Uber and Lyft accidents are a growing problem throughout the greater Atlanta area. The popularity of rideshare services has added even more cars to Georgia’s congested roadways, increasing the risk of a crash. Unfortunately, rideshare accident victims can face complicated insurance challenges when seeking compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been hurt, an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney can help you demand the money you need and minimize your stress while you heal.
The Lawrenceville car accident lawyers at Butler Kahn will protect your rights after a collision. Our firm has decades of experience with rideshare accident claims and can navigate the most complex disputes. Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What are Some Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Georgia?
Leading causes of Georgia rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving– Rideshare drivers may neglect to watch the road while looking for their fare or viewing the rideshare app, leading to a collision. Alternatively, a distracted driver in another car might hit the Uber or Lyft car you are riding in.
- Impaired driving– Intoxicated driving can impair anyone’s driving ability. Lyft or Uber drivers can be held liable if drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident that injured you.
- Drowsy driving– Many rideshare drivers work at night when demand for their services increases. Late-night work disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle, increasing the likelihood of a fatigue-related accident.
- Speeding or careless driving– The more trips rideshare drivers take, the more money they make. The financial incentive may encourage an Uber or Lyft driver to drive fast and take risks behind the wheel.
Are There Requirements to Be an Uber or Lyft Driver in Georgia?
Uber places the following requirements on drivers operating for it in the Atlanta area:
- The driver must have a valid driver’s license.
- The driver must carry an auto insurance policy that meets Georgia’s minimum requirements.
- The driver’s vehicle cannot be more than 15 years old.
- The driver’s car must have four doors.
- The driver’s vehicle must be in good condition and have no cosmetic damage.
- The driver’s vehicle cannot have any commercial branding.
Lyft requirements state that drivers in Georgia must:
- Drive a vehicle from the model year 2011 or later
- Use a car with four doors and five to eight seats
- Carry an auto insurance policy that meets state minimum coverage requirements
- Be at least 25 years old
- Carry a valid driver’s license
- Pass a background check
- Take a six-hour, uninterrupted break for every 12 hours they spend logged into the Lyft app
What Insurance Do Uber and Lyft Provide for Their Drivers?
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage based on whether the driver is actively looking for rides and if they have agreed to a fare. Both companies provide up to $1 million in bodily injury coverage for passengers injured in an accident. This coverage also applies if a rideshare driver hits you while carrying a passenger or traveling to pick up a fare.
Lyft and Uber also provide insurance for when their drivers are looking for rides but do not have an active fare. In these circumstances, the companies provide up to $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident in injury coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage coverage. However, this coverage usually does not kick in unless the rideshare driver’s personal insurance is not enough to cover the injuries they cause.
If an Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app and causes a crash, the company’s insurance policy does not apply. Instead, the driver’s own auto insurance policy would cover your injuries, assuming you can prove the rideshare driver is responsible for the accident.
What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit?
The amount you can recover after a rideshare accident depends on your injuries, financial losses, insurance policy limits, and other factors. In general, you can pursue compensation for losses like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced future earnings
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
The best way to protect your right to compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident is to speak with an attorney immediately. While Georgia law gives you two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit, critical evidence can disappear long before that deadline passes. The sooner you meet with an Uber and Lyft accident attorney, the more they can do to safeguard your rights and help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Lawrenceville Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Lawrenceville, GA, the personal injury lawyers with Butler Kahn can help you demand the money you need. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Lawrenceville rideshare accident attorney.
