Car Accident
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Uber Accident Lawyers in Atlanta
You expect a safe and worry-free ride when using Uber to get around. No one expects their Uber trip to turn into a nightmare because of a preventable crash. But what happens if you sustain injuries in an Uber accident? Or if you’re another driver and a rideshare car hits you? If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident in Atlanta, you have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages you suffer.
Pursuing an Uber accident claim involves complex legal regulations, multiple liable parties, extensive medical bills, and various insurance companies. Obtaining a favorable outcome following an Uber crash often means partnering with experienced legal counsel. For help navigating your rideshare accident claim, contact an Atlanta Uber car accident lawyer at Fry | Goehring right away at 404-969-1284 for a 100% free consultation.
What Are the Different Types of Uber Accidents?
Thanks to the inception of rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft, many people have found an affordable, convenient, and clean way to get around. Uber has basically changed the way Georgians travel. Unfortunately, the service does not come without risk.
Nearly anyone with an operable vehicle and a relatively clean driving record can become an Atlanta Uber driver. This inexperience, combined with the lack of proper regulations and the unprecedented volume of Atlanta vehicle traffic, makes Uber vehicles much more prone to accidents, placing innocent passengers and other drivers at greater risk of injury.
Some Uber-involved types of accidents that our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can help you with are:
- Pedestrian struck by an Uber driver
- Non-Uber drivers struck by Uber drivers
- Passengers in an Uber that’s hit by a non-Uber driver
- Passengers in an Uber accident caused by the Uber driver
- Uber accident caused by a defective vehicle part
What Steps Should I Take After an Uber Accident?
An Uber accident scene can be scary and confusing. If you’ve been injured in an Atlanta Uber collision, taking the proper steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights is crucial. Here are some critical steps Uber accident victims should take immediately after a crash:
- Move to a safe area and immediately check yourself and others involved in the collision for injuries — but only if it poses no risk and you feel well enough to do so.
- Call the police immediately and request medical assistance if anyone needs emergency medical attention. Even if you did not sustain visible injuries, seek medical attention within 24 hours of the crash; you may be unaware of some injuries. Besides, delaying seeking medical attention can hurt your case. Also, file a police report.
- Gather evidence and insurance information. Get accurate information about the Uber driver, including their name, insurance information, and license number. Screenshot or download your trip information and photograph your injuries and damage to all cars involved.
- Talk to a lawyer to go over your accident. Following an Atlanta rideshare-related crash, the steps you take can help protect your right to pursue compensation. However, never assume you don’t have a case if you don’t take the above steps. Instead, you should talk to our Uber accident lawyers in Atlanta as soon as possible. Our legal team can assess how best to move forward based on what has happened.
Who Is the Responsible Party in an Uber Accident?
Determining liability in Uber accident cases is more complex than assigning fault in a typical car accident case. For one thing, Georgia is a modified comparative fault state. This means that liability can be assigned to more than one party. Furthermore, unlike typical auto accident cases, where victims bring a lawsuit against the negligent driver that caused the crash or their employer, matters become more complex in an Uber collision.
Uber does not “employ” its drivers. Instead, the company classifies its drivers as independent contractors. That distinction shields Uber against lawsuits stemming from car accidents that its drivers cause. That’s why rideshare companies require their drivers to have personal insurance policies. However, depending on the circumstances of the crash, Uber may be found responsible for the collision and liable for damages.
Now, you may be wondering who you can sue after an Uber accident — this is a major headache for rideshare accident victims. Below are potentially liable parties after an Uber accident in Atlanta:
Uber Driver
In most car accidents, when another driver’s negligence results in a crash, you pursue damages from that driver. That same concept applies in many Atlanta Uber accidents, and the negligent rideshare driver is held liable rather than Uber.
Imagine this scenario: Tom has hailed an Uber for a ride to a friend’s house. As they’re on their way, the Uber driver becomes engrossed in their phone conversation, neglecting the road ahead. In the blink of an eye, an accident occurs. In this case, if Tom, as the passenger, sustains injuries or property damage, the Uber driver could be held liable. Their distraction and failure to prioritize safe driving make them responsible for the consequences.
Non-Uber Driver
Other negligent or reckless drivers who hit an Uber and cause an accident may be liable for the resulting damages.
Picture this scenario: You’re a passenger in an Uber taking a ride to work when you spot another car stopped at a red light. As the Uber driver approaches, the light turns green, and they proceed carefully. However, as they pass the other car, the driver unexpectedly makes a U-turn without signaling or checking for oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, the U-turn causes a collision with the Uber vehicle. In this situation, the non-Uber driver’s negligent maneuver, failing to yield the right of way or signal their intention to turn, makes them responsible for the accident.
Uber
While Uber may not be liable for most wrecks involving its drivers, the company might share responsibility for a crash. For example, if Uber violated Georgia laws when hiring the driver who caused the accident, you could sue them for damages.
Does Uber Have Insurance for Rideshare-Related Accidents?
Yes. Uber carries commercial insurance policies covering third parties, including passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. This policy pays for damages not covered by the at-fault driver’s liability policy. However, the amount that Uber’s insurance will pay after a crash will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
Crashes involving Uber vehicles often involve multiple insurance companies — yours, the driver’s, the other party who hit the Uber vehicle, and Uber’s. A skilled Atlanta Lyft and Uber accident lawyer will be vital in helping you deal with insurance companies and obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
What Damages Can I Recover if I’m Injured in an Uber Accident in Atlanta?
Georgia allows car accident victims to collect damages for injuries and subsequent economic and non-economic losses. As with any car accident, a rideshare crash can leave you with severe and life-changing injuries. Having experienced legal counsel on your side can help you determine the extent of your losses and ensure you obtain fair compensation. This compensation may cover:
- Expenses related to your medical treatment and care, including ER visits, medication, surgeries, medical devices, and other medical expenses
- Home care costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Physical pain and emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Losses related to permanent disability or disfigurement
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyers at Fry | Goehring Today
At Fry | Goehring, our legal team knows that suffering injuries in an Uber accident can be emotionally, physically, and financially overwhelming. The good news is that our Atlanta Lyft and Uber accident lawyers have experience protecting the rights of car accident victims and dealing with insurance companies. We know how to fight hard and aggressively pursue the best possible outcome for you and your family.
You only have one chance to fight for what you deserve. Contact the Uber accident attorneys Atlanta trusts by calling 404-969-1284 to schedule a free consultation with our Atlanta Uber accident lawyers.
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