Any car accident is stressful, especially if you have been injured. You will need to deal with medical bills and a recovery period that could prevent you from working. Household bills and family needs don’t stop just because you’re injured, and you could find yourself in debt.
In Georgia, you can file a claim against a negligent motorist when they injure you in a car crash, but what happens when that driver works for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft? Our rideshare accident lawyers in Canton will help you understand your rights and legal options.
Jones & Swanson has won more than $50 million for injured accident victims. Find out how our Canton car accident lawyers will assist with your case when you call for your free consultation.
Why Rideshare Accidents are Different
Rideshare drivers usually work as contractors, not employees. This affects who is responsible if there is a crash. Uber and Lyft have insurance, but it only applies under certain conditions based on whether the driver is logged into the app and what their status was at the time of the crash.
- If the app was off, the driver’s personal auto policy is the primary coverage, and the rideshare company bears no responsibility.
- If the driver had the app on and was waiting for a ride request, a lower-limit contingent policy from the rideshare company may apply alongside the driver’s personal insurance.
- Once a driver accepts a ride or has a passenger in the car, the rideshare company’s full commercial liability coverage applies.
This makes determining fault and seeking damages after a rideshare crash more complicated than a typical car accident claim. Our Canton personal injury lawyers understand how rideshare companies operate under Georgia law and will seek the compensation you deserve.
How Our Team Will Help With a Rideshare Accident in Canton
Rideshare companies and their insurers have teams built to limit what they pay on a claim. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Canton will put that same level of preparation on your side of the case. We will:
- Identify every liable party and applicable insurance policies.
- Request and review the rideshare company’s trip data to confirm the driver’s app status at the time of the crash.
- Communicate directly with insurance adjusters so you aren’t pressured into an early, lowball payment.
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity.
- Handle filing deadlines and paperwork while you focus on recovering.
Most personal injury cases resolve through negotiations. We will seek a fair payment that completely accounts for the hardships you have suffered. We are prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to make a fair payment offer.
How Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Works in Georgia
Georgia law requires rideshare companies to carry liability coverage once a driver logs into the app, with the highest coverage level, up to $1 million, applying while a passenger is in the vehicle or the driver is en route to pick one up.
Coverage drops when a driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a trip. During this period, Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 in property damage, which generally applies only after the driver’s personal insurance is used or denies the claim.
These coverage tiers often create disputes between insurers over which policy should pay first. Our Canton rideshare accident lawyers will request the trip data and insurance declarations needed to prove which policy applied at the moment of your crash.
Damages You May Win After a Rideshare Accident
Damages in a rideshare accident claim typically cover your medical bills, including emergency care, follow-up treatment, and any future medical needs tied to your injuries. They can also cover lost wages if your injuries keep you out of work.
In Georgia, if you are injured in an accident, you can seek damages from anyone who is found to be at fault, not just the rideshare driver. The amount you may get will depend on the insurance policy that was in effect at the time of the crash and how severe your injuries are.
Don’t wait to seek legal help after your crash. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against a rideshare company or their driver. Some exceptions can apply, but missing your deadline generally bars you from seeking legal recourse.
Get Help From Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Canton
If you have been hurt in an accident because of the negligent actions of a rideshare driver, a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft may be responsible for your damages. Depending on the specifics of the incident, the driver alone may be liable.
It takes investigation and knowledge of Georgia laws to understand how to get the damages you need, and that’s a challenge you may not be up to after a painful injury. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Canton will help you identify the liable party and seek maximum damages.
Our team at Jones & Swanson has more than five decades of legal experience, advocating for the rights of those injured through no fault of their own. We are here to get you through this challenging time with compassion and understanding. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
