As rideshare services grow in popularity, the number of rideshare accidents occurring is growing too. In response, many victims of rideshare accidents are filing rideshare accident claims to recover compensation from the rideshare driver or company that caused their injuries.
These claims are not limited to accidents that happen while a passenger is being transported in a rideshare vehicle — rideshare accident claims can also be filed if a rideshare driver crashed into your vehicle.
Ridesharing is a relatively new concept, so many lawyers are unfamiliar with personal injury law as it relates to rideshare accidents. Fortunately, Albany personal injury lawyer has immense experience in dealing with this exact type of claim.
Rideshare Drivers Are Just Like Any Other Driver
If you have been involved in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, you may be confused as to how someone with special driver training could make the mistakes that led to the accident. Well, surprising as it may be, rideshare drivers are not required to acquire any form of specialized training or driving certifications to work for the companies that hire them. This means a rideshare driver is just as likely to get into an accident as any other driver.
Knowing this, it makes more sense that rideshare accidents would be equally as common as normal car accidents. Though, the process of filing a claim for rideshare accidents only sometimes resembles the process of filing a normal car accident claim. In most cases, filing a rideshare accident claim involves several additional steps that may lengthen the process.
To learn what steps you need to take to file a claim, reach out to an Albany rideshare accident lawyer today.
Special License Endorsements
You may have heard that rideshare drivers in Georgia need a special license endorsement to work for a rideshare company. This is true, but the endorsement is not what you might think it is. While it sounds like this means the drivers have additional training, that is not the case.
The special license endorsement only requires them to submit to a background check, provide additional documentation, and show proof that they are working as a for-hire driver. Beyond that, there is no required driving experience or certification requirement. However, rideshare drivers are also required to meet the minimum insurance coverage requirement for the vehicle class they operate as a for-hire driver.
How Rideshare Driver Insurance Works in Georgia
Rideshare drivers must have enough insurance to drive legally within Georgia in order to work for a rideshare company. If they do not maintain the appropriate amount of coverage, the rideshare company is required to suspend or terminate their contracts. The amount of insurance that is required varies depending on the class of the vehicle that they are licensed to operate.
Larger vehicles are sometimes in a different class, warranting higher minimum coverage amounts under state law. But if you are in a rideshare accident, your rideshare accident lawyer in Albany will likely try to recover compensation from the rideshare company’s insurance policy rather than the driver’s personal insurance. Although you are typically required to file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy first, that claim being denied opens up the opportunity to make a claim with the insurance policy held by the rideshare company.
These policies offer high levels of liability coverage to the driver. So, if they get into a serious accident while driving for a rideshare company, victims are able to recover the compensation they need to treat their injuries and replace or repair their property. Though, the amount of coverage drivers have depends on the circumstances leading up to the accident.
The Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request
During this phase of work, drivers are only covered by a relatively low limit policy. They also will not have comprehensive or collision coverage while waiting for ride requests. The coverage amounts are as follows:
- $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per person/$100,000 bodily injury coverage per accident.
- $25,000 of property damage coverage per accident
A Ride Request Has Been Accepted or a Passenger Is in the Vehicle
During both of these phases, driver liability is very well covered. This coverage includes liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Though, the collision and comprehensive coverage typically have a deductible that requires you to pay out of pocket before a claim pays out.
Companies like Uber and Lyft provide a hefty amount of liability coverage to their drivers. Currently, the coverage limit is $1 million in third-party liability for bodily injury and property damage per accident.
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You May Be Due a Large Settlement
The purpose of filing a rideshare accident claim is to recover money that can be used to promote a speedy recovery and comfortable life following an accident. Your Albany rideshare accident attorney will strive to ensure that this settlement is consistent with the actual losses you have experienced due to the rideshare accident. How much you are due depends on several factors, including your:
- Health care costs related to injuries caused by the accident
- Ability to work following the accident
- Ability to pursue opportunities following an accident
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other intangible losses related to the accident
- Property damage incurred due to the accident
The value of each of these costs is added up and used to inform the insurance companies or courts of how much you think you deserve in compensation. Of course, the defendants will attempt to offer the minimum amount most of the time. That is why you need to enlist the services of an Albany rideshare accident lawyer.
With the right attorney on your side, you will be in a position to recover the maximum amount of compensation from the at-fault parties.
Meet Rideshare Accident Attorney in Albany
If you have yet to meet a lawyer that you trust to handle your claim, we would like to introduce ourselves. John Foy & Associates has been providing personal injury-related legal services for more than two decades. We take pride in the level of care we provide to the victims of accidents and intentional harm.
With our firm on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. The first step toward compensation is scheduling a case evaluation. When you are ready to get started, use the contact form on this page to learn more.
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