Atlanta Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney

According to Uber’s 2019 Safety Report, the rideshare service made approximately 3.1 million trips per day in the United States in 2017 and 2018, with a total of 2.3 billion trips during that time period. During the same timeframe, there were only 0.0003 percent of those trips that reported a critical safety incident.  A total of 97 fatal crashes were reported for Uber drivers in 2017 and 2018, with 107 total fatalities.

The motor vehicle fatality rate for Uber drivers was 0.59 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2017, and 0.57 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled in 2018. These figures are about half what the national rate of traffic fatalities is. If we assume Lyft statistics are roughly the same, then in general, you are much safer in a rideshare vehicle than in your own vehicle.

That being said, Uber and Lyft traffic accidents do happen, and it can be difficult to know what to do when you are in a rideshare vehicle that is involved in an accident. Both rideshare companies employ drivers over the age of 23 years old who have at least one year of driving experience.

As you might imagine, one year of driving experience is not a lot, meaning you could potentially be riding with an inexperienced driver.  You must also be endorsed by a rideshare company, undergo a private background check, and carry the liability insurance coverage required by Georgia law.

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Three Levels of Liability

The rideshare companies break liability down into three different levels—and are insured accordingly:

  • If the rideshare driver is logged into the app, waiting on a ride request, both Lyft and Uber provide $25,000 per accident for property damage and $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
  • When the rideshare driver has picked up a passenger or is on the way to pick up a passenger, both rideshare services provide $1 million in third-party liability protection and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • If the driver is not logged into the app and an accident occurs, the driver’s personal insurance will apply.

If the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy takes effect whether the driver is working or not, or if the driver added a ride-hailing insurance endorsement to their existing policy, an injured passenger may also be able to collect from the driver’s policy in the event of an accident.

What Should You Do Following a Rideshare Accident?

While a rideshare accident is similar in many ways to an accident you might have in your own vehicle, there are certain differences. As with any accident, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think your injuries are that severe.

Your body was flooded with adrenaline at the time of the accident; this adrenaline rush can mask symptoms of an injury, sometimes even a serious injury. Next, call 911—even if the rideshare driver or the other driver does not want the police called. You will need the police report later to help show liability and determine who will pay for your injuries.

If you are physically able, take photos at the scene of the accident, including the damage to both vehicles, the surrounding areas, and anything else that could help determine the cause of the accident. If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain contact information. When you are home or back at your hotel, take the time to write down every detail you can remember regarding the accident. Finally, contact an attorney who can help you recover damages for your injuries.

Filing a claim against Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare company is not easy. The drivers for these rideshare companies are classified as independent contractors, so despite the fact that the companies do carry insurance, it is likely they will claim the driver is not technically an employee.

Do You Need an Attorney for Your Uber/Lyft Accident?

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you are facing a wide array of complexities. Having a highly-skilled Georgia accident attorney in your corner can make a significant difference in the outcome of your car accident claim.  Since a rideshare accident can involve several parties, having an attorney to guide you through the process can truly make a difference.

Navigating the rideshare company’s insurance policy and dealing with its legal team while you are dealing with medical expenses and lost wages can be overwhelming. You need an attorney who is well-versed in rideshare accidents, as the knowledge and experience he or she will bring to the table truly makes a difference.

Contact Our Atlanta Rideshare Accident Lawyers

For years, the Kim Law Team has helped injured rideshare accident victims after suffering a serious injury in an Uber or Lyft crash. Both Uber and Lyft have million-dollar umbrella policies to protect their customers and their drivers. However, they often fight aggressively to reduce their liability. As such, they may claim that the Uber or Lyft driver was not on the clock when the accident occurred.

If you suffered an injury in an Uber or Lyft accident in Atlanta, we can help you pursue maximum compensation. Our law firm offers FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can get the answers you need – when you need them. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. Just call and JUST WIN.