Ridesharing services such as Uber have revolutionized how people travel, especially in smaller cities like Forest Park, which don’t have extensive public transportation systems. Uber offers great convenience in that you only need to download the app and instantly access fast, affordable, and convenient rides.
Although Uber is generally safer than most modes of transport, accidents still happen. If you’re an unfortunate victim of an Uber accident in Forest Park, you need the experienced and skilled counsel of an Uber accident attorney in Forest Park.
How Safe Is Uber?
Typically, Uber performs basic background checks on drivers before they get approved to join the platform. Each applicant’s driving record is also checked to ascertain that they don’t have a history of major traffic violations.
Uber requires its drivers to have one-year driving experience. Indeed, this isn’t sufficient, which means you may end up riding with an inexperienced driver. Furthermore, the ridesharing company doesn’t offer regular vehicle inspections. Drivers only need to meet minimal inspection criteria to be allowed to operate.
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Georgia Laws Concerning Uber Drivers
Under the Georgia Motor Vehicles and Traffic Law § 40-5-39, Uber drivers are categorized as for-hire drivers. They cannot operate a motor vehicle in the state unless they possess a for-hire license endorsement. Uber drivers must also have liability insurance coverage corresponding to the amounts required for the vehicle class they operate.
In case of an accident, Uber drivers and passengers have the assurance of ample insurance coverage. The company has a commercial liability policy that protects its drivers and passengers. The policy amounts to $1 million per accident.
The one-million-dollar minimum may sound like a lot of money, but it isn’t because it’s per accident rather than per person. After an accident, treatment costs and other expenses tend to pile up quickly. If your Uber driver has a commercial or personal car insurance policy, it may cover some of these expenses. However, many complications come into play when pursuing compensation.
What Are the Challenges of Getting Compensated After an Uber Accident?
The fact that Uber provides an insurance policy for its drivers and passengers doesn’t mean they’ll compensate you without any hassles. For starters, the driver’s Uber app must be on during the accident to qualify for compensation. Not to mention that it may take a while for you to get compensated.
If your Uber driver has a personal or commercial insurance policy, recovering damages may still be difficult. Most policies have a business-use clause that limits or denies coverage if drivers use their vehicles for commercial purposes. Since riding for Uber is an income-generating activity, these policies may not be of much help.
Conversely, the commercial liability insurance coverage provided through Uber only comes into play after a driver’s insurance policy gets exhausted. With all these complications, recovering damages after an Uber accident in Forest Park is never a walk in the park. As such, you need an aggressive Forest Park Uber accident attorney who can stand up against insurance companies and fight for your compensation.
Seeking Compensation When Your Driver Isn’t at Fault
Your compensation claim can get complicated even further if your Uber driver isn’t at fault for the crash. If the fault lies with another driver, vehicle manufacturer, or even local authorities, the experienced Uber attorneys at the law offices of John Foy will recover damages from them via their insurance carrier.
The complex dynamics involved in Uber accidents make it difficult to navigate the compensation minefield alone. Things will be even harder for you if you suffered extensive injuries and losses during the accident and need to get compensated promptly to cover some of your expenses. At John Foy, we’re here to walk the compensation journey with you so that you move on with your life.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
Getting involved in a car accident is an unnerving and disorienting experience. Few people know what to do in the aftermath of an accident to guarantee their well-being. That said, here are the steps to take after an Uber accident:
Check Whether You’ve Been Injured
An Uber accident can result in severe injuries and losses. Remember that not all injuries might manifest immediately because adrenaline can mask even potentially fatal injuries. So, get checked by a certified healthcare provider, so everything is on record.
Document the Accident Scene
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene. This may include vehicle skid marks, roadway conditions, and any damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. The evidence will come in handy when proving fault.
Collect Witnesses’ Contact Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask them to provide their names and contact information. A witness who might sway the case in your favor may leave the accident scene before law enforcement officers interview them. Therefore, collecting their contact information could prove critical to your compensation claim/lawsuit.
Seek Legal Counsel
If you intend to file a compensation claim or sue the parties responsible for the accident, contacting a Forest Park Uber accident lawyer is critical. The sooner you involve them, the better the potential outcome of the case. They’ll have adequate time to file the claim so that you get compensated promptly.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber
You can file a lawsuit against Uber if their insurance policy is adequate or the insurance carrier fails to pay. Uber tends to distance itself from liability when compensation claims are made. With an experienced Forest Park Uber accident lawyer fighting in your corner, you’re guaranteed the best possible outcome.
Contact an Uber Accident Attorney in Forest Park Today
The complexity of Uber accidents requires the expertise of attorneys who understand Georgia’s personal injury law. At John Foy, we take great pride in helping our clients to fight for the compensation they deserve. We know that insurance carriers will avoid liability or pay as little money as possible.
We don’t want you to be at the mercy of Uber or a large insurance company that only cares about its bottom line. As such, let the experienced lawyers at John Foy go after what you deserve. We’re available 24/7, so contact us to request a free case review.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
