Rideshare services have changed how Americans travel. All you need to do is download the rideshare app and have instant access to an affordable alternative to public transportation and traditional taxi services. However, traffic accidents can happen to anyone at any time, including during an Uber or Lyft ride.
Who pays in a rideshare accident? Learn below about who may be liable for your losses, and if you have questions, speak to one of our rideshare accident lawyers in Atlanta at Shani O. Brooks PC today.
Who Pays Damages In A Georgia Car Accident?
When it comes to auto accident liability, Georgia is a fault state. The at-fault driver must pay for the other party’s injuries and related damages. If someone other than the rideshare driver caused a car accident, the accident victim would use the at-fault driver’s insurance to obtain compensation.
However, if an Uber or Lyft driver is to blame for the accident, determining which insurance company pays for damages depends on the situation. If the rideshare driver was not logged into the app when the accident occurred, injury victims must rely on the driver’s personal auto insurance for coverage. All Georgia drivers must carry a minimum amount of auto insurance.
If the rideshare driver is logged into the app but does not have a passenger, they are still considered on duty. In this case, the Uber or Lyft commercial insurance policy would compensate for your injuries. Both companies have $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 per incident for bodily injury.
When the rideshare driver has a passenger, the company must also provide compensation for injuries and damages. Uber and Lyft both offer up to $1 million in coverage.
These rules might sound straightforward, but they are not. Uber or Lyft could say that a driver was not logged into their app at the time of the accident, but they were. Other complexities could arise when determining who pays for what in a rideshare accident.
What Can A Rideshare Attorney Do For You?
After a rideshare accident, there are many things your attorney can do to help your situation. They are:
Perform An Investigation
Your attorney will review the rideshare accident scene, speak to witnesses, and determine how the crash occurred. During this time, your attorney will gather evidence to support the claim.
File The Accident Claim
Once your attorney understands who was at fault and who should pay, they will file the claim with the appropriate insurance company.
Collect Medical Evidence
You must prove you were injured in the accident, so your attorney will gather supporting medical evidence.
Negotiate With The Insurance Company
Your attorney will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. This could be Uber or Lyft’s insurance company or the driver’s personal insurance company. Your attorney will sort out which insurance company is liable for your injuries.
Go To Trial
Most rideshare accident cases are settled out of court. But if a fair settlement is out of reach, our Atlanta personal injury attorney will take the case to trial.
Speak To Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers In Atlanta Today
Were you in a recent rideshare accident and unsure what your legal options are? Our Atlanta car accident lawyer at Shani O. Brooks PC has an impressive record of obtaining favorable results for our clients. For example, one of our recent rideshare accident cases resulted in a $675,000 outcome for a seriously injured client. We will fight hard to get the best rideshare case result for you, too. Please call us at (404) 920-4736 for a free consultation.