Uber and other rideshare companies have fundamentally changed how transportation works. However, they have also raised important concerns regarding liability for accidents with other motorists. If you were injured in a recent accident with an Uber driver, contact the Sugar Hill rideshare accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a claim against the Uber driver for your medical bills, lost work income, and other injury-related losses. Our team has experience navigating Uber’s liability policies and can assess your case from all angles to identify potential sources of financial compensation.
Contact our offices today or reach out via phone to schedule a case consultation with an Uber accident lawyer in Sugar Hill.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Uber Accident
The insurance rules surrounding rideshare and Uber accidents are complex, and it can be difficult to make heads or tails of them without the right legal knowledge. A Sugar Hill car accident lawyer will understand how to interpret car insurance policies and can manage the injury claims process on your behalf.
An attorney can gather evidence supporting your claim, manage communications with the insurance company, and represent you in settlement negotiations. They can also help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
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Causes of Uber Accidents in Sugar Hill
Uber drivers spend hours on the road, and it’s relatively easy for them to lose concentration and engage in negligent driving behaviors, such as:
- Being distracted from using the GPS or looking for passenger drop-off spots
- Speeding and ignoring road signs to complete trips quickly
- Falling asleep from fatigue due to driving all day
- Using drugs or medication to stay awake and drive for more hours
If an Uber driver is negligent and causes an accident, they can be judged at fault for the injuries that they cause.
How Liability Insurance for Uber Drivers Works
Uber does offer liability insurance, but coverage is limited only to specific periods in the rideshare transaction process. When the app is off and the driver isn’t logged in, their personal auto policy applies. Making a claim in this situation is largely the same as in a typical car accident.
When the app is on and the driver is waiting to accept a ride, Uber provides limited liability coverage equal to the following amounts:
- $50,000 for injury per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $50,000 in property coverage
When the driver is en route to a ride or has a passenger in the car, Uber provides up to $1 million in coverage for injuries and property damage. However, you must first file a claim through the driver’s personal policy and receive a rejection before you can file a claim through Uber’s policy.
Can I Sue Uber Directly?
Uber drivers in Sugar Hill are independent contractors, not employees, so the typical rules of vicarious liability don’t apply. That means you usually cannot sue Uber for accidents their drivers cause. However, you may be able to sue Uber if the company was directly negligent and contributed to your injuries.
For example, if Uber hired a driver with a verifiable history of DUIs and didn’t take action, they could be liable if the driver got drunk and caused injury. Uber should have known better than to hire a driver unfit to drive, and it can be liable for negligent hiring.
A Sugar Hill Uber accident lawyer can investigate your case for signs of negligence on Uber’s part and explore options to directly sue the company for damages.
Compensation You Can Recover in an Uber Lawsuit in Sugar Hill
A Sugar Hill personal injury lawyer can pursue financial compensation for the following types of losses after an Uber accident:
- Medical bills. A settlement will cover the cost of reasonable emergency medical treatment and future medical expenses, including medication and rehabilitative services.
- Lost work income. You can also claim the value of lost work income and differences in your pre- and post-injury expected lifetime earnings.
- Cost of replacement service. Your lawyer can calculate the value of additional services you incurred due to your injuries, like childcare or alternative transportation.
- Pain and suffering. Your lawyer can also pursue financial compensation for the pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress that your injuries caused.
Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Lawsuits in Sugar Hill
Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations places a two-year time limit on lawsuits for Uber accidents. This two-year counter starts from the accident date, and once it runs out, you will lose your chance to file for compensation. If the defendant is absent from the state, the timer is paused until they return.
Two years sounds like a long time, but it takes substantial time to build a strong case. Evidence can fade if you wait too long, and insurance companies use delays as justification for claim denials. The best option is to start as early as possible by securing a car accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates: Sugar Hill Uber Accident Lawyers
After an Uber accident, you need a lawyer who will fight for your rights and interests. Our firm has been serving Sugar Hill residents for over 20 years and has recovered over $1 billion for a diverse range of clients. We can be your legal advocate and hold negligent Uber drivers responsible for their conduct.
Contact John Foy & Associates online or call today to receive a free case evaluation with a Sugar Hill Uber accident lawyer.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form