Were You Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
As ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft continue to grow in popularity, so does the frequency of accidents involving these vehicles.
In Alpharetta, a city with a bustling population and busy roads, rideshare accidents are becoming increasingly common. When an accident involving a rideshare service occurs, the legal landscape can be complex, involving multiple parties and insurance policies.
At Horst Shewmaker, we are committed to helping victims of rideshare accidents navigate these complexities and secure the compensation they deserve.
The Rise of Rideshare Services and Associated Risks
Rideshare services offer convenience and flexibility, allowing people to get from one place to another with just a few taps on their smartphones. However, the rapid growth of these services has introduced new challenges and risks on the road:
Increased Traffic Congestion: The influx of rideshare vehicles on the road contributes to traffic congestion, which can lead to more accidents. Rideshare drivers often make sudden stops, navigate unfamiliar areas, or weave through traffic to reach passengers or destinations quickly, increasing the risk of collisions.
Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers rely on apps for navigation, communication, and accepting rides. This constant interaction with their phones can lead to distracted driving, one of the leading causes of accidents.
Driver Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours to maximize their earnings, which can result in fatigue. Fatigued driving is dangerous and significantly increases the likelihood of an accident.
Inexperienced Drivers: Unlike taxi drivers, who often undergo extensive training and certification, rideshare drivers may have varying levels of experience. This inexperience can contribute to poor decision-making on the road and an increased risk of accidents.
Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents can involve various scenarios, each with its own set of legal implications. Some common types of rideshare accidents include:
1.) Passenger Injuries: Passengers in rideshare vehicles may be injured in collisions caused by the rideshare driver or another motorist. Passengers have the right to seek compensation for their injuries from the responsible party.
2.) Collisions with Other Vehicles: Rideshare drivers may be involved in accidents with other vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, particularly if multiple parties share fault.
3.) Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents: Rideshare drivers may strike pedestrians or cyclists, leading to severe injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists have the right to pursue compensation from the driver or other responsible parties.
4.) Single-Vehicle Accidents: In some cases, a rideshare vehicle may be involved in a single-vehicle accident, such as hitting a stationary object or veering off the road. Passengers injured in these accidents can seek compensation from the driver’s insurance.
Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Determining liability in a rideshare accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver is often more complicated than in traditional car accidents. This is due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, and other motorists. At Horst Shewmaker, we thoroughly investigate each case to identify all liable parties and ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
- Rideshare Driver Liability: Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees of the rideshare companies. However, they are still responsible for operating their vehicles safely. If a rideshare driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding, causes an accident, they may be held liable for the damages.
- Rideshare Company Liability: While rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft often try to distance themselves from liability, they do provide insurance coverage for their drivers under certain circumstances. For example, if the driver was logged into the app and carrying passengers or en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance may cover the accident.
- Third-Party Liability: In some cases, another driver may be partially or fully responsible for the accident. For instance, if a speeding or reckless driver crashes into a rideshare vehicle, that driver may be held liable for the resulting damages.
- Employer Liability: If the rideshare driver is also employed by another company and was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, the employer may share liability.
Rideshare Insurance Company Coverage
Rideshare accidents can involve multiple insurance policies, which can make the claims process confusing. Understanding the different types of coverage available is essential for securing fair compensation. In general, rideshare insurance coverage can be broken down into three phases:
Offline or App Off: When a rideshare driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage available. If an accident occurs during this time, the driver’s personal insurance must cover the damages.
App On, No Passenger: When a driver is logged into the rideshare app but has not yet accepted a ride, the rideshare company typically provides limited liability coverage. This coverage may include up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Ride Accepted or In Progress: Once a driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy is in effect. This policy usually provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Understanding these coverage phases is crucial for determining which insurance policies apply to your accident. At Horst Shewmaker, we work diligently to navigate the insurance complexities and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available, including coverage for medical bills.
Pursuing Compensation After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, victims may face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges, making it crucial to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. At Horst Shewmaker, we are dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Types of Compensation Available
Personal injury attorney
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. The most common types of compensation include:
Medical Expenses:
Rideshare accidents can result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, leading to substantial medical bills. Compensation for medical expenses covers both current and future costs related to your injuries.
Lost Wages:
If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes wages lost during your recovery and any future loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering:
Physical pain and emotional distress are common after a rideshare accident. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses these non-economic damages, which can vary based on the severity of your injuries.
Property Damage:
If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you could seek compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life:
Serious injuries can significantly impact your ability to enjoy life as you once did. Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life seeks to address this diminished quality of life.
Wrongful Death:
In the tragic event that a rideshare accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
Navigating the Claims Process
The claims process for a rideshare accident can be complex and time-consuming, especially when gathering evidence at the accident scene. At Horst Shewmaker, we guide our clients through each step of the process to ensure they receive fair compensation:
Investigating the Accident: A thorough investigation is crucial for building a strong case. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, and consult with experts to determine the cause of the accident and identify the liable parties.
Negotiating with Insurers: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by offering lowball settlements. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who fight to secure a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses.
Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Our experienced trial attorneys have the knowledge and resources to pursue the maximum compensation through litigation.
Handling Comparative Fault: Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize any potential fault attributed to you and maximize your compensation.
Why Choose Horst Shewmaker?
Choosing the right law firm is essential for achieving a successful outcome in your rideshare accident case. Hiring an experienced rideshare accident lawyer is crucial to navigate the complexities of Alpharetta Uber and Lyft accidents. At Horst Shewmaker, we offer:
1.) Experienced Attorneys: Our team has extensive experience handling rideshare accident cases in Alpharetta and throughout Georgia. We understand the complexities of rideshare litigation and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.
2.) Personalized Service: We take the time to understand each client’s unique situation and tailor our legal strategy to meet their needs. Our attorneys provide personalized attention and support throughout the entire process.
3.) No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.
4.) Proven Results: Our track record of success speaks for itself. We have secured favorable settlements and verdicts for numerous clients, and we are committed to achieving the best possible results for you.
Contact Horst Shewmaker Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Alpharetta, don’t hesitate to contact Horst Shewmaker for a free consultation. Our team is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging time. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your options.
At Horst Shewmaker, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of rideshare accident victims and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
