Most people in Cartersville are familiar with ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. These services are convenient for many travelers. But if an accident happens, it’s complicated. If you were the victim of a ridesharing accident, talk to a Cartersville lawyer today.
Ridesharing acts a lot like taxi services. But the employee status of drivers makes a crash more confusing. If you suffered injuries, it’s crucial to know your legal options.
John Foy & Associates can guide you through the legal process. With 20-plus years of experience, we’re well-equipped to handle ridesharing claims. To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Insurance for Ridesharing Accidents Is Complicated
Uber and Lyft drivers work as independent contractors. In other words, they are not employees. Drivers use their own vehicles to take rides, and they must have their own auto insurance.
The independent contractor status allows ridesharing companies to deny responsibility for most accidents. This is crushing news for someone who suffers injuries in a ridesharing crash. However, there are still options for recovering costs.
If you were the victim of a ridesharing accident, here’s what you need to know.
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Insurance Coverage Depends on the Driver’s Status
To understand coverage for a ridesharing accident, let’s look at Uber’s insurance policies. The driver’s current status during an accident dictates the type of insurance coverage.
Offline or App Is Off
Ridesharing drivers use an app to:
- Show that they’re available to pick up ride requests
- Accept or deny ride requests
- Navigate to each destination
If the driver is not using the app, it means they’re driving for personal reasons. The ridesharing company will not cover an accident that happens during this time.
If the driver causes an accident, their personal insurance is responsible. As the victim, you’ll need to file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance. In Cartersville, a driver must have at least the minimum for Georgia auto insurance.
Available Before Accepting Ride Request
If the driver is available in the app but has not accepted a ride, the driver’s insurance applies first. However, some insurance companies will not cover a ridesharing accident.
If the driver’s insurance doesn’t apply, Uber provides the following insurance:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
The above insurance applies if the ridesharing driver caused the accident. As the victim, you’ll need to know which insurance coverage applies. That’s where you’ll file your claim.
Picking Up or Transporting a Rider
You might have heard about Uber’s famous $1 million insurance policy. This coverage applies if:
- The driver is heading to pick up a rider, or
- The driver is currently transporting a rider.
The driver must also be at fault for the accident.
What Drivers Should Do After an Accident
After a ridesharing accident, the driver should take action. For example, all drivers should:
- Check themselves and their passengers for injuries.
- Make sure everyone else in the accident is okay.
- Call 911 for the police or an ambulance when necessary.
- Contact the ridesharing company’s support.
Georgia drivers must report an accident with injuries, deaths, or over $500 in property damage. That applies to most accidents. If the driver does not call the police, make sure someone does. A police report will create a record of the accident.
Insurance Companies Rarely Make Injury Claims Easy
The $1 million insurance policy sounds impressive, but it’s no guarantee. There are several concerns to keep in mind.
For one, some accidents don’t qualify for the ridesharing company’s full insurance coverage. If only the driver’s insurance applies, that’s less coverage. If you have severe injuries, the driver’s insurance might not be enough.
Also, insurance companies don’t like to pay out much. The insurance company will fight hard to save costs. For example, the insurance adjuster might use tactics like:
- Offering you an upfront lowball settlement
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
- Downplaying your accident injuries or damages
- Blaming you for some or all of the accident
- Telling you that they can settle your case without a lawyer
Be careful what you say or do after the crash. Avoid taking any blame or saying “sorry” for the collision. The driver or insurance company could use this against you later.
It’s best to contact a ridesharing accident lawyer immediately. Your lawyer will know how to handle the insurance company. You can focus on healing instead of worrying about anyone using something against you.
Ridesharing Accident Injuries Can Be Severe
Uber and Lyft accidents often cause severe injuries. For example, we have seen victims suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Severe burns
Some injuries won’t show up right away. After a crash, your body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode to deal with what occurred. You might not notice all of the pain until hours or a day later.
After the accident, see a doctor and tell them you were in a car accident. A medical professional can check you for underlying injuries. They can also determine all future treatment needs.
Get a clear picture of your medical needs before filing a claim. If you can, wait until you’ve finished all of your treatment. Also, contact an experienced lawyer who can help determine your total damages.
Speak with a Cartersville Ridesharing Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Ridesharing accidents are complicated and frustrating for many victims. However, you don’t have to handle your case alone. In fact, it’s best to work with a professional from the beginning.
At John Foy & Associates, we fight for the full compensation our clients deserve. We are not afraid to stand up against insurance companies—even when they have huge policies. With 20-plus years of experience, we know what it takes to win.
Working with us is risk-free for you because:
- We do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
- We work on contingency—our fee is simply a percentage of what we win for you.
- The consultation is always 100% FREE.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
