If you were pregnant and injured in a Georgia rideshare accident, your legal options include filing a claim against the at-fault driver, the rideshare company, or both. Your claim may cover injuries to both you and your unborn child.
A rideshare accident is already complicated. Add a pregnancy to the picture and the stakes go up considerably. You’re not just dealing with your own injuries; you’re worried about your baby, your medical care, and whether the people responsible will be held accountable for all of it.
Georgia law does provide a path forward. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for injured Georgians, and an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer is ready to review your case at no cost to you.
Why Rideshare Accidents are Different From Regular Car Accidents
Rideshare accidents involve a layer of complexity that standard car accident claims don’t. Uber and Lyft don’t employ their drivers; they classify them as independent contractors. That matters because it affects which insurance policy applies to your claim and how much coverage is available.
Both Uber and Lyft use a tiered insurance system based on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies
- App on, waiting for a ride request: Limited liability coverage from Uber or Lyft applies: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Ride accepted or passenger in the vehicle: Full $1 million liability coverage from Uber or Lyft applies
If you were a passenger in the rideshare at the time of the crash, you were almost certainly covered under that $1 million policy. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance and the rideshare company’s coverage may both come into play.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Injury Claim
Being pregnant and injured in a Georgia rideshare accident doesn’t change the basic legal framework, but it does significantly affect the value and complexity of your claim. Here’s why:
Your Medical Costs are Higher
Pregnancy requires specialized care after any trauma. You may need monitoring by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, additional ultrasounds, fetal heart rate monitoring, or even hospitalization. All of those costs are compensable as part of your claim.
Injuries to Your Unborn Child May Be Recoverable
Georgia law allows recovery for injuries to an unborn child in certain circumstances. If the accident caused harm to your baby, including premature birth, placental abruption, or other complications, those injuries may be included in your damages.
Emotional Distress Damages are Significant
The fear and anxiety of not knowing whether your baby is okay after a crash is a form of emotional harm. Georgia courts recognize emotional distress as a compensable damage, and the circumstances of a pregnancy-related accident can make those damages substantial.
Your Treatment Options May Be Limited
Some standard treatments for accident injuries, such as certain medications, imaging procedures, or physical therapy approaches, may not be safe during pregnancy. That can complicate your recovery and extend your treatment timeline, both of which factor into your overall damages.
Liability for a Rideshare Accident
When you’re pregnant and injured in a Georgia rideshare accident, more than one party may share responsibility for what happened.
The Rideshare Driver
If the driver caused the accident through negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light, they are personally liable. Their actions are the starting point for any claim.
Uber or Lyft
While rideshare companies typically argue they aren’t responsible for their drivers’ actions, their insurance policies do cover passengers injured during active rides. In some cases, additional liability arguments may apply depending on the circumstances.
Another Driver
If a third-party driver caused the crash, their insurance is the primary source of compensation. If they’re uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
Multiple Parties
In many accidents, fault is shared. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault.
Identifying every liable party is something John Foy & Associates does as a standard part of building your case.
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Compensation You Can Claim in a Rideshare Accident
If you were pregnant and injured in a Georgia rideshare accident, what are your legal options for compensation? You may be entitled to recover:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Prenatal and postnatal care related to the accident
- Treatment for injuries to your unborn child
- Lost wages if your injuries kept you out of work
- Future medical expenses for ongoing care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damages related to the loss of your pregnancy, which may include wrongful death claims depending on the circumstances
The full value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your pregnancy, and the available insurance coverage. John Foy & Associates will work to identify every source of compensation available to you.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident During Pregnancy
Acting quickly after a rideshare accident is important for both your health and your claim. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 immediately: Even if you feel okay, you need emergency medical evaluation. Pregnancy complications from trauma don’t always show symptoms right away.
- Tell medical personnel you are pregnant: This ensures you receive appropriate care and that your pregnancy is documented in connection with the accident.
- Follow up with your OB or a maternal-fetal medicine specialist: A standard ER visit may not be enough. Get a full evaluation from a provider who specializes in pregnancy.
- Document everything: Keep records of every medical visit, every symptom, and every expense related to the accident and your pregnancy care.
- Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app: Both platforms have in-app accident reporting. Do this as soon as possible.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters: Insurers may try to minimize your claim, especially one involving pregnancy complications. Speak with a lawyer first.
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates: The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly if I Was Injured While Pregnant?
You may be able to pursue a claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy if you were injured as a passenger during an active ride. Suing the company directly is more difficult due to their independent contractor classification, but their insurance coverage is substantial and may fully cover your damages. A lawyer can help you determine the best approach.
What if My Baby Was Injured in the Rideshare Accident?
If your baby was injured in the rideshare accident, those injuries may be included in your personal injury claim. Georgia law recognizes harm to an unborn child as compensable in certain circumstances. If the injuries resulted in the loss of your pregnancy, a wrongful death claim may also be available.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving injuries to a child may have different timelines. It’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible, as evidence fades and waiting can limit your options.
Pregnant and Injured in a Georgia Rideshare Accident?
Being pregnant and injured in a Georgia rideshare accident is one of the most stressful situations a person can face. You deserve answers, support, and someone who will fight to make sure you and your child are fully compensated for what you’ve been through.
John Foy & Associates has been standing up for injured Georgians since 1999. We work on contingency: you pay nothing unless we win your case. The standard fee falls between 33.3% and 40%, and that number is agreed upon before you begin working with your attorney.
Call us today or fill out our online form to get your free consultation. The Strong Arm™ is ready to go to work for you.