In today’s world, ridesharing services like Uber have become a popular way of getting around. However, accidents involving Uber vehicles can and do happen, leaving rideshare accident victims unsure about what steps to take next. If your Uber crashes in Atlanta, understanding your legal options and the insurance landscape is crucial.
At Horst Shewmaker, we help victims of Uber and Lyft accidents navigate the legal process and get the compensation they deserve. Contact our Alpharetta Uber accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After Your Uber Crashes in Atlanta
Being in a car accident is stressful and confusing, especially when you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle like Uber. Here’s what you should do immediately after an Uber accident to protect your health and legal rights.
Check for Injuries and Call the Police
The first and most critical step is to ensure everyone’s safety. Check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Even if injuries appear minor, they should still be checked by a healthcare professional to ensure there are no hidden issues.
Also, notify the police and make sure they arrive at the scene. A police report is a crucial document that will provide an objective account of the accident. This report will be vital when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
Exchange Information
Make sure to gather the necessary information from the Uber driver, other drivers involved, and any witnesses. This includes names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. Additionally, take note of the Uber driver’s status, such as whether they were logged into the app.
Document the Scene
If it is safe to do so, document the accident scene by taking photographs. Include pictures of vehicle damage, visible injuries, the overall scene (such as road conditions), and traffic signs. Documentation is key when presenting a rideshare accident case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine right after the accident, it’s wise to seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not present immediate symptoms. Keep all medical records and receipts, as they will serve as evidence in your case.
Report the Accident to Uber
Using the Uber app, report the accident to Uber as soon as possible. Both drivers and passengers are required to report incidents. This will trigger the insurance claims process on Uber’s end. If are the other in a collision with an Uber vehicle, make sure to notify your car insurance company.
Contact an Uber Accident Attorney
Navigating the complexities of an Uber accident claim, particularly when dealing with multiple insurance companies, can be overwhelming. Contact an experienced Uber accident lawyer at Horst Shewmaker. Our legal team can handle all aspects of your case, including negotiations with insurance companies and representing you in court, if necessary.
Can I Sue Uber for a Rideshare Accident?
Determining whether you can sue Uber after an accident depends on several factors, particularly the Uber driver’s status during the accident. Uber’s insurance company covers accidents if the driver was using the app at the time of the accident. If the driver wasn’t logged into the app, the driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible for paying.
Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees, which limits the rideshare company’s liability for accidents. However, the company may be held responsible for accidents in limited situations, such as failure to perform a background check or review driving history.
It’s essential to have an experienced Uber accident lawyer on your side to navigate the insurance and legal complexities after a rideshare accident. An attorney will identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation.
Uber Insurance for Rideshare Accidents
Understanding Uber’s insurance coverage is crucial to knowing who will pay for your damages following an accident. How much Uber’s insurance policy will pay varies depending on the driver’s status.
Driver Not Using the App
If the Uber driver was not logged into the app and was not providing services at the time of the crash, Uber’s insurance will not apply. Instead, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy would be responsible for covering the accident.
In Georgia, the minimum required coverage is:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Driver Accepting Ride Requests
If the Uber driver is logged into the app and waiting for ride requests, Uber provides third-party liability coverage. This insurance includes up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Driver Picking Up or Carrying Passengers
When the Uber driver is either carrying passengers or en route to pick up a rider, Uber’s insurance coverage increases significantly. The policy includes:
- $1,000,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage
- $1,000,000 in uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
Compensation for Uber Crashes
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. Common types of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for any income lost due to your inability to work while recovering from your injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may receive compensation for your reduced ability to earn income.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle.
How an Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with the aftermath of an Uber accident can be overwhelming, especially when it involves multiple insurance companies and complex legal issues. An experienced Uber accident lawyer at Horst Shewmaker can help you throughout the legal process.
- Gathering Evidence: A lawyer will collect crucial evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports, to build a strong case.
- Handling Insurance Negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf for a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory outcome, your lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Maximizing Compensation: A skilled lawyer will fight to recover compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Rideshare Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
Being involved in an Uber accident in Atlanta can be a confusing and stressful experience. Knowing your rights and taking the appropriate steps after an accident can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
At Horst Shewmaker, we are dedicated to helping individuals in Alpharetta and the greater Atlanta metro area navigate these complex cases. If you’ve been in an Uber accident, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
