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Services like Uber and Lyft are common in most places, including Sandy Springs. Ridesharing is convenient, fast, and reasonably affordable. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are not immune to accidents, and they can make mistakes. If you or a loved one were injured in this type of crash, talk to a Sandy Springs ridesharing accident lawyer today.
Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help. We have over 20 years of experience and know what it takes to win cases. Contact us today to learn more about your recovery options.
We work on contingency, which means we don’t get paid unless we win you money. For a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
When You Need a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Sandy Springs
With more ridesharing drivers on Sandy Springs roads, there’s a greater risk of accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a crash that involved an Uber or Lyft driver, you have rights. However, it’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could miss out on what you deserve.
A ridesharing accident lawyer can help you determine:
- Your rights as the victim in an accident
- Who is responsible for the accident
- How much compensation you deserve
- What it takes to build a strong personal injury claim
A lawyer can also determine your compensation options. You can usually file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But ridesharing accidents are more complicated and often require a lawyer’s help.
You might wonder if the ridesharing company’s insurance will cover the accident. Or, maybe the driver is personally liable for the accident. These are important details to consider when building your claim.
Insurance Coverage for a Lyft or Uber Accident in Sandy Springs
All Sandy Springs ridesharing drivers must carry the minimum liability insurance for the state. The minimums for Georgia are:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Most drivers also purchase uninsured motorist insurance, though it is optional. If you were a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle and the at-fault driver didn’t have insurance, uninsured coverage could help cover the accident.
Ridesharing is a unique business. The liability in an accident like this is complicated for several reasons.
Uber and Lyft Drivers Are Not Employees
Most of the time, employers are responsible for an employee’s actions under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-2-2. But ridesharing services are different.
Drivers are not employees of Lyft and Uber; they’re independent contractors. This means that the company is not personally responsible if a driver causes an accident. However, the company does provide insurance coverage in certain situations.
Understanding Ridesharing Insurance
Uber and Lyft have similar policies for insurance coverage in accidents. Ridesharing services use smartphone apps to accept and manage ride requests. Their insurance coverage depends on the ridesharing driver’s current work status.
Here’s how it works, according to Uber‘s rules.
Not on the Clock
If the driver causes an accident while signed out of the app, the driver’s personal insurance applies. The driver could have the minimum coverage or above. In some cases, a driver might be uninsured or underinsured.
Available for a Request
If a driver causes an accident while available or waiting for a request, their own insurance applies first. However, many insurance companies won’t cover a ridesharing accident. If that’s the case with your accident, Uber will provide the following coverage:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Remember that this insurance only applies if the driver’s insurer won’t cover the accident. Your claim might become complicated because insurance companies will look for reasons not to cover an accident. It’s best to talk with a lawyer who can determine all of your coverage options.
Picking Up or Transporting Drivers
Uber covers a ridesharing crash if the driver caused the accident while “on the clock.” The driver must be picking up or currently transporting a rider. In this case, Uber provides $1 million in insurance coverage.
A $1 million policy may sound like a lot, but it doesn’t guarantee much coverage. When a lot of money is on the line, the insurance company will fight even harder to avoid paying out. You will likely need help from a lawyer who can fight for your rights.
John Foy & Associates knows the complexity of ridesharing accident claims. We can help determine your recovery options and handle the insurance companies. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Seeking Compensation as a Driver or Passenger
If you were injured in a ridesharing accident, you could be:
- A passenger in the ridesharing driver’s vehicle
- A driver in another vehicle
- A passenger in another vehicle
If you did not cause the accident, you are not responsible for the costs. You can seek compensation for your accident damages. If you’re not sure how your situation applies, talk to an experienced ridesharing accident lawyer.
Building Your Case After an Accident
Besides contacting a lawyer, you can help your case by:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene
- Getting medical treatment as soon as possible
- Keeping track of all damages
- Being careful what you say about the accident
Your lawyer can then work to gather evidence and protect you from the insurance company.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
After an Uber or Lyft accident, your time is limited. Most of the time, you must file a claim within two years of the accident. Don’t wait to get the help you need and deserve.
At John Foy & Associates, we believe accident victims should get the full compensation to which they are entitled. We approach each case with experience and compassion, and that includes starting with a free consultation.
Reach out today to learn more during a free, no-risk consultation. There is no charge to you unless we win you money. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
