Atlanta Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Table of Contents

• • Our Attorneys Represent Atlanta Rideshare Accident Victims
  • Atlanta Rideshare Accidents Cause Significant Injuries and Damages
  • Building a Case With an Atlanta Rideshare Accidents Lawyer
  • Who Pays for Damages in an Atlanta Uber or Lyft Accident?
  • Timeline for Securing Compensation in Your Atlanta Rideshare Crash
  • Discuss Your Atlanta Rideshare Accident Claim With Our Team

Our Attorneys Represent Atlanta Rideshare Accident Victims

The personal injury attorneys from Buckhead Law Saxton Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. have served accident victims in Atlanta since 1977. We represent clients hurt in a wide range of crashes involving trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, rideshares, cabs, and buses. We have extensive knowledge of how insurance companies and personal injury lawsuits work, and our lawyers regularly go toe-to-toe with the biggest insurance companies in Atlanta.

Insurance companies generally try to pay out the lowest possible settlement for crash victims, especially when a rideshare company insurer is covering the costs. We can fight these insurers and demand the money you deserve based on your injuries, expenses, and losses.

When our team represents you in an Atlanta rideshare crash, you can expect us to:

• Manage all communication with the insurer and other parties
• Protect your right to seek compensation
• Represent your best interests
• Navigate the claims process or file a civil suit on your behalf
• Handle all settlement negotiations
• Determine a fair settlement value for your case
• Fight to recover the compensation you need and deserve
• Meet all applicable deadlines and follow all laws
• Answer any questions you have and provide regular updates

Buckhead Law Saxton Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. is a contingency fee firm. We do not ask anyone to pay us a retainer to handle their accident case, and we do not charge clients up front. Instead, we receive a portion of the payout at the end of the case. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.

Atlanta Rideshare Accidents Cause Significant Injuries and Damages

Most traffic accidents are minor, with few injuries and limited property damage. However, serious collisions can and do occur. When this happens in Atlanta, adult victims may end up going to the city’s Level I trauma center, Grady Memorial Hospital. First responders often take injured children to the Level I trauma center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston or the Level II facility at Scottish Rite.

Each of these facilities assesses, stabilizes, and treats traumatic injuries daily.

With trauma surgeons available 24/7, their staff knows how to treat and rehabilitate catastrophic injuries like:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neck, back, or spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic amputations
• Serious burns (generally at the Grady Burn Center)
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Significant lacerations
• Other serious injuries

Initially, most accident victims focus on their injuries and getting the treatment they need. Quickly, however, many begin to worry about how they will pay for their ambulance ride, emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stay, rehabilitation, or other costs. They worry about missing so much work or if they can still do their job. For these reasons and more, financial recovery is essential after an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash.

Recoverable Damages After a Rideshare Accident

By filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, victims can recover compensation for their damages. The recoverable damages in a traffic accident case depend heavily on the facts. The victim’s injuries, necessary medical care, and other factors help determine the case’s value. We need to gather documents to show how much their expenses and losses were before we demand a fair payout.

In many rideshare accidents—whether you were in another car, in the rideshare, or a pedestrian—recoverable damages might include:

• Current and future medical bills
• Income losses for time away from work
• Diminished earning capacity due to long-term injuries
• Property damage
• Miscellaneous related expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Other intangible losses

You might recover other damages. Under state law, a court can award punitive damages if they believe the at-fault party acted willfully or with wanton disregard for your safety—however, they are rare in traffic accident cases. Your case must go to trial to have a chance of recovering these damages.

If Your Loved One Died

State law also allows a family whose loved one passed away from their injuries to file a wrongful death action to recover compensation. The types of recoverable damages differ significantly in wrongful death cases. Our attorneys handle these claims and can assess your options with your family today for free.

Building a Case With an Atlanta Rideshare Accidents Lawyer

Under state law, crash victims who can show that another driver acted negligently and caused the crash can hold that party legally responsible for their damages.

There are four elements necessary to show negligence:

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Harm

In a collision, traffic laws generally create the duty of care. A breach of duty occurs when a driver violates a traffic law. This causes the crash, and victims suffer physical, psychological, and financial harm.

For example, imagine that you are in a rideshare car, and your driver is looking at the app on their phone. They run a red light and T-bone another vehicle, and you suffer a broken leg.

Under these circumstances, you and your attorney need to prove:

• The driver had a red light
• They ran that red light
• This caused the crash
• Your broken leg harmed you and left you with losses

Investigating Your Atlanta Rideshare Accident

When representing a rideshare accident victim, we investigate their crash and gather evidence to support their claim. Our team knows how to fully document an accident and the injuries that followed and prove negligence.

