Whether it is due to speeding, reckless driving, or defective auto parts, rideshare accidents are not uncommon and result in severe injuries and damages. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in an Uber or Lyft accident in Buckhead, GA, you may be eligible for compensation through an Uber accident claim.
However, these claims tend to be complex, mostly due to the many parties involved. As such it is wise to seek legal representation from a reputable Buckhead Uber accident lawyer. Our team at The Hurt Boss are experts in this field. All you have to do is reach out by calling 678-806-7715 for a free case review with our Buckhead car accident lawyers!
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Uber & Lyft Accident Statistics
The popularity of ridesharing apps like Uber has vastly grown in the past several years. However, this has not necessarily led to safer transportation as one would think. In fact, a study done by The University of Chicago Booth School of Business reveals there has been a 3% increase in fatal car accidents since the inception of these platforms.
Uber’s United States Safety Report for 2017 and 2018 revealed there were 107 fatalities in 97 crashes. 67% of the victims were Uber occupants while the rest were non-occupants.
The Most Common Uber & Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents occur in varying ways. They affect numerous parties including the passengers, drivers, and third parties. The most common Uber and Lyft accidents in Buckhead, Georgia include:
- Injuries to passengers because of the Uber driver’s negligence
- Injuries to passengers because of another Uber driver’s negligence
- Injuries to third parties because of the Uber driver’s negligence
- Injuries to the Uber driver because of their own negligent actions
- Injuries to the Uber driver because of negligence from another driver
- Injuries to the driver and passengers because of a malfunctioning or defective auto part
The varied nature of rideshare accidents tends to make compensation claims complex. As such, it is advisable to hire a Buckhead Uber accident lawyer who is adept with ridesharing laws, traffic laws, and personal injury.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Uber Accident?
A competent rideshare accident attorney in Buckhead can help you determine the liable party for your injuries. Keep in mind that insurance providers can pin negligence on anyone following an accident.
Your lawyer will look into the facts of your claim and check the evidence to determine the party responsible for the accident. This can be one of the following:
Uber/Lyft Driver
More often than not, drivers are to blame for accidents. The actions of your Uber or Lyft driver may have contributed to or caused the crash. Distracted driving and speeding are especially common when it comes to Uber accidents.
Rideshare Companies
Ridesharing companies may also be held liable for the negligent behavior of their drivers. Technically, they are not employed by these companies, but operate as independent contractors. This provides a leeway for ridesharing companies to deny liability for your claim.
However, a seasoned rideshare accident lawyer may be able to argue on the shared liability of the company if the driver’s personal coverage is insufficient. Also, the attorney may bring forth a ruling that mandates the provision of coverage to ridesharing application passengers at the time of the crash.
Any Related Third Parties
Rideshare accidents can also happen as a result of third parties’ negligence. In such a situation, you are expected to file a claim against the negligent party or their insurance provider. You can sue vehicle part makers for defective parts or government bodies for the poor road conditions.
In some cases, the driver of another car may be responsible for the accident. An example is when a drunk driver collides with your Uber, leading to severe injuries. In such a case, they can be held responsible for damages.
How Are Uber Accident Cases Different from Conventional Auto Accident Cases?
The primary difference between ridesharing car accidents and the rest in Buckhead is insurance coverage. Ridesharing companies require their drivers to have their own insurance while operating on Buckhead roads.
Still, ridesharing companies maintain auto insurance for passengers when they are using the application. This means that multiple insurance policies should cover you in case of an accident.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Accidents Insurance Policy?
Due to Uber’s marketing, most individuals are often under the impression that no matter what happens when they get into an accident involving an Uber driver, they are eligible for the $1 million insurance policy.
While Uber does have this policy, it has a limited scope and only applies in cases where the driver had passengers in the vehicle, on a paid trip, and was in a crash where the damages go beyond the driver’s personal insurance.
If the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons, on the way to pick up the passenger, or waiting on a fare, Uber’s insurance policy does not come into play. Due to the stringent requirements on ridesharing policies, you are better off hiring a lawyer for the best chance of being compensated.
What Type of Compensation Can I Get for an Uber Accident?
In general, most Uber accident victims recover two types of communication- economic and non-economic damages. These are awarded as settlement for injury or loss as a result of an Uber or Lyft accident.
You can also recover punitive damages following a rideshare accident in Buckhead, GA. However, these damages are not usually available in many claims of this caliber.
Economic Damages
These entail tangible or quantifiable costs following an Uber accident. They are easy to calculate as all you need to do is present records such as bills and receipts. Examples of these damages include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, travel expenses, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are based on harms that are not easy to quantify as they are subjective in nature. Examples include emotional distress, disability, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of reputation, loss of enjoyment in life, etc.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not common in Uber accident cases. They are designed to punish the liable party if they are found to have been extremely negligent, careless, or reckless in their actions. The judge can also award punitive damages if the defendant was found to have malicious intent to cause harm to others.
Should You Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
No! Never agree to a settlement offer from the insurance company before consulting an experienced Uber accident attorney in Buckhead.
Insurance providers are only concerned about their bottom line and will therefore offer the lowest settlement possible. This means it won’t be enough to cover your injuries and losses. Let a lawyer assess your case to determine a fair settlement amount.
How Much Does a Buckhead Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
At The Hurt Boss and any other reputable firm, we don’t charge upfront legal fees. As such, you do not have to shy away from representation. We provide our services on a contingency basis, meaning you only have to pay if we win the case.
This form of agreement allows us to do our best to seek compensation and you to focus on recuperation. We understand that paying expensive medical bills in your situation is already stressful and the last thing you want to worry about is money to retain a lawyer.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for Uber accident personal injury claims in Georgia is 2 years. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim or you won’t have legal grounds to do so. When it comes to property damage claims, however, the time limit is 4 years.
Why Do You Need a Buckhead Uber Accident Lawyer?
As mentioned earlier, Uber accident claims tend to be complex due to the many parties and insurance policies involved. Also, all these parties have experienced lawyers which puts you at a disadvantage, especially if you need to handle the claim on your own.
An attorney is essential as they will help in the following aspects:
Case Preparation or Filing a Lawsuit
Following your accident, the lawyer will help by building a solid case. This involves gathering the necessary evidence with the aim to determine the party at fault.
Settlement Negotiation
Next, the lawyer will use their negotiation skills you get a fair settlement amount. The team at The Hurt Boss has vast experience in this and will work on your behalf to ensure the other party does not take advantage of your situation through tactics like lowballing.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If negotiations fail to come to a fair settlement, our team will be ready to represent you in court and aggressively fight for your rights. We will prepare a solid case and represent you accordingly.
Hire the Best Uber Accident Lawyer in Buckhead Today!
Uber accident claims are no walk in the park for numerous reasons. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a rideshare accident, reach out to a lawyer immediately.
Our team at The Hurt Boss is readily available to assess your case and provide the best representation. Reach out by calling 678-806-7715 today for a free consultation!
