Ridesharing companies have become the most popular way to navigate in urban areas, primarily due to their convenience and affordability. As beneficial as ridesharing is, it comes with its fair share of downsides, the biggest one being the risk of an accident.

The chances of getting into an accident are the same as with other vehicles and that’s why there are stringent rules to protect the victims.

Unfortunately, liability in rideshare accidents is complicated mostly due to Uber’s and Lyft’s accident policy and the parties involved.

Not to fret though as there are Smyrna Uber accident lawyers like those from Diaz & Gaeta with vast experience in this field.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident, you deserve compensation and we are here to help.

Our Smyrna car accident lawyers will assess your case, gather the relevant evidence, and create a solid claim to ensure maximum compensation.

Call us today at 678-503-2780 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about your legal options.

Rideshare Accident Statistics

According to a report by the University of Chicago School of Business, there has been a 3% spike in fatal car accidents since the introduction of companies like Lyft and Uber. This is contrary to what one may expect given fewer people have to drive.

According to Uber’s United States Safety Report for the period between 2017 and 2018, ridesharing platforms have been involved in 97 fatal accidents with 108 fatalities. The report reveals that 67% of the deceased individuals were Uber riders while 33% were non-occupants.

Common Types of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents occur in varying ways and affect different parties including drivers, passengers, and third parties. The most common types of rideshare accidents in Smyrna, GA include:

• Passenger injuries because of the negligence of an Uber driver.
• Passenger injuries because of the negligence of another Uber driver.
• Third-party injuries because of the negligence of an Uber driver.
• Uber driver injury because of their own negligence.
• Uber driver injury because of the negligence of another motorist.
• Property damage because of the negligence of the Uber driver.
• Property damage because of the negligence of another Uber driver.
• Driver and passenger because of a malfunctioning or defective vehicle part.

The varied nature of these accidents makes most of these claims complex. That’s why it is wise to hire an experienced Uber accident lawyer to increase your chances of getting a fair settlement.

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

The team at Diaz & Gaeta will assess your accident and identify who is responsible for your injuries. Keep in mind that insurance carriers can pin negligence on anyone following an accident.

Our lawyers will look into the facts of your accident and evaluate the evidence to determine the party that is liable. Parties that can be held responsible include the:

Uber Driver

More often than not, Uber drivers are responsible for accidents. Your driver may have been speeding or distracted while on the wheel resulting in an accident.

Rideshare Companies

Lyft and Uber can also be held responsible for the negligent behavior of their drivers. Uber drivers are technically independent contractors, which provides a way for the company to avoid claims.

Still, rideshare companies are tasked with safeguarding the interests of the passengers. They are required to do comprehensive background checks and make sure they hire drivers with a reputable history who will not endanger the lives of their clients.

Hiring drivers with a history of drunk driving, robbery, etc. shows negligence and therefore, the company can be held liable.

Any Related Third Party

Rideshare accidents may happen as a result of negligence by third parties. In such a situation, you can file a claim against the party responsible or their insurance company.

You can also sue vehicle part manufacturers for defective parts and government entities for poor road conditions that resulted in the accident.

In other situations, the driver of another car may be responsible for the accident.

For example, if a drunk motorist hits your Uber or Lyft leading to severe injuries, they may be held responsible for injuries and losses.

How Are Uber Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accident Cases?

Insurance coverage is the primary difference between Uber and conventional auto accidents. Rideshare companies require drivers in Smyrna to have their own insurance policy. However, Uber and Lyft still maintain auto insurance for passengers while they use their platforms.

Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?

Yes! Following an Uber accident, the company has $1 million in third-party liability coverage. However, this only applies when the Uber driver is on the way to pick you up and during the trip.

What Type of Compensation Can You Expect from a Rideshare Accident Claim?

When it comes to Uber and Lyft accident claims, the victims can recover two forms of compensation- economic damages and non-economic damages. Basically, these are monetary awards meant to compensate victims for the injuries or losses caused by a rideshare accident. You can also recover punitive damages after a car accident in Georgia, but these are not typically available in most Uber accident claims.

Economic Damages

These damages entail any costs that are quantifiable after a rideshare accident.

They are easy to calculate as they are contained in bills and receipts. Examples include lost income, medical bills, property damage, lost earning capacity, and miscellaneous expenses such as travel expenses following the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These are based on subjective harms and are not easy to calculate. Examples include emotional anguish, disability, pain and suffering, loss of reputation, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment in life, etc.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages go beyond the conventional damages in personal injury claims. They are designed to punish the liable party for their extreme negligence or recklessness. The jury can also award these damages if they discover there was a malicious intent to cause harm to others.

Should You Just Accept a Settlement Offer?

It’s never advisable to accept a settlement offer from the other party or their insurance company before consulting an experienced Smyrna Uber accident lawyer.

Insurance companies only have interests regarding their bottom line and will therefore offer a lowball settlement that does not cover all your damages. A seasoned lawyer will look into the case and determine how much it is worth.

Additionally, An experienced Smyrna Uber accident lawyer can evaluate the strength of your case, gather evidence, and determine the true value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can then negotiate with the insurance company or opposing party on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Smyrna Uber Accident Lawyer?

When it comes to personal injury cases, competent firms including Diaz & Gaeta do not charge any upfront fees for representation. Instead, we work on a contingency fee basis.

This means you’ll only pay if we win the case. This kind of lawyer-client agreement allows you to focus on recovery, knowing that our team is working hard to get the compensation you deserve.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing an Uber Accident Claim?

In the state of Georgia, all personal injury claims, including uber accidents have a deadline of 2 years. This time limit applies from the date of the accident. Filing a claim after this period means you have no legal grounds to seek a settlement.

For property damage claims, however, the limit is 4 years.

Why Hire a Smyrna Uber Accident Lawyer?

Uber is the most popular ride-sharing platform in the world today. If you get into an accident, you can be certain they will have the best in-house lawyers to try and deny or limit your claim.

They are also prepared to limit huge payouts if your case goes to court.

So, if you are thinking about representing yourself following an uber accident, you better think again. The best approach is to hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Smyrna. Our experienced team of Smyrna Uber accident lawyers will be prepared to fight their claim.

By availing of the services of Smyrna uber accident lawyers, our team will help with the following:

Case Preparation

Following a rideshare accident, our team will help you build a solid case. We are ready to garner and analyze the necessary evidence to determine who is liable for your injuries and losses. This may include medical reports, dashcam footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports.

Settlement Negotiation

You need the help of an aggressive representation team when it comes to negotiations. After all, you want a maximum settlement. Our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We will negotiate with the liable party and their insurance providers to ascertain such.

We understand that Uber accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties and insurance companies. Our team of Smyrna uber accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to navigate the legal system and negotiate with the liable party and their insurance providers on your behalf.

Trial Preparation and Representation

If the negotiations do not go well, our skilled Smyrna Uber accident lawyers are ready to take the case to trial. We will prepare a solid case and present it before the jury in the best way possible. If required, we will call expert witnesses to the stand including the police and doctors to secure the best outcome.

Hire the Best Smyrna Uber accident lawyer Today!

Uber and Lyft accidents can be complex, especially when it comes to proving negligence. The team at Diaz & Gaeta is ready to guide you through the claims process and fight for your rights to make sure you get the maximum settlement for your losses and injuries.

Get started by calling 678-503-2780 today!