We take steps that include:

• Obtaining official reports, including the police crash report
• Analyzing relevant medical records
• Surveying the accident scene
• Reviewing available insurance coverage
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Searching for photos or videos of the crash
• Talking to medical experts as needed
• Gathering documents related to damages

Once we have the necessary evidence to demand a fair payout, that’s exactly what we do. We often approach the appropriate insurance company and demand they compensate our client fairly for their injuries, expenses, and losses. This typically leads to settlement negotiations and a possible agreement.

Alternatively, we may sue the driver or rideshare company in some cases. Most cases still end up settling before trial, but we’ll be prepared to argue for you in court if needed.

Who Pays for Damages in an Atlanta Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining who pays for injuries and damages after a rideshare accident is more complex than other types of crashes. When rideshare first began, this employment issue created a significant problem for victims. The driver’s insurance refused to pay because they were using their car for commercial purposes, but the rideshare companies had no legal liability to pay. For these reasons, most states now have laws requiring at least minimum liability coverage.

Rideshare companies also addressed this issue by providing policies based on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. Both Lyft and Uber break down their insurance coverage like this:

When the Driver Is off the App

When a rideshare driver is not on the app and working, their personal insurance coverage should pay for any injuries or damage up to the policy’s liability limits. State law requires that all drivers carry at least $25,000 per person in injury coverage and $50,000 per accident. The rideshare company is not involved in crashes when the driver is off the app.

When the Driver Is on the App But Looking for a Rider

As soon as the driver signs into the app, the rideshare company has a contingency policy that kicks in.

This policy covers injuries and damages up to policy limits if:

• The driver’s personal policy denies the claim
• The other policy does not fully cover the expenses and losses

When the Driver Matches With a Rider

When the driver matches with a rider and is on the way to pick them up, both rideshare companies provide at least $1 million in liability coverage for any victim hurt in a crash. This policy covers victims in other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or others hurt in an accident caused by the rideshare driver. This is enough liability coverage for most accidents, although some catastrophic injuries can exceed this limit.

When the Driver Has a Rider in the Car

The $1 million liability policy also applies from the time the driver matches with a rider until they drop off that rider and officially end the ride. Therefore, the policy is always in effect for those using Uber or Lyft to reach their destination.

Proving what the driver was doing “on the app” at the time of your accident is not difficult if you are a rider. However, it can be hard at other times in the cycle. Our attorneys know how to determine this and take steps to recover the money you need and deserve after a collision.

Timeline for Securing Compensation in Your Atlanta Rideshare Crash

Most rideshare accident cases settle without going to trial. Many do not require the victim to file a lawsuit either. Instead, they end with a negotiated settlement between the insurer and the victim, with the victim receiving compensation for their injuries, expenses, and losses. This process could take a few weeks to several months—however, it’s often the fastest route to financial recovery.

Sometimes, insurance companies, the rideshare driver, or the rideshare company will not cooperate for an appropriate payout, or there may be other reasons why we need to sue. When this occurs, our team builds your case and files the necessary paperwork in a local civil court. Suing often forces Uber or Lyft, insurance company representatives, and others to take our client and their claim more seriously.

We Must Stay Within the Statute of Limitations

In general, state law gives us two years from the crash date to decide if we want to sue the driver or rideshare company. We must file the initial complaint within two years of the accident or you risk losing the right to sue.

Missing the statute of limitations deadline would:

• Likely prevent us from suing at all
• Make it more difficult to get a fair payout in the case
• Take away the leverage we had when negotiating with the insurer

Sometimes, we need to sue simply because the deadline is near. Our team can explain when and why this is necessary and what you can expect during the process. Keep in mind that most cases still end in a negotiated settlement—even after filing a lawsuit.

Jean Paul Brunache, Atlanta Rideshare Accident Attorney

Discuss Your Atlanta Rideshare Accident Claim With Our Team

At Buckhead Law Saxton Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., our team offers free case consultations for rideshare accident victims. During this meeting, we can answer your questions, explain your options, and assess your case based on our knowledge and experience.

Our lawyers help clients hurt by rideshare drivers fight for the compensation they deserve. We’re here to help you get justice and seek financial recovery.

To learn more, contact us today at (404) 890-5631 or (770) GET PAID—someone is available now to take your call.

FAQs for Atlanta Rideshare Accident Lawyers

1. What should I do if I am involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Atlanta?
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, seek medical attention immediately, document the scene, collect contact information from all parties involved, and report the accident to the rideshare company. It’s important to contact an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal process and handle the insurance claims.

