Alpharetta
Uber Accident Lawyer

Rideshare companies like Uber make it easy for those without their own vehicles to get to and from work, school, the store, and the doctor’s office. Rideshare companies also make it easy to enjoy a night out on the town without the worry of designating a driver or finding parking. 

However, Uber drivers aren’t always safe. You can suffer injuries in an Uber if it is involved in an accident or if your vehicle is hit by a car operated by an Uber driver. The Alpharetta rideshare accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates will fight for your right to compensation when injured in such a car accident.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents

It can be difficult to put trust in someone else to drive you from one location to the other, but for many people, it’s their only option. Riding in an Uber does not prevent you from being injured in an accident. Uber-involved accidents more often than many people realize. The most common causes of Uber accidents include the following:

• Drowsy driving
• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving
• Using a GPS
• Talking to the passenger
• Ignoring street signs, traffic lights, and emergency vehicle warnings
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Inclement weather
• Committing traffic violations
• Being unfamiliar with the city or roads on which the Uber driver operates

Make sure you wear your seatbelt when riding in an Uber. While failing to do so won’t remove your right to be compensated for your injuries, it can significantly lower the amount of money you receive. For example, if it is found that you failed to have a seatbelt on, and it led to your injuries being more serious than they should have been, your compensation award could turn out to be a percentage less than if you were wearing a seatbelt.

Injuries Suffered by Victims of Uber Accidents

Just because you are riding in an Uber doesn’t mean you aren’t susceptible to injuries. If your Uber ride is involved in an accident, it is in your best interest to seek medical care immediately. Our Uber accident lawyers in Alpharetta have seen the following car accident injuries in our clients:

• Amputation
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Lacerations
• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries

This is not an exhaustive list of injuries you might suffer in an Alpharetta Uber accident. Be sure you are evaluated at the scene of the crash by the EMTs who respond and take their advice about being transported to the hospital.

Having a record of medical evaluation makes it easier to prove that you were seen by a doctor when filing a claim against the at-fault driver. Be sure to stick to the instructions provided by the doctor and do not deviate from them, or else your claim could be denied.

Recoverable Damages in an Uber Accident

Most car accident victims file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy in order to recover compensation for damage and injuries. However, the at-fault driver’s coverage limits might not be enough to pay for your medical bills, damage to your vehicle, or lost wages for missing time at work.

If you are injured in an Uber accident, you might be able to recover full compensation from the insurance carrier for Uber. It will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Our Alpharetta Uber accident attorney from John Foy & Associates can help you recover the following if injured in an Uber crash:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation
• Loss of future earning potential if you are unable to return to work
• Physical therapy
• Damages for the wrongful death of a loved one

Accident victims can be intimidated by the idea of filing a lawsuit to recover compensation for their injuries. However, an experienced Uber accident attorney in Alpharetta can ease the worry and stress of the legal process so you can focus on recovery.

The Rideshare Laws of Georgia

No resident of Georgia is allowed to operate a vehicle as for-hire in the state without a for-hire endorsement on their driver’s license or a background check, according to Motor Vehicles and Traffic Law §40-5-39. The driver must also hold the minimum insurance limits set forth by Georgia law and meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a driver’s license issued by the state of Georgia and is free of any limitations
• Does not have a felony conviction to their name
• Has submitted fingerprints for a background check
• Is a legal citizen of the United States

If the driver submitted to a background check conducted by Uber and it meets the state’s requirements, the driver will not have to obtain the endorsement for their driver’s license.

Georgia Auto Insurance Minimums

The state of Georgia requires the following minimums for drivers when it comes to having auto insurance:

• Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per incident and $25,000 per person
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per incident

In order to drive for Uber in Georgia, the driver must hold both of the above insurance minimums for liability. Uber also has a $1 million commercial liability policy for its drivers. However, it is for each incident and not per person.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia?

It is vital you work with an Alpharetta Uber accident lawyer in order to file your claim so you do not miss the statute of limitations. The Georgia statute of limitations is two years from the date you suffered the injury. This means that if you file the claim two years and one day after the injury, the court can legally dismiss your claim. However, if your child was injured in the crash and was not 18 at the time, the statute of limitations will not take effect until they reach 18.

Call an Alpharetta Uber Accident Lawyer Today

Were you injured in a crash with an Uber driver? Were you injured while riding in an Uber? If so, it’s time to speak with an experienced Alpharetta Uber accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation today.