If you were hurt in a rideshare accident in Brookhaven, you might be eligible for compensation. But getting the compensation you deserve is complicated. It’s best to contact a Brookhaven personal injury attorney from John Foy & Associates.
Most people have seen or used rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Rideshare companies have grown a lot in recent years. However, rideshare drivers can make mistakes like any motorist. If someone else caused your accident, you have rights.
How Ridesharing Services Work
Uber and Lyft provide rides for people in Brookhaven. Users can request a ride through their smartphone app. Each ridesharing driver works as an independent contractor and uses their own car.
Drivers accept ride requests through their own app. Payment happens through the app, as well. During the trip, drivers and passengers can view a map of the journey.
Ridesharing is convenient for many people. But no one is ready for an accident. If you suffer injuries in a ridesharing accident, it’s important to know your options.
Your Compensation Depends on Insurance Coverage
When a driver causes an accident in Brookhaven, that driver is responsible for the damages. If the driver has insurance coverage, the insurance company covers the costs. But with a rideshare accident, insurance claims are more complicated.
The rideshare driver’s work status determines the insurance coverage. Uber and Lyft have $1 million insurance policies, but they only apply in specific situations. Here is how coverage might work for your accident, according to Lyft’s insurance.
When Driver Mode Is Off
Uber and Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers. So, drivers are not always on the clock while in their cars. If the driver is not available in the app, the driver’s own insurance applies.
Minimum insurance coverage for Georgia is:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
The rideshare driver should have at least the state minimum. If the driver was not working when they caused your accident, they are fully responsible. You will need to file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance.
When Driver Is Available But Hasn’t Accepted a Ride
Rideshare drivers can set themselves as available while waiting for a ride request. If the driver is available but hasn’t received a request yet, the driver’s personal insurance applies first. However, many insurance companies won’t cover rideshare accidents.
If the driver’s own insurance won’t cover the accident, Lyft’s insurance provides:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
After the accident, you might file a claim with both the driver’s and the rideshare company’s insurance. Talk to a rideshare accident lawyer in Brookhaven about what you should do first.
When Driver Has a Passenger
When a Lyft driver has a passenger, Lyft’s insurance fully applies. If the driver causes an accident, there is $1 million maximum coverage.
Lyft’s insurance should be the primary coverage in this situation. But you will still need to fight for your rights. Big insurance policies don’t guarantee the compensation you deserve.
Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer will determine your coverage options based on the crash. They can also protect your rights if the insurance company questions your damages.
Damages You Can Seek as Compensation
If you did not cause the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs. Your insurance claim can include your accident damages like:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Each rideshare accident case is unique. Your settlement depends on:
- Your total damages
- Your percentage of fault
- What insurance coverage applies
- Negotiation with the insurance company
Insurance companies rarely make your side easy. They’ll look for ways to reduce what they pay you. For example, the insurance adjuster might try to blame you for the accident. Or, they’ll downplay the severity of your injuries.
An experienced lawyer protects your rights. Your lawyer will handle the insurance company for you. Talk to a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer. The first offer is usually very low. You’ll need an attorney who can negotiate for a better offer.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
What It Takes to Become a Ridesharing Driver
The requirements to be a ridesharing driver aren’t too complicated. A driver must:
- Meet the minimum driving age in their city
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have at least a year of licensed driving experience
- Own an eligible four-door vehicle
If a driver meets the above details, they must also have:
- A valid U.S. driver’s license
- Proof of auto insurance for their vehicle
- Proof of residency
- A profile picture for the app
The driver must also go through a screening process. Uber or Lyft will look at the person’s driving records and run a criminal background check.
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to become a ridesharing driver. With no training, accidents are more likely to happen. If you were injured in an accident, you have compensation options.
Crucial Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, there are things you can do to protect your rights. Document the accident and your damages as much as possible.
Here are some steps we recommend taking after a crash:
- Call 911 to report the accident. Make sure the police create an accident report so that you can get a copy.
- Take pictures. Use your phone to photograph your injuries, vehicle damage, and the entire scene.
- Exchange information. Trade contact and insurance information with the driver. Get the contact information for Uber or Lyft.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the crash happen, speak with them. Ask for their names and contact information.
- Get medical attention. Call for an ambulance or see a doctor right after the accident.
Even if you feel okay, don’t wait to see a doctor. Your injuries can worsen with time. Plus, waiting to get medical treatment hurts your case. The insurance company might use it against you.
Also, contact a lawyer as soon as you can. A Brookhaven rideshare accident attorney will help with all the above. Your lawyer can also handle the insurance company for you. The goal is to get you the fullest compensation possible.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare accident injuries vary by case. You might have injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
If you have any physical injuries from the accident, you likely have a claim. You’ll need to determine the full value of your treatment and other costs.
Talk to a Brookhaven Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Free
Rideshare accidents are stressful and confusing. If you don’t know what to do, contact John Foy & Associates. We work tirelessly to get Uber and Lyft accident victims what they deserve.
Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Plus, the consultation is always FREE. With 20-plus years of experience, we know what it takes to win.
Call or contact us online for your FREE consultation with one of our Brookhaven rideshare accident lawyers.
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