Atlanta Rideshare Injury Guide: How to Win Your Uber or Lyft Claim in Georgia

Being injured in a rideshare accident can create confusion and uncertainty. As attorneys, we know that passengers often have many questions about who will pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve unique insurance rules and liability issues under Georgia law. The steps you take immediately after the accident can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and your financial recovery. Georgia law gives injured victims important protections, but those protections must be used wisely and within strict deadlines. Acting carefully from the start ensures that your case is built on solid legal ground.

Seek Medical Care And Document Injuries

Your health must always come first. Even if your injuries feel minor, we urge you to see a doctor immediately. Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Medical records created right after the accident provide the strongest evidence that your injuries came from the crash. Without proper documentation, insurance companies often argue that your injuries were unrelated or exaggerated.

Report The Accident And Gather Evidence

It is important that the accident is reported to local law enforcement, as required under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273. A police report will contain the names of the drivers, insurance details, and the officer’s initial findings. If possible, gather photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the rideshare vehicle. Be sure to keep records of your ride receipt in the rideshare app, as this can establish that you were a passenger during the crash.

Understand Georgia’s Rideshare Insurance Requirements

Georgia law requires rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft to carry special insurance policies under O.C.G.A. § 33-1-24. These policies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when a passenger is in the rideshare vehicle and the app is active. If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance may also apply. In some cases, both policies may be available. Understanding which coverage applies is critical to maximizing your recovery.

Avoid Giving Statements To Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident. Remember that their goal is to reduce what they pay. Georgia law does not require you to give a recorded statement to another driver’s insurer, and doing so without legal counsel can harm your case. Speaking with us before responding ensures that your rights remain protected and that you do not accept less than you deserve.

Protect Your Right To File A Claim

The two-year deadline under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 applies to most personal injury claims in Georgia. Missing this deadline means losing the right to seek compensation. Acting quickly allows us to investigate, preserve evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable before time runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Rideshare Accidents

Who Is Responsible For Paying My Medical Bills After A Rideshare Accident In Georgia?

Responsibility depends on who caused the crash. If the rideshare driver is at fault, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy under O.C.G.A. § 33-1-24 may cover your medical expenses. If another driver caused the accident, their liability coverage applies. In some cases, both policies may provide compensation. While your claim is pending, your health insurance may cover costs, but these can often be reimbursed later through your settlement.

Does Georgia Require Rideshare Companies To Carry Insurance?

Yes. Under O.C.G.A. § 33-1-24, rideshare companies must carry commercial liability insurance policies. When a driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, coverage of at least $1 million is required. This law was designed to ensure passengers are protected, even if the rideshare driver has little or no personal auto insurance.

What If The Other Driver Caused The Accident?

If another motorist caused the accident, their liability insurance will usually be the first source of compensation. However, many Georgia drivers only carry the minimum coverage required by O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, which may be insufficient for serious injuries. In that situation, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply, providing additional protection for injured passengers.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After A Rideshare Accident In Georgia?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This deadline applies to lawsuits against rideshare drivers, other motorists, or even the rideshare company’s insurance carrier. Filing after the deadline almost always results in dismissal, no matter how strong your case may have been.

Can I Recover Lost Wages If I Miss Work After A Rideshare Accident?

Yes. Georgia law allows injured victims to recover economic damages, including lost wages, under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4. You may also recover for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working in the future. Pay stubs, employer statements, and medical records showing your limitations all support this type of claim.

What If I Am Partially At Fault For My Injuries?

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. This means that if you are partially responsible—for example, by not wearing a seatbelt—your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. However, as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible, you may still recover damages.

Do I Need An Attorney To Handle A Rideshare Accident Claim?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, the complexity of multiple insurance policies and liability issues makes it risky to handle these cases on your own. Insurance companies often undervalue claims when victims are unrepresented. Working with attorneys who understand Georgia’s personal injury laws ensures you receive the maximum compensation available.

Call Shani O. Brooks P.C. Today

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Georgia, you deserve guidance and support from attorneys who understand how these cases work under Georgia law. At Shani O. Brooks P.C., we fight for injured passengers and drivers, helping them protect their health, their families, and their financial future. We know how important your recovery is to your livelihood and your ability to protect valuable assets, including your small business.

Contact our Atlanta car accident attorney at Shani O. Brooks P.C. Attorneys at Law by calling 404-920-4736 to receive your free consultation. From our Atlanta office, we proudly represent clients throughout the entire State of Georgia. Let us stand with you to make sure your rights are protected and your future is secure.