In the gig economy, rideshares offer extra cash for drivers and convenient transportation alternatives for passengers. Unfortunately, they also pose a risk to pedestrians and potentially increase the danger for everyone on the road. Your Uber or Lyft accident injuries attest to the negative ramifications of rideshares.
If you are unsure how to pursue damages following your accident, consider hiring a Stonecrest Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer. The ones serving at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you understand how a personal injury suit may provide you with compensation for your injuries. Together, we can help draw attention to the risks of this growing industry.
Call our office for a free consultation by dialing (404) 888-8888.
We Will Determine How Your Accident Occurred and Who Is Responsible
Rideshare accident victims fall prey to negligent drivers engaging in these behaviors:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring traffic signals
However, what sets rideshare accidents apart from others is their complicated liability. For instance, a speeding accident case typically involves dealing with the negligent driver’s insurance company. However, if an Uber or Lyft driver was responsible, the process is not as straightforward.
Why Uber or Lyft May Not Be Liable
Rideshare drivers are not employees of Uber and Lyft (because Uber and Lyft are not transportation companies). The drivers are classified as independent contractors who use the app to find passengers.
As a result, receiving compensation from a rideshare service depends on how your accident fits certain qualifications, such as whether:
- The driver was logged into the app
- The driver was waiting for a ride request
- The driver was picking up or transporting passengers
Both Lyft and Uber only offer full liability coverage for their drivers if they are active in the app and have already accepted a ride request. Their coverage functions as secondary insurance if the driver is logged in but has not received a request. In other words, the driver’s personal insurance will be the first to address liability.
Even if your accident occurred when the rideshare driver was transporting passengers, the company insurance might not fully cover your expenses. The company could also try to avoid liability. If this happened to you, contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to fight back by dialing (404) 888-8888.
Who Is Responsible for Your Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident
Ultimately, your injury expenses may be the responsibility of the driver, not a rideshare service. You may then receive damages via their personal insurance or by directly pursuing the driver.
What will affect this is whether:
- The driver is uninsured
- The driver is underinsured
- The driver’s insurance does not cover the accident
Around 12% of Georgia drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), with many more not carrying enough insurance to cover accident expenses. Even if the driver has a sizable policy, some insurance companies have clauses that do not provide coverage for accidents that happened while the driver was using the car to conduct business. Working as a rideshare driver may count under this specification.
Your Stonecrest Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can determine how insurance applies in your case. If it is not possible to receive damages through the driver’s insurance, you may have to pursue them personally through an injury lawsuit. Your attorney can advise you of your options.
When the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault
You may have been injured in an accident that was not the fault of the rideshare driver. For instance, you may have been an Uber or Lyft passenger struck by someone else. When the other driver is at fault, receiving compensation for injury expenses will go through their insurance or a personal injury claim.
For a free legal consultation with a uber and lyft rideshare accidents lawyer serving Stonecrest, call (404) 888-8888
How Rideshare Accidents Can Affect Pedestrians
Pedestrians are afforded the same rights as motorists and can file a personal injury claim after any accident, including one involving a rideshare. This can be especially important as pedestrians can sustain far worse collision injuries.
Distracted Driving
Pedestrian rideshare accidents—and, in fact, rideshare accidents in general—have been connected with distracted driving. Distractions behind the wheel include:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting
- Using social media
- Eating
- Grooming
- Using radio or music streaming
- Interacting with passengers
- Using GPS
Rideshare drivers especially rely on GPS and Uber or Lyft apps to find and transport passengers. Even looking around for a pick-up or drop-off location can be enough to draw their attention from the road and cause a crash. This negligent driving may entitle you to damages from the driver responsible.
Stonecrest Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
More Than Just Determining Liability
Your rideshare injury attorney can not only aid you in figuring out who is liable but also:
- File within the two- to four-year statute of limitations
- Interview witnesses
- Collect photos and video surveillance
- Review medical records and police reports
- Determine a value for your case
- Negotiate settlement offers from the other party
- Prepare for a court appearance
Your lawyer’s role is not just deciding who is at fault. It is supporting you throughout your accident’s aftermath and guiding your case through the legal system.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Fighting Back Against Rideshare Consequences
Your situation is an embodiment of how rideshare accidents leave victims both injured and confused. A Stonecrest Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers may help clear up that confusion and obtain compensation for your injuries. Get started with a free case review.
Call our office today by dialing (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form