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Sandy Springs Rideshare Accident Lawyer
The Sandy Springs Rideshare Accident Lawyer team at Ashenden & Associates represents rideshare accident victims who have been injured in an accident involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare company services. Understanding the specific laws and insurance coverage related to rideshare accidents in Georgia is crucial, and our experienced rideshare accident attorneys are equipped to navigate these complexities effectively. Our Sandy Springs rideshare accident lawyers are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal support in personal injury cases to ensure that clients receive the fair compensation deserved for serious injuries, lost wages, ongoing medical treatment, and other related expenses.
At Ashenden & Associates, our Uber and Lyft accident lawyer team prioritize clear communication and dedicated advocacy. From the moment an experienced rideshare accident lawyer takes on your personal injury claim, we meticulously investigate your case, gathering all necessary evidence and collaborating with medical professionals to fully assess the impact of your personal injury claim. Our Sandy Springs rideshare accident attorney team understands the tactics employed by rideshare companies and multiple insurance companies to minimize insurance coverage, and we are prepared to counter these with strong legal strategies. The goal of our Sandy Springs rideshare accident lawyers is to alleviate the stress of the legal process, allowing you to seek medical treatment and focus on recovery while we handle the complexities of Uber or Lyft accident claim. Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, our team of rideshare accident attorneys stands ready to defend your rights and achieve the best possible for Uber or Lyft accidents.
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, the Sandy Springs auto accident attorneys at Ashenden & Associates are here to help. We help passengers, Uber and Lyft drivers, and other parties affected by rideshare accidents, and our Sandy Springs personal injury attorneys are equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us at 770-394-8909 and schedule a free consultation with a rideshare accident attorney on our team.
What is a Ridesharing Service?
Rideshare services are modern transportation options that allow passengers to connect with drivers on the road through a mobile app for convenient, on-demand travel. These platforms allow individuals to find and hire nearby drivers who can get them where they need to go.
Some of the most popular rideshare companies in the U.S. include companies like Uber and Lyft, as well as others like Bolt and inDriver.
The rise of ridesharing has transformed urban mobility, offering a flexible and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxi services and public transportation. However, as rideshare services become more prevalent, rideshare accidents become more frequent, making it vital for passengers to understand their rights in the event of a crash.
How Many Americans Use Ridesharing Services?
Ridesharing services have seen a dramatic rise in popularity across the United States in recent years. According to a 2019 survey by Pew Research, 36% of American adults have used a rideshare service before. Uber reports that they have provided users with over 10 billion rides since they started their service in 2010.
While the exact number of rideshare users fluctuates, surveys indicate that tens of millions of Americans have integrated ridesharing into their transportation routine. As the population grows more reliant on various digital platforms for daily life, services like Lyft and Uber will likely become more essential for daily commutes, occasional travel, and more.
Taxi Service vs. Ridesharing Service
While both taxi and ridesharing services offer point-to-point transportation, they differ in several key aspects. Traditional taxis are regulated by local government authorities and operate with licensed, metered vehicles. Rides can be secured by hailing a taxi on the street or calling ahead and booking a ride, and drivers are directly employed by the taxi company.
In contrast, ridesharing services, like Uber or Lyft, are accessible exclusively through mobile apps, connecting passengers with private drivers who use their personal vehicles. Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors who simply work with the rideshare company rather than employees of the rideshare company.
Ridesharing often offers more flexible pricing and a user-friendly, app-based experience, while taxis are known for their regulated fares and widespread availability without the need for a smartphone app. For riders, the choice between a taxi and a rideshare depends on individual preferences for things like convenience, cost, and accessibility.
Rideshare Driver Requirements
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have specific requirements for their drivers to ensure safety and compliance. Generally, rideshare drivers may be required to:
Meet the minimum driving age in their area
Have at least 1-3 years of experience driving, depending on their age
Drive an eligible four-door vehicle
Be over the age of 25
Have a valid driver’s license
Pass a background check
Have a license plate for the state they plan to drive in
Have a smartphone with the ability to support the rideshare app
Different rideshare services have different rideshare driver requirements, and certain cities may have additional driver requirements.
How Common Are Rideshare Accidents in Georgia?
The increasing popularity of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft has led to a rise in the number of rideshare vehicles on the road, which correlates with an uptick in ridesharing accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these services have also increased the likelihood of suffering from an injury-inducing accident. Rideshare trips within taxi-zone hours were associated with a 4.6% increase in injury odds.
Not only are rideshare crashes increasing yearly car accident numbers, but they’re also increasing yearly auto accident fatalities. A report by the Becker-Friedman Institute found that rideshare services have contributed to a 3% increase in yearly auto fatalities since their introduction.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Below are some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents.
