Ridesharing is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the Atlanta metro area. In Atlanta, Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular rideshare companies. However, while ridesharing is generally a safe way to get around, accidents can happen.
But when you’re in an Uber or Lyft, the situation can feel even more confusing and uncertain. Who is liable? Who pays for damages? What should you do next?
What to Do After an Uber Accident
If you find yourself in an Uber accident, there are a few things you should do.
- Call 911. First and foremost, don’t panic. Assess the situation and make sure everyone involved is okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve made sure everyone is safe, it’s time to start gathering information.
- Seek Medical Help. A rideshare accident is like any other in that you must seek medical help. Even if you do not believe you suffered severe injuries, receiving a thorough medical evaluation is essential. Receiving medical treatment promptly will not only help your recovery, but also help you recover maximum compensation.
- Gather Evidence. If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information so you can follow up with them later if necessary.
- Get Insurance Info. It’s also good to exchange insurance information with the other driver involved. Be sure to get the information from your Uber driver as well. They should provide you with both personal and professional insurance information.
- Contact the Rideshare Company. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information at the accident scene, your next step is to contact Uber. You can do this by opening the app and selecting “Trip Issues and Refunds” from the menu. From there, you’ll choose “I was in an accident.” Uber will then ask you for a description of what happened and provide instructions on what to do next.
- Call a Rideshare Attorney. Your next call should be to an experienced Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer. Your attorney can discuss the details of your case with you and help you collect the compensation you deserve. Proving liability is key to getting the money you need to pay for your injuries and damages.
Who is Liable After a Ridesharing Accident?
Rideshare insurance can be confusing because there are different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver is online and available to accept fares, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger. The good news is that all three levels of coverage have increased since Uber and Lyft first started operating in Atlanta.
If you are in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, the first step is filing a claim with the rideshare company. Both companies have $1 million liability policies covering passengers, drivers, and pedestrians injured in an accident.
Uber’s liability policy kicks in when a driver accepts a passenger’s request. Uber’s liability insurance will cover up to $1 million in damages for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage if the driver gets into an accident. If another driver caused the accident, the driver’s personal insurance should cover the damages. However, if the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the full extent of the damages, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will kick in and cover up to $1 million in damages.
In addition to liability insurance, Uber has a $1 million contingent collision and comprehensive coverage policy that applies when a driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the total cost of repairs or replacement after an accident. So, if you are ever involved in an accident while riding in an Uber, you can rest assured that you will be covered.
That said, $1 million may not be enough to cover all of the damages if multiple people are injured or someone dies in the accident. In these cases, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s personal automobile insurance policy.
If the at-fault driver does not have personal automobile insurance, or if their policy does not cover ridesharing, you may be able to seek compensation from Uber or Lyft’s contingent liability policy. This policy covers up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been involved in a rideshare accident, the best thing to do is contact an experienced Atlanta rideshare accident attorney who can help you navigate the complex maze of insurance coverage and determine who is liable for your damages. The team at Kim Law has extensive experience handling rideshare accident cases and will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case! Just call and JUST WIN.
back to news
