People throughout Sandy Springs, GA and the United States at large enjoy using ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft since they provide a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. Still, accidents do happen and when they do, you will require the right legal representation to recover compensation.
If you or a loved one was involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, you shouldn’t have to go through the process of recovering compensation alone. At Diaz & Gaeta, we have a team of experienced Sandy Springs Uber accident lawyers that can help you out. Call our car accident lawyers in Sandy Springs today at 678-503-2780 for your free consultation.
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
According to a study by the Univerity Chicago Booth School of Business, rideshare companies have caused a 3% increase in car accidents since 2015. Studies have also claimed that nearly 1,000 car accidents that happen daily are associated with the increase of Uber and Lyft on the road.
In 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles were responsible for 97 fatal accidents according to an Uber Safety Report. These accidents led to 108 deaths.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Here are the most common types of accidents that can happen involving these vehicles:
Passenger Injury Due to the Negligence of the Uber or Lyft Driver
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, you may have a valid claim against the driver. However, passengers may also be covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million commercial policy in case the damages exceed the Uber/Lyft driver’s insurance coverage.
Third-Party Injury Due to an Uber or Lyft Driver’s Liability
If you were struck by an Uber or Lyft vehicle and suffered injuries and other kinds of damages, you are entitled to file a claim against the Uber or Lyft driver. If a settlement can’t be reached, a lawyer can help you recover compensation in court.
Passenger Injury Due to the Negligence of Another Uber or Lyft Driver
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and another Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident, you may have a valid claim against the at-fault driver. If the driver responsible for the accident is either underinsured or doesn’t have insurance, the rideshare company’s UM/UIM policy would cover the damages.
Property Damage Due to the Negligence of an Uber or Lyft Driver
If an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence resulted in an accident that caused property damage, then that driver will generally be liable for damages. The driver may be protected by additional insurance by the rideshare company’s policy, but he or she is still liable to those whose property was damaged.
Uber or Lyft Driver Injury Due to Their Own Negligence
Uber or Lyft drivers are sometimes at fault for collisions that cause them injuries. For instance, an Uber or Lyft driver could be driving down the loan before suddenly drifting into oncoming traffic causing a head-on collision. In that case, the Uber or Lyft driver is to blame for the accident.
Uber or Lyft Driver Injury Due to the Negligence of Another Driver
If you are an Uber or Lyft driver and another vehicle struck you, then you could be injured and may have a claim against the other driver. Whether or not you were acting as a rideshare driver at the time of the accident, it is the other driver’s negligence that caused the accident, which makes them liable for the resulting harm.
Uber or Lyft Passenger and/or Driver Due to a Defective Vehicle Part
Uber or Lyft vehicles with defective parts can cause serious, life-altering accidents for both drivers and passengers. Depending on the nature of the defect, there are multiple parties that can be held accountable including the vehicle manufacturer, the manufacturer of the part, or the distributor.
Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
The following parties can be held liable in an Uber accident:
Uber or Lyft Driver
The driver can be held liable in an Uber or Lyft accident if they engage in negligent behavior such as distracted driving, failure to adhere to the traffic laws, driving under the influence, etc.
Rideshare Companies
Rideshare companies are required to conduct thorough background checks to ensure they hire certified drivers who won’t put the lives of passengers in danger through robbery, assault, driving under the influence, etc. If any of the mentioned incidents occur Uber and Lyft can be held accountable for the passengers’ injuries.
Any Related Third Parties
Associated third parties include the vehicle manufacturers and mechanics. Vehicle manufacturers can be held liable if a defective vehicle component caused the accident. Mechanics, on the other hand, can be held liable for doing repair or maintenance work on the vehicle improperly or missing an obvious defect, resulting in an accident.
What Makes Uber Accident Cases Different From Regular Car Accident Cases?
Uber or Lyft accident cases differ from regular car accident cases since they always involve a third party, which is the rideshare company that likely has a strong legal team looking to minimize liability to the least possible level. That’s why it makes perfect sense to hire your own lawyer if you are ever involved in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?
Yes. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million of liability insurance to cover damages for passengers injured in crashes involving their vehicles. The coverage may also be available to the occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident. However, the $1 million insurance coverage only applies if the accident happened while the Uber or Lyft driver was on the way to pick up a passenger or driving a passenger.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
If you are involved in an Uber accident, you can seek the following types of damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages include all the financially quantifiable expenses stemming from the Uber or Lyft accident and include but aren’t limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced capacity to earn
- Vehicle damage repairs
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encompass the different ways your life has been affected by the Uber or Lyft accident that doesn’t involve money. Examples include but aren’t limited to:
- Loss of companionship
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Pain and suffering
Punitive Damages
You are entitled to punitive damages if the Uber or Lyft driver showed severe negligence or malicious intent, such as an Uber driver that was intoxicated while on the job. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
You should never just accept the first settlement offer by a ridesharing company without first speaking with a Sandy Springs Uber accident lawyer such as those at Diaz & Gaeta. Without adequate legal counsel, you could be agreeing to a payout that’s significantly lower than you deserve.
How Much Can I Expect an Uber Accident Lawyer to Cost?
Uber accident lawyers typically don’t make you pay any fees upfront. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis, which means that the lawyer gets a percentage of your settlement or jury award. The fee will be outlined in the retainer agreement.
Are There Time Limits for Filing an Uber Accident Claim?
Yes. In Georgia, that limit – known as the statute of limitations – is just 2 years from the date of the accident. If you miss that deadline, you will permanently be barred from ever recovering compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Do I Need a Sandy Springs Uber Accident Lawyer?
Legal matters involving ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft tend to be complex, which is why it is never advisable to take on such claims alone. Here are some reasons why you need an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer:
Case Preparation/Filing a Lawsuit
Your lawyer will help you fill out and submit the paperwork necessary to file a claim, answer all your questions regarding the claim, and help you determine the types of compensation that you could qualify for.
Settlement Negotiation
Negotiating with large corporations can be complex since they have lawyers protecting their interests, which is why you need to hire one to safeguard yours. Your lawyer will negotiate with the ridesharing company to recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If settlement negotiations fail without resolution, your lawyers can take the case to court where it will be up to a judge or jury to decide on the matter. Your lawyers will present your claim before the court in the best possible light to increase your chances of a favorable verdict.
Contact the Experienced Uber Accident Lawyers at Diaz & Gaeta in Sandy Springs, GA Today!
Rideshare apps have grown in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, with the growth in popularity of these apps so has the number of rideshare accidents, many of which revolve around someone’s negligence and it is important to recognize where the responsibility lies to pursue compensation.
If you or a loved one were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Sandy Springs, GA and want to speak with a lawyer you can trust to recover the compensation you are entitled to, call Diaz & Gaeta today at 678-503-2780. Consultations with our Sandy Springs Uber accident lawyers are free and carry no obligation.