- Distracted Driving: This includes the use of mobile devices for navigation or communication, eating, or any other activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Contact a Sandy Springs distracted driving accident attorney for more information.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions can lead to loss of vehicle control and accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and decreased reaction times.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Some rideshare drivers may lack experience in navigating busy city streets or complex traffic situations.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain the vehicle, including brakes, tires, and lights, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. Contact a Sandy Springs defective vehicle attorney for more information.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant risk factor for accidents. If you have suffered major injuries due to a drunk driver, schedule a free consultation with a Sandy Springs drunk driving accident attorney today.
- Aggressive Driving: This can include unsafe lane changes, tailgating, and other forms of reckless driving behavior.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can impair visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to Follow Traffic Laws: Running red lights, not stopping at stop signs, or failing to yield to vehicles with the right-of-way can lead to collisions.
Understanding these causes is crucial for both rideshare drivers and passengers to ensure a safe journey.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
In rideshare accidents, victims can suffer from a range of different injuries, including:
Whiplash
Spinal cord injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Contusions
Lacerations
Broken bones
Crush injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Wrongful death
Rideshare accident victims often suffer from serious injuries, which can leave them with life-altering disabilities and hefty medical bills. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident as a result of a rideshare driver’s negligence, Sandy Springs whiplash attorneys, Sandy Springs spinal cord injury attorneys, and Sandy Springs traumatic brain injury attorneys can help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.
Possible Liable Parties in a Ridesharing Accident
Like with any car accident, there are a number of different parties that could be responsible for an Uber accident. Some of the potential liable parties include:
- The rideshare driver
- The rideshare company
- Another motorist
- The car’s manufacturer
With the help of a Sandy Springs Uber and Lyft accident lawyer, victims can file a personal injury claim against the party or parties that were responsible for their accident, ensuring that they receive justice.
Uber and Lyft Car Insurance Policies: How They Work
Dealing with the aftermath of any auto accident can be stressful and confusing, but things like Uber and Lyft accidents can feel impossible to navigate. Below, our Sandy Springs car accident lawyers will walk you through how insurance claims will work based on the context of the accident. If you have any questions, the rideshare accident lawyers at Ashenden & Associates are happy to help. We can help you file a claim with the right insurer for your personal injuries.
The Accident Happened When the Driver’s App Was Off
When a rideshare driver’s app is off, they are considered to be off-duty and not operating under the rideshare company’s umbrella. In this scenario, if the driver gets into a car accident, the driver’s personal auto insurance is typically the primary source for any claims. The rideshare company is generally not liable for incidents that occur while the driver is not logged into their app and actively seeking passengers.
The Accident Happened When the Driver’s App Was On
In cases where the car accident occurs while the driver’s app is on, but before they have accepted a ride request, the liability may be shared between the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage. Uber and Lyft have liability insurance policies that will cover up to $25,000 for property damage and $50,000 for each injured person in the accident, with a cap of $100,000 for total bodily harm.
This period is a gray area in terms of insurance coverage, as the driver is considered to be waiting for a ride request but is not yet engaged in a rideshare trip. A Sandy Springs rideshare accident attorney can help communicate with insurance companies to ensure victims are able to file a claim with the correct party.
The Accident Happened While Picking Up or Driving a Passenger
Accidents that happen while the driver is actively en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip with a passenger are typically covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy. This policy often includes liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, contingent collision coverage, and contingent comprehensive coverage.
This can provide substantial protection for both the driver and the passengers involved in the rideshare accident, with most policies offering a maximum of $1 million in compensation.
Will a Lyft or Uber Driver’s Personal Auto Insurance Policy Cover a Rideshare Accident?
Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial activities. This means that when Lyft and Uber drivers cause accidents while on the clock, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will provide coverage for the accident.
The driver’s personal insurance policy from the driver’s personal insurance company will usually only cover accidents that occur when the driver is not actively waiting for a ride request, seeking passengers, or driving with a passenger.
What if the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance in a Rideshare Accident?
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you still have options for seeking compensation. Most rideshare companies have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of their insurance policies. This means that if the at-fault party cannot cover the damages due to a lack of insurance, the rideshare company’s policy may step in to cover your losses.
What To Do if an Uber or Lyft Driver Hits You in Sandy Springs, GA
If you’re involved in an accident where an Uber or Lyft driver hits you, taking the right steps is crucial for your safety and any future claims.
First, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911. It’s important to get a police report for the accident, as it provides an official record of the accident, which could be used in an insurance claim or personal injury case. Also, be sure to request an ambulance if there are any injuries.
