Uber and Lyft are popular ridesharing companies in Stonecrest. With the rise in these services, there’s an increased risk of ridesharing accidents. If you were injured in this type of crash, the driver or company could be at fault.
Talk to a Stonecrest Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer today. You might be eligible for financial compensation to cover your accident damages. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you understand your rights.
Our team has been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. We have seen the growth of ridesharing services and how they’ve led to accidents. To discuss your case during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How Ridesharing Works in Stonecrest
Uber and Lyft have unique business models for their drivers. Ridesharing drivers work as independent contractors, not employees. When an accident happens, liability is different than with a regular car accident.
When an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident, the company often avoids responsibility. Rideshare drivers do not have the legal protections of part- or full-time employees. Drivers also use their own vehicles and must carry personal auto insurance.
Drivers connect with passengers through a mobile app. People can request a ride and show where they need to go. The driver’s status in the app is crucial in determining fault after an accident:
Driver Is Offline
According to Uber’s insurance guidelines, drivers must carry the minimum coverage for their state. In Georgia, that is:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
If a driver causes an accident while not using the app, the driver’s personal insurance applies. Uber and Lyft do not cover accidents that occur when the driver has clocked out.
Available for a Ride Request
A rideshare accident might happen when a driver is waiting for a ride request but doesn’t yet have a passenger.
First, the driver’s personal insurance applies. However, insurance companies rarely cover accidents that happen during ridesharing services.
If a driver’s insurance won’t pay for the accident, the ridesharing company provides the following insurance:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
If you were injured in the accident, you will probably file a claim with Uber or Lyft’s insurance. However, you might also have a claim against the driver’s own insurance.
Picking Up or Carrying Passengers
Uber and Lyft provide full coverage for accidents when a driver is picking up or transporting passengers. Both companies offer up to $1 million in liability insurance.
Uber and Lyft like to point to their $1 million policy for drivers. However, a comprehensive policy doesn’t mean high coverage for an accident. Unfortunately, large insurance companies will protect their money as much as possible.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help after a ridesharing accident. We understand the complexities of ridesharing insurance and policies. If you were injured in this type of crash, reach out today for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Problems with Uber and Lyft Claims
Ridesharing is helpful for many people. However, there are several potential problems with these services. Here are some concerns to know about after an Uber or Lyft accident.
Poor Screening and Training
The requirements to become an Uber or Lyft driver are pretty loose. If someone has a driver’s license and a new enough vehicle, they can likely become a driver.
Unlike companies with employees, ridesharing companies don’t need to train drivers. This can put motorists on the road without proper experience. Passengers should consider these risks when using ridesharing services.
After an accident, it’s tough to sue Uber or Lyft. However, the company could be at fault if they didn’t screen a driver properly. Talk to a lawyer if you believe the company was careless in your crash.
Confusing Insurance Coverage
You can probably see from above that rideshare insurance is complicated. There might be several policies at play after an accident. If you were injured in a crash, the insurance coverage options are confusing.
Insurance companies will also look for ways to pay as little as possible. The insurer might try to avoid paying at all. You will need to know your rights before filing one or more claims.
An experienced lawyer can help you make sense of your options. Your lawyer can also communicate with the insurance companies for you. You won’t have to worry about accepting less than you deserve.
Damages from an Uber or Lyft Accident
After a ridesharing accident, you have rights. However, these crashes are different from other accidents. You will need to know where to file a legal claim.
Before filing your claim, you’ll need to know your damages. Personal injury damages are any losses from your accident. You might have damages like:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Emergency medical care
- Medication costs
- Future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Loss of future income
Unfortunately, some car accidents result in death. If you lost a loved one, you could have a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death Damages
Wrongful death claims can include damages like:
- Medical bills from the loved one’s last injuries
- Pain and suffering the loved one experienced before death
- Loss of income the loved one would have earned
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
You should not have to pay for an accident you didn’t cause. Uber and Lyft accidents are no exception. If you or a loved one were victims, you have legal rights. Contact a lawyer today to fight for what you deserve.
Talk to a Stonecrest Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare services should be helpful and straightforward. Sadly, some rides end in an accident. An accident might leave you with medical costs, lost income, and much more.
John Foy & Associates can help you recover for your damages. We have 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims like you. We also will not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Contact the “Strong Arm” today for the legal help you deserve. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.