2. How can an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer help me?
An experienced Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer will help you determine which insurance policies apply, negotiate with multiple insurance companies involved, and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. They will also ensure that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft fulfill their liability coverage obligations.

3. Who is responsible for covering my medical bills in a rideshare accident?
In a rideshare accident, insurance coverage depends on several factors, such as whether the rideshare driver was on the clock, driving with a passenger, or in between rides. The driver’s personal insurance, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies, or a combination of both may cover your medical expenses. An attorney can help determine which insurance company is liable.

4. Can I sue Uber or Lyft after a rideshare accident?
In most cases, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits direct liability for accidents. However, their insurance coverage may provide compensation for your injuries. An Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer can help determine whether a personal injury lawsuit or a claim against the driver’s insurance or Uber’s insurance company is the best course of action.

5. What types of injuries are common in Uber and Lyft accidents?
Rideshare accidents can result in various injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries. If you’ve sustained serious injuries, it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills and future treatment.

6. How does insurance coverage work in Uber or Lyft accidents?
Uber and Lyft drivers must carry their own personal car insurance, but Uber or Lyft’s commercial partner insurance also covers accidents when the driver is actively working. This coverage includes liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and bodily injury protection. The coverage may vary depending on whether the driver is en route to pick up a passenger, has a passenger, or is waiting for a ride request.

7. What makes rideshare accidents more complicated than regular car accidents?
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance companies, including the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and potentially other involved parties’ insurance providers. Determining which policy applies can be complicated, and an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer can help clarify the situation and protect your rights.

8. Can I file a personal injury claim if I was a passenger in a Lyft or Uber accident?
Yes, as a passenger, you have the right to file a personal injury claim if you were injured in a Lyft or Uber accident. An Atlanta rideshare accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages from the responsible party or their insurance company.

9. What should I do if the rideshare driver’s insurance company denies my claim?
If the rideshare driver’s personal insurance company denies your claim, it may be because the driver was working for Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident. In this case, the rideshare company’s liability coverage should apply. An Atlanta rideshare accident attorney can help negotiate with the insurance company or take legal action if necessary.

10. How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a rideshare accident in Atlanta?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances may alter this timeframe. It’s important to consult with an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you file within the appropriate time limit.

11. What compensation can I recover in a rideshare accident claim?
In a rideshare accident claim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical care. In some cases, you may also recover punitive damages if the accident was caused by extreme negligence.

12. Do I need a lawyer if I was injured in a ridesharing accident?
Yes, having an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. Rideshare accidents often involve unclear insurance policies and multiple insurance companies. A lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and negotiate with big insurance companies on your behalf.

13. Can I still recover compensation if the rideshare driver was not at fault?
Yes, even if the rideshare driver was not at fault, you may be able to recover compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance or through Uber or Lyft’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help determine who is liable and ensure you pursue compensation from the correct insurance policy.

14. What happens if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the Uber or Lyft driver was uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft provide additional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect passengers and others injured in the accident. Your Atlanta rideshare accident attorney can help you file a claim under this coverage.

15. What should I do if I was injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver?
If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, seek medical attention right away, report the accident to the rideshare company, and consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney. They will guide you through the legal process and help recover compensation for your injuries.

16. Can I recover lost wages after a rideshare accident?
Yes, if you were injured in a rideshare accident and unable to work, you may be entitled to recover lost wages as part of your personal injury claim. An Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer can assist you in calculating your lost wages and pursuing compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company.

17. Do I have to pay upfront for a rideshare accident attorney?
Most Atlanta rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront fees. Your attorney will only collect a fee if they recover compensation for you through a settlement or personal injury lawsuit.

18. What should I do if the rideshare company’s insurance provider offers a low settlement?
If Uber or Lyft’s insurance provider offers a low settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, or other damages, you have the right to negotiate. An experienced Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement or pursue further legal action if necessary.

19. How does being an independent contractor affect Uber or Lyft drivers in an accident?
Because Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, this limits the company’s direct liability for accidents. However, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies are designed to cover passengers and others injured in an accident involving their drivers. Your attorney can help determine which insurance policy applies.

20. How can I get a free consultation with an Atlanta rideshare accident attorney?
Most Atlanta rideshare accident attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine your legal options. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you recover compensation after your accident.

Buckhead Law Saxton Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. – Atlanta Office

1995 N Park Pl SE Suite 207,
Atlanta, GA 30339
404-890-5631