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Many people in Roswell utilize ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber every day. These transportation methods have become more popular than taxis in recent years, and they are very convenient for many residents. That being said, accidents can happen, even during a rideshare trip. If you were injured while taking one of these services, get help from a Roswell ridesharing accident lawyer today.
The legal process after a ridesharing accident can be complex, so we do not recommend trying to take things into your own hands. That’s why, at John Foy & Associates, we make it easy to get the help you need. Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience in personal injury law, and we will not charge you unless we win your case.
You can get started risk-free today—and with a 100% FREE consultation—by calling us at (404) 400-4000 or contacting us online. We’ll go over the details of what happened and how we can help you.
Minimum Requirements for Ridesharing Drivers in Roswell
The minimum requirements to become an Uber driver in Roswell are:
- Be at least old enough to drive (which is 16 years old in Roswell);
- Have at least a year of experience driving with a license—or at least three years if under the age of 23—in the United States;
- Have a smartphone that can download and use the driver app;
- Have a valid driver’s license;
- Have a four-door vehicle that meets local vehicle requirements; and
- Being able to provide proof of residency in Roswell, proof of car insurance for the vehicle, and a driver profile picture.
Drivers must also go through an online criminal history and driving record screening. To drive for Lyft, a driver must be at least 25 years old.
Many legal professionals can see how the minimum requirements for ridesharing are concerning. They do not necessarily prove that a driver will be diligent and careful on the roads. Unlike taxi drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers do not need to complete any certifications beyond meeting the minimum requirements.
If you get into an accident caused by a ridesharing driver, it’s important to know your rights and how you can seek compensation for your damages.
How Insurance Works After a Ridesharing Accident
In most car accidents, the victim can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pursue damages. But when a ridesharing vehicle is involved in an accident, the matter is more complicated.
Depending on the situation surrounding the accident, you might need to file claims with different insurance companies. Uber requires all of their Georgian drivers to have the minimum personal auto insurance coverage for their vehicle, which is:
- Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and
- Property Damage Liability coverage of $25,000 per accident.
Uber also provides a $1 million policy that covers damages in certain situations. To know which insurance company you’ll be dealing with, you’ll need to access the details of your accident. It’s also important to know that although Uber has a huge amount of coverage, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easy to access it.
Driving While Off the Clock
Most Uber and Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles when they provide ridesharing services—so there are times when the driver is driving but not working.
If a driver is offline from the app, not accepting passengers, and they cause an accident, the driver’s own insurance coverage would apply. You would need to file a claim only with the driver’s insurance company.
On the Clock Without a Passenger
If the driver is available to take passengers in the app but has not yet accepted a drive request, the ridesharing company’s insurance will typically provide a portion of coverage if the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover all damages. However, this is only available if you can show that the driver was at fault for the accident.
Picking up a Passenger
When a driver has accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up a passenger—but does not yet have them in the vehicle—the company’s insurance should apply.
Transporting a Passenger
If the ridesharing driver causes an accident when they are on the clock and actively transporting a passenger, the company’s insurance typically applies. We will stress, though, that it’s very important to have a lawyer on your side when seeking this compensation.
What if Another Driver Caused the Accident?
If you were in an accident that involved a ridesharing vehicle but another driver was fully or partially at fault, you would likely need to file a claim with that driver’s insurance company.
If more than one driver was at fault, you may be able to get damages from more than one place. Under Georgia Code section 51-12-33, those involved in an accident are only entitled to damages if they are less than 50% at fault. So, if you’re worried that you played a part in the accident, you may still have compensation options.
Obtaining Compensation from the Insurance Company After a Ridesharing Accident
The amount of insurance coverage from a ridesharing company might seem impressive, but keep in mind that it doesn’t guarantee a certain amount of compensation in your claim. You will likely need to fight for a settlement that is actually fair to you based on your damages.
After your accident, we highly recommend you contact a Roswell ridesharing accident lawyer as soon as possible. Insurance companies for large businesses like Uber and Lyft will look for ways to save their costs—and they know how to use the vulnerability of an accident to their advantage.
A lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you are seeking the full compensation you deserve for what you’ve lost in the accident.
Talk to a Roswell Ridesharing Accident Lawyer for Free Today
If you were injured in a ridesharing accident, don’t wait to get the help you need and deserve. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates have been helping car accident victims for over 20 years, and we can help you, too. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online and we’ll get you started with a FREE, no-risk consultation.
