Alpharetta Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys

HS Law represents injury victims in Alpharetta and the Greater Atlanta area who have been involved in an Uber, Lyft, or other ride share service accident.

Many people enjoy using ridesharing companies, like Uber or Lyft. It is often a convenient and inexpensive way to get around town. But what happens if your Uber or Lyft gets into an accident? HS Law can help you gain compensation for medical costs and lost wages. Call us at 404-400-1175 for a free consultation to address your case.

Ridesharing in Alpharetta

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have had a large spike in popularity in recent years. Their business models are pretty simple; drivers sign up with Uber or Lyft as independent contractors and upon approval, they are given access to the software that connects them to passengers. All transactions and activities are done through that software, including requested rides from riders and the exchange of money. This system is very convenient and simple to use, which explains the sudden increase in use. However, accidents can happen.

Call HS Law for Help

Dealing with ridesharing accident cases involve many detailed policies and rules that can often get confusing, especially in the midst of a traumatic accident. If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, we urge you not to go through this process alone. Please call us at 404-400-1175 for a free consultation so that we can ensure you are taken care of appropriately.

Uber and Lyft Passenger Rights

To protect your rights and make an injury claim following an accident while in an Uber or Lyft, you must get to the bottom of what happened. This is one of the many reasons it is very important to hire a lawyer immediately. We will conduct a detailed investigation. First, we will send ‘preservation letters’ in order to preserve evidence. Specifically for Uber or Lyft, we need to find out if the driver was in the scope of his or her job duties as a rideshare driver. This will help determine the coverage that you may get as the passenger.

Tips following a rideshare accident

  • The first step in any vehicle accident is to immediately call the police. They need to make a formal report to record the accident.
  • Record the make and model of all of the vehicles involved in the accident, including license plate numbers.
  • Get the names of all parties involved in the accident, and phone numbers if possible.
  • Take a lot of photos
  • Note the condition of your Uber or Lyft driver

Understanding the Insurance Policies of Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft both have insurance policies that can come into play in the event of an accident involving one of their drivers. These policies are designed to cover not only the drivers and their passengers, but also third parties such as pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of other vehicles.

1. When the App is Off

If an Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into their respective app and is driving for personal reasons, their personal auto insurance will be the primary coverage in the event of an accident. This means if you are injured in this scenario, the driver’s personal insurance policy would be the first place to look for coverage.

2. App is On, But No Active Ride

When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, both Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. This coverage can extend to accident victims if the driver’s personal insurance does not provide sufficient coverage.

3. During an Active Ride

The most thorough coverage comes into play when the Uber or Lyft driver is on an active ride or on the way to pick up a passenger. In such cases, both companies provide a $1 million liability insurance policy that cover property damage and injuries to third parties.

If the Uber or Lyft driver did not cause the crash but the driver who caused the crash has no car insurance (or minimal car insurance), Uber or Lyft may nevertheless provide insurance coverage (known as underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage). Hiring an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer is important to make sure that you are getting taken care of through a situation like this. Call HS Law for a free consultation at 404-400-1175.

Uber and Lyft Driver Rights

If you are an Uber or Lyft driver, it is important for you to know your rights. You may still benefit from your company’s insurance.

Your company’s insurance provides coverage to you if another driver is at fault and that driver is uninsured. This coverage is known as ‘uninsured’ or ‘underinsured motorist coverage’. However, it is important to note that you are not automatically qualified.

Three criteria to receive benefits from your insurance coverage

  • First, you must prove the other driver was at fault.
  • Second, you must prove that you were in the scope of your employment with Uber or Lyft when you were hurt.
  • Lastly, you must prove your damages (property, injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and/or lost wages).

We urge you not to go at this alone and hire an experienced Uber or Lyft lawyer. Give us a call at 404-400-1175 to start your free consultation.

Insurance

Just like for passengers, Uber and Lyft carry insurance policies with $1 million in liability coverage while a driver has a passenger. This only applies if the driver has his or her app on and a ride was requested and accepted through the app. Your company’s insurance policy for rideshare accidents will not provide emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or medical payments coverage.

