the other side, which is typically an insurance company, wants to avoid court, this could motivate them to be more forthright in negotiations.

Litigation

While the majority of claims are resolved through a negotiated settlement, there are still some situations where it will be necessary to go to court. If that’s the case, we can present the evidence that you were the victim of the defendant and why you are owed restitution for the injuries you suffered in the accident.

Compensation for Rideshare Accidents

Those who are injured in a ride sharing accident have a right to collect restitution for the costs that they incurred from the party responsible for the accident. However, it’s important to realize that they are only entitled to collect on those costs that can be proven to have a direct link back to the accident.

Part of what a lawyer is responsible for in a trial would be proving this connection, which is usually done through bills, doctor’s notes, and other documentation. This is why it’s important that you keep a good record of the costs that you incurred.

The compensation will typically be awarded in two forms of damages:

• Economic Damages: If the impact of the accident caused an issue that has a clear financial component to it, then that will be compensated through economic damages. This includes costs like medical bills and lost wages if you’ve had to miss any work due to the injuries you sustained. Additionally, if your injuries are so serious that they will continue to cause issues in the future, future medical bills and lost earning capacity will be covered as well.
• Non-Economic Damages: Financial costs are only part of the impact that an accident may cause. There are often significant psychological and emotional costs as well, including mental anguish, pain and suffering, and PTSD. These losses, while not directly being impacted by a monetary award, are given a value and compensated as well. The money can have an indirect benefit and is an acknowledgment of the injustice of your having to suffer these injuries

For an Immediate Consultation call us at 912-341-6644

Potentially Liable Parties in a Rideshare Accident

Liability in a rideshare accident is based on a party behaving in a negligent manner that led directly to the accident. Should your claim go to trial, your lawyer needs to prove this negligence and its connection to your injuries. That connection also determines who you should be negotiating with if a settlement is going to be possible. Some of the parties that could potentially be liable in a rideshare accident include:

• The Rideshare Driver: There’s a good possibility that the rideshare driver may be liable for the accident if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise failing to follow traffic laws.
• The Rideshare Company: In many cases, an employer is responsible for the negligent actions of their employee, and this may be the case in a rideshare accident as well.
• Another Driver: In some situations, the rideshare driver may be the victim of the accident, and the fault may belong to another driver who caused the accident. Even a driver who was not directly involved may be liable if their reckless driving caused an accident that forced other drivers to take evasive action.
• The Government: As the government is responsible for overseeing and providing maintenance for most roads, any issue with roads, signs, and traffic lights could lead to government liability.

Liability Issues in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents in Savannah can cause severe injuries, and pinpointing liability is crucial for recovery. Georgia law holds negligent parties accountable. Key issues include:

• Rideshare Driver Negligence. Oftentimes, drivers are distracted by the rideshare app itself. Other times, they may speed or drive recklessly in an attempt to save time.
• Rideshare Company Liability. Uber or Lyft may face responsibility for driver actions during active rides. For example, they may be responsible if they improperly vetted a negligent or unlicensed driver.
• Third-Party Drivers. Other motorists may be the cause of the accident, by exhibiting behavior like running red lights.
• Passenger Conduct. Other passengers that you are sharing a ride with can cause distractions. If this contributed to or caused the accident, they may share fault.

Our Savannah rideshare accident lawyer team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm investigates all parties to ensure fair compensation for your losses.

Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Drivers and Passengers

Navigating insurance in rideshare accidents involves unique coverage complexities. Key considerations include:

• Rideshare Company Insurance. Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage during active rides, covering passenger injuries. However, this may not be enough to get the full compensation you or your loved ones need.
• Driver’s Personal Insurance. In some instances, the driver’s insurance can help make up for the gaps that Uber and Lyft’s insurance fail to cover.
• Passenger’s Uninsured Coverage. If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, your uninsured motorist policy can address injuries or property damage.

Evidence Collection for Rideshare Crashes

Gathering strong evidence after a rideshare crash is vital to proving fault and damages. Key evidence includes:

• Rideshare App Data. Trip logs show driver status, like active rides, linking negligence to the crash on Savannah roads.
• Police Reports. Official reports document violations, like distracted driving, tying the accident to your injuries.
• Dashcam Footage. Videos from the rideshare vehicle or nearby cars capture errors, such as failure to yield, causing harm.
• Witness Statements. Bystanders who saw the crash, like a speeding Uber, provide critical support for your claim.
• Medical Records. Doctor’s notes detailing injuries, like whiplash, prove the accident’s impact on your health.

Steps to Protect Your Rights

Protecting your rights after a rideshare accident ensures a strong claim. Key steps include:

1. Report the Accident. Notify the police and the rideshare company to document details, like driver behavior or road conditions. Ask the police to make an official traffic accident report.
2. Seek Medical Care. Visit a doctor to assess injuries. Even if your injury seems minor, getting it documented is key to getting compensated for it.
3. Document the Scene. Take photos of vehicle damage or skid marks to support your claim against the at-fault party.
4. Avoid Making Statements. Do not admit fault or apologize to insurers. They may try to twist your words and use them against you.
5. File Within Deadlines. Submit your claim within Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations to preserve your right to compensation. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to get the compensation you need.

Our Savannah rideshare accident lawyer team guides you through these steps to maximize your recovery.

We Help Victims of Rideshare Accidents Get What They’re Owed

When you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, the costs that you face, such as medical bills and psychological anguish, are the responsibility of whoever caused that accident.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we’ve been helping victims of accidents since 1973, before ride sharing was even developed. We bring that experience and skill to each client’s case. Whether through negotiating a fair settlement or making a case in court, we do what we can to ensure that our clients get the restitution that they deserve. If you’ve been a victim of a rideshare accident, contact us today.