If you are able to, exchange information with the rideshare driver. Make sure that you get their name, contact details, insurance information, and details about their rideshare status at the time of the accident. You should also exchange information with any witnesses who saw the accident or information on any other drivers involved in the incident.
Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant street signs. If you are able, you should also take photos of any injuries you suffered from, documenting how they appeared at the scene.
You should also seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline from the accident may mask the pain of some injuries. Additionally, some injuries only become apparent in the hours or days after the accident.
Lastly, contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights and your options for compensation, even in the case of rideshare accidents, which often involve complex insurance and liability issues.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for a Car Accident?
Suing Uber or Lyft directly for a car accident can be challenging due to the way these companies classify their drivers. Their rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, rather than employees, and this classification often shields them from direct liability in many accidents.
Additionally, like many modern corporations, services like Uber and Lyft require users to agree to their “terms of use” before providing them with services. These lengthy, jargon-filled contracts are often watertight and can protect the company from being sued by users.
Proving Negligence in a Rideshare Accident
In order to establish liability and pursue compensation in a personal injury case, victims have to prove that the accident resulted from negligence.
To prove the 4 D’s of negligence, they must demonstrate that the rideshare driver owed a duty of care to passengers and others on the road, and then breached this duty through actions like distracted driving or speeding. If these actions directly caused the accident and resulted in injuries, then the driver will likely be found to have acted negligently.
When proving negligence, gathering evidence is crucial. This evidence can include the driver’s rideshare status at the time of the accident, as well as any eyewitness statements, police reports, and video footage related to the accident.
It’s also important to show the extent of the damages incurred, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because rideshare accidents can involve complex legal and insurance issues, consulting with an Uber accident attorney experienced in this field is crucial. They can help navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected, all while pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf.
How a Sandy Springs Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After a Rideshare Accident
If you are in an accident involving a rideshare driver, a personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process of recovering compensation. With their in-depth understanding of state and local laws, as well as their experience in the personal injury legal system, they will know exactly what steps to take in order to pursue justice on your behalf.
An Uber or Lyft attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering crucial evidence to build a strong case. They can then negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair insurance coverage for losses like medical expenses and property damage.
If necessary, they are prepared to litigate your case in court. A Sandy Springs personal injury attorney can offer more than just professional legal assistance; they can offer you personalized legal guidance. This can help you understand your rights and legal options based on the specifics of your case.
It’s important that you find an Uber or Lyft accident attorney with the proper knowledge and experience to handle your case, but it’s just as important to find one who will handle your case with care and compassion. This personalized involvement can allow you to focus on recovery, even through stressful legal proceedings.
If you have been in an accident involving a rideshare driver, call a Sandy Springs rideshare accident lawyer with Ashenden & Associates, P.C. today. We can help ensure that your legal actions for car accident cases are timely and effective, allowing you to secure fair compensation for your losses.
Rideshare Accident Damages
Like all car accidents, rideshare accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Victims of these accidents can recover compensation for their damages, which are the losses they suffered as a result of the accident. These damages are often separated into two types: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to the tangible, financial losses resulting from the accident. These include damages like:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Property damage
Rehabilitation costs
Loss of earning potential
Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of a wrongful death. To learn more about wrongful death damages, be sure to contact a Sandy Springs wrongful death attorney today.
Non-economic damages cover the intangible losses that do not have a direct financial cost but significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In a rideshare accident claim, an Uber accident lawyer can help victims recover compensation for non-economic damages, such as:
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium
Permanent disfigurement
While compensation cannot reverse any of these damages, the money can at least help victims focus on healing rather than covering living expenses.
Georgia Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
In Georgia, the statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit related to a car accident. For personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against those responsible.
It’s crucial to be aware of these deadlines, as failing to file within these time limits typically results in the loss of your right to seek legal action and compensation. Luckily, a rideshare accident attorney can help ensure your claim is filed within the deadline so that you don’t lose your right to fair compensation.
Sandy Springs Rideshare Accident Attorney
Uber and Lyft drivers provide the population with a valuable service, but they are often overworked, which can easily increase the likelihood of a crash. No one should get into the car with their Lyft or Uber driver and be afraid of getting hurt.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident in Sandy Springs, don’t navigate this challenging journey alone. Reach out to Ashenden & Associates, where our dedicated team of rideshare accident attorneys are ready to offer their expertise and support.
With a deep understanding of both local laws and the intricate inner workings of rideshare accident cases, our team is committed to advocating for your rights and helping you seek justice. We prioritize clear communication and personalized attention for each of our clients, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Don’t wait to seek the legal help you need. Call us at 770-394-8909 or contact us online for a free consultation, and take the first step towards a resolution with a team that stands firmly by your side.