However, there are private insurance companies that sell supplemental coverage for these items. If you drive for a rideshare company, we strongly encourage you to look into one of these supplemental policies. We urge you not to go at this alone and hire an experienced Uber or Lyft lawyer to help you through the process. Give us a call today to start your free consultation.

RIDE SHARE INJURY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am a pedestrian injured by a rideshare driver. Can I sue?

The issue of whether companies like Uber or Lyft cover pedestrian accident injuries is not just a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. The coverage depends on a variety of factors, including the:

  • Specifics of the accident
  • Status of the Uber or Lyft driver at the time
  • Details of the insurance policies in question

In the event of a pedestrian being hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, several steps are typically followed to address the injury claim:

1. Determining the Status of the Driver

The first step is determining the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Was the driver logged into the app? Was the driver carrying a passenger or on his or her way to pick one up? This information is important because it determines which insurance policy applies.

2. Filing a Claim

If the driver was on an active ride or going to pick up a passenger, the claim would typically be filed against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy. If the driver was logged in but didn’t have an active ride, the claim might first go through the driver’s personal insurance, with Uber or Lyft’s policy providing secondary coverage. If the driver was not logged into the app, the driver’s personal auto insurance would be the primary source of coverage.

3. Dealing with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, especially in accidents involving major companies like Uber or Lyft. It often requires negotiation and, in some cases, legal action to ensure fair compensation.

Pedestrians involved in accidents with Uber or Lyft drivers may face various legal challenges:

  • Determining Liability: Establishing who is at fault in a pedestrian accident can be complex. It might involve questions of right-of-way, driver distraction, or pedestrian behavior.
  • Dealing With Multiple Insurance Policies: The interaction between personal insurance policies and the additional coverage provided by Uber or Lyft can complicate the claims process.
  • Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury. If you miss the deadline, your claim may end up being barred by statute.
  • Potential for Litigation: In cases where a settlement cannot be reached through filing an insurance claim, litigation might be necessary. This process can be lengthy and often requires help from an Alpharetta pedestrian accident lawyer. 

While Uber and Lyft do offer coverage for pedestrian accident injuries, the extent of this coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Multiple insurance policies and potential legal challenges can complicate the claims process even further. It’s a lot to deal with when you’re already dealing with serious injuries.

If you’re injured in a rideshare accident as a pedestrian, contact a personal injury attorney who can handle all the legal steps involved and help you get a fair settlement. Since the laws governing these collisions are subject to change, obtaining legal representation helps ensure that your claim is properly handled from the moment it is filed until your case concludes.

I am a driver that got into a rideshare accident - can I sue Uber or Lyft?

One way to win a case against Uber or Lyft is to prove that the company violated its own standards in hiring or retaining a dangerous driver and, as a result, you or your property was damaged.

You will need to hire an experienced Uber lawyer or Lyft lawyer to obtain documents which can prove these claims. In some cases, that will necessarily involve the filing of a lawsuit against the rideshare company.

How does a lawyer determine the value of my case following my rideshare accident?

The value of your case depends on so many facts that it is near impossible to list every factor. However, there are some factors that will have a greater impact on the value of your case:

  • Type of injury have you suffered
  • How extensive is your pain and suffering
  • Severity of the property damage
  • Your medical expenses total
  • The venue for the at-fault party
  • Amount of your lost wages

For a more detailed and individual case evaluation, please call and talk to one of the lawyers at HS Law. Consultations are always free!

What is the average Uber or Lyft rideshare accident settlement?

The “average” Uber or Lyft accident settlement isn’t likely to be helpful in determining your case value. Knowing the average settlement of a case against Uber or Lyft is too broad to be useful.

Each case is unique. So, what someone else received has no impact on what you will receive. Also, many settlements are confidential, so there is no way to give an accurate answer.

Does Uber or Lyft provide workers comp if I’m hurt while driving for them?

While the law may be changing in this area, it is presently the case that Uber and Lyft do not provide workers compensation if you are hurt as a driver in a rideshare accident. The reason being is that when driving for Uber or Lyft most courts have found you are acting as an independent contractor, not an employee.

However, that does not mean there is no insurance coverage available to you. This issue often requires an in-depth look at the context of your injury and what available insurance coverages may apply.