Undeniably, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have helped to revolutionize the personal transportation industry. Besides the low-cost prices, the ability to hail a ride anywhere and at any time offers users some much-needed convenience. In addition, rideshare services have helped reduce cases of drunk driving and potentially saved a lot of lives.
However, just like other means of transport, rideshare vehicles are not immune to traffic accidents. The driver of the rideshare vehicle is usually at fault for the accident.
If you’ve recently been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Sandy Springs, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a Sandy Springs Uber accident lawyer at The Hurt Boss for immediate legal assistance.
Car accident cases involving Uber/Lyft vehicles are often more complex than regular car accident cases, which is why you need someone who has experience dealing with such cases. Get in touch with us today at 678-806-7715 to schedule a free consultation.
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Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
On paper, ridesharing services should help to improve safety on our roads. However, research findings from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business indicate that the introduction of ridesharing services like Uber has led to a 3% increase in fatal auto accidents, translating to about 1000 more deaths per year.
Uber’s U.S. Safety Report for the year 2017-2018 reveals that there were 97 fatal crashes in the US involving Uber vehicles, which resulted in 107 fatalities. According to Uber, about 65% of the crashes involved other vehicles while 31% involved pedestrians.
As per Lyft’s Community Safety Reports, less than 1% of all trips from the year 2017 to 2019 resulted in any safety incidents.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
As noted traffic accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are quite common. And as you are aware, these kinds of accidents can leave victims with all kinds of serious injuries. Here are some of the common types of Uber and Lyft accidents:
- Passenger injury resulting from the negligence of the Uber or Lyft driver.
- Third-party injury caused by the Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence.
- Passenger injury as a result of another Uber or Lyft driver’s wrongdoing.
- Property damage caused by the Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence.
- Uber or Lyft driver injury resulting from their own negligence.
- Uber or Lyft driver injury as a result of the negligence of another driver.
- Driver and passenger injury resulting from a defective or malfunctioning vehicle part or system.
What Parties Can Be Held Liable in an Uber Accident?
When it comes to auto accidents involving rideshare vehicles, multiple parties can be held liable for the crash, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident.
Uber or Lyft Driver
In most cases, Uber/Lyft accidents are usually caused by the driver’s actions. To ensure road safety and minimize the risk of an accident, all drivers in the state of Georgia, including Uber drivers are expected to adhere to all traffic rules. However, when drivers violate this duty of care, they can cause an accident. In such cases, the driver will be held liable.
The Rideshare Companies
While rare, a rideshare company like Uber can also be held liable for the accident.
First, it is important to note that Uber/Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors and not actual employees. While this offers the company some legal protection against liability, it can still be held liable if they were negligent in the hiring process of the driver. For instance, not doing a thorough background check.
In such cases, the rideshare company can be held vicariously liable. An attorney will be able to determine whether the rideshare company is somewhat at fault for the accident.
Any Related Third Parties
In some cases, a third party may be held liable for the accident. In such instances, the driver and Uber company don’t bear liability for the accident. For example, if a drunk or speeding driver hits your Uber or if the accident is found to have been caused by a faulty component.
An attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the other motorist or manufacturing company. Government entities may also be held liable for poor road conditions that caused the accident. An attorney will help you identify the party or parties at fault and gather all the necessary evidence to prove liability.
What Makes an Uber Accident Case Different From a Regular Car Accident Case?
Uber accident cases are more complex than regular car accident claims since there are multiple insurance policies involved. So, it is important to identify which insurance policy should be used to cover your damages.
Here are the insurance policies that can come into play in an Uber accident case:
- Your own auto insurance policy.
- The Uber driver’s personal insurance policy.
- Uber’s commercial insurance policy.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?
Yes. Uber maintains a $1 million third-party liability policy for all its drivers to cover personal injuries, property damage, and death. Uber also offers first-party injury insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage during accidents.
The $1 million insurance policy provides coverage to the passenger in the Uber car as well as the occupants of the other car in case the Uber driver causes the accident.
However, it is important to note that this policy only applies in specific circumstances including:
- When the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger.
- When the driver is transporting the passenger to their destination.
- The driver’s personal insurance provides primary coverage while Uber’s commercial insurance offers secondary coverage in case the driver’s personal insurance is not enough.
If the driver causes an accident while logged in to the app or waiting for a request Uber offers the following coverage:
- $25,000 in property damage per accident.
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident.
- $50,000 in bodily injury per individual.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
There are three types of damages that you can recover in an Uber accident claim with the help of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. The types are as follows:
Economic Damages
These are meant to compensate you for quantifiable damages that can be assigned a monetary value. Essentially, these are the financial losses and expenses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. These include medical bills, property damage, loss of earning capacity, lost income, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
These are meant to compensate you for non-quantifiable damages or those that can’t be assigned a monetary value. These include loss of limb function, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and so on.
Punitive Damages
These types of damages are only awarded in rare instances and serve as a way to punish the defendant for grossly negligent, reckless, or malicious behavior. Georgia law has a cap of $250,000 on punitive damages.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
Regardless of the amount the insurance company initially offers you, chances are, it is far less than you actually deserve. This is why it is always important that you seek the services of an experienced attorney. They know all the tactics that insurance companies use to trick victims into accepting lowball offers.
An attorney at The Hurt Boss will be able to determine how much your case is worth and help fight for a better compensation amount.
How Much Will a Sandy Springs Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
Nothing should deter you from seeking the legal assistance you need to secure maximum compensation. At The Hurt Boss, our Uber accident attorneys offer their services on a contingency basis – a no win – no fee arrangement. We are only paid after we’ve secured a favorable settlement or verdict in your case. This means that you don’t need to worry about paying any upfront fees to retain our services.
Is There a Deadline for Filing an Uber Accident Claim in Georgia?
The statute of limitations for Uber accident personal injury claims in the State of Georgia is two years from the date of the accident.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
The roles and duties of an Uber accident attorney are much more than you might think. Here’s how an attorney will help with your case:
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
When you reach out to a Sandy Springs Uber accident lawyer at The Hurt Boss, we will start by evaluating your case and advice you on your legal options.
Next, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, ensuring not to leave any stone unturned. We will collect sufficient evidence to prove fault and support your claims. We will build a strong case for you and ensure all the insurance paperwork and court filings are handled properly and before deadlines.
Settlement Negotiation
We will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that you are not taken advantage of. We will not settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Trial Preparation & Representation
In case the insurance company fails to cooperate or doesn’t present a favorable offer, we will prepare your case for trial. Our Sandy Springs personal injury attorneys have experience tackling Uber accident cases in court. We will use everything in our power to ensure the outcome in your favor.
Get the Legal Help You Need From an Experienced Sandy Springs Uber Accident Attorney!
An Uber accident can leave you dealing with serious injuries requiring long-term and expensive medical care in addition to other unfavorable consequences. When you enter an Uber, you expect to get to your destination safely and in one piece.
However, when your Uber driver doesn’t show concern for your safety and starts driving negligently or recklessly, they can cause a serious accident leaving you dealing with severe consequences. It is only fair that you get justice and the maximum compensation that you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident and suffered serious injuries, you need to reach out to the skilled Uber accident attorneys at The Hurt Boss as soon as possible. We will help to prove fault in your case and help you secure maximum compensation. Get in touch with us today at 678-806-7715 to schedule a free consultation.