Atlanta
Uber Accident Lawyer

People have been taking taxis for decades, and there are long-standing laws about liability in those crash cases. But what about rideshare services like Uber? What are the laws surrounding these accidents, and how do you pursue compensation?

The best way to recover a fair settlement or court award is with the help of a qualified rideshare accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA. Our attorneys have studied the rules surrounding Uber’s insurance policies, and we have a strong offensive strategy to get passengers and drivers compensation.

Contact our accident law firm today for a free consultation.

What to Do Immediately After an Uber Accident

If you’ve been injured in an Uber collision, taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights is important. First and foremost, if you are in any immediate danger, call 911 for help.

After that, report the incident to Uber using the in-app feature that allows you to report it directly to the rideshare company. To do this, open the app and navigate to their customer care team.

This will begin the accident claim process, and Uber will provide further instructions on proceeding. Doing this does not replace a police report at the accident scene.

We also urge you to contact an attorney from our legal team who will help you file a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver or the rideshare company. These cases can be highly complex, and we are here to advocate for your rights as an accident victim.

How does Uber Vet Their Drivers?

Before you’re allowed to drive for Uber, you must pass a background check and a driving record check. In addition, people with major traffic violations aren’t allowed to drive for the company. The rideshare company also requires motorists to have at least one year of driving experience.

Is this enough? We don’t think so. Insurance companies don’t lower insurance rates until drivers have been on the road for nearly a decade. You also don’t know the vehicle’s condition since Uber doesn’t require inspections like taxi companies.

Uber does the minimum, but that probably won’t help you avoid getting into a crash. However, you can pursue compensation for your injuries. Whatever role the rideshare vehicle played in your accident, our personal injury lawyers can guide you through the claims and litigation process. Reach out today to learn more.

Georgia Laws About Uber Drivers

The Georgia Department of Driver Services requires special license endorsements for rideshare drivers. They need a for-hire license endorsement, which involves a background check, proof they work as a for-hire driver, and additional documentation.

Uber drivers must also have liability coverage that meets the minimum requirements for their vehicle class and as a for-hire driver. Depending on the car, this may be above the state minimum, giving you access to more compensation.

Uber’s insurance also has a substantial commercial liability policy for drivers and passengers, at least on paper. One million dollars sounds like a lot, but it’s per accident. This means multiple people can make an insurance claim for the same incident.

Our Uber accident lawyers in Atlanta will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get your fair share.

How to Access Uber’s Insurance Coverage

Unfortunately, Uber’s liability insurance isn’t always active. If the app isn’t on, Uber won’t compensate you. Even if the driver is on the job, you may have to go through another driver’s personal insurance policy to its liability limit before accessing Uber’s policy.

There may also be conflicts with those other policies. For example, their insurer could deny the claim unless your driver carries a personal policy that allows business use. Yet Uber might say that because the personal policy isn’t exhausted, they won’t pay either.

This is because their drivers are considered independent contractors and not company employees. Situations like these make it imperative to have an Uber accident lawyer. You don’t need the headache of watching two insurers fight out liability while you face a growing pile of medical bills.

You need our aggressive representation to make the insurance adjusters focus on what matters, getting your injuries healed and restoring you financially. Please relax and recover while we take care of everything else.

What If the Uber Driver Wasn’t At Fault?

Another way your case could get complicated is if another driver is responsible for the collision. Then, as in other car accidents, you’ll need to seek coverage through the at-fault party’s insurance. But do Uber’s policies apply in this case too?

The answer is tricky and requires a legal professional. When selecting an accident attorney to represent you, you need to have one with long experience in rideshare cases. The fights between involved insurance companies can slow down the claims process.

You cannot move on with your life until you have a settlement or court award. Let us guide you through the legal process while you and your family focus on recovering after your accident. We know how to achieve a swift resolution, as our testimonials show.

We’ve helped numerous clients and could put our experience and resources to work in your case.

Common Injuries Sustained in Atlanta Automobile Accidents

Auto accidents are a frequent occurrence in Atlanta, and they can cause severe injuries. Common injuries suffered in motor vehicle collisions include the following:

• Neck injuries: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries experienced in car wrecks. It occurs when the neck is violently jerked backward or forward due to the force of an impact. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
• Soft tissue damage: This is another common injury sustained in car accidents. This condition includes damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Soft tissue damage symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and a limited range of motion.
• Head injuries: Head trauma can be very serious and even lead to death. Common head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken bones: These are another common injury sustained in crashes. Broken bones can range from minor fractures to more serious ones requiring surgery.
• Spinal cord injuries: Injuries involving the spinal cord are some of the most serious bodily injuries from motor vehicle collisions. This condition can lead to loss of sensation, paralysis, and even death. Symptoms of spinal cord damage include pain, numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking.
• Internal injuries: These can also occur in a motor vehicle collision, including damage to vital organs, such as the lungs, heart, and liver. Symptoms of internal injuries include abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea.

If you or a loved one sustained severe injuries in an Atlanta Uber accident, seeking legal help from a qualified attorney is important. Our firm has over 20 years of experience helping Georgia accident victims get the compensation they need.

One of our experienced Atlanta Uber accident lawyers will review your case and explain your options for financial recovery.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Claim in an Uber Accident?

In a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to claim various damages, depending on the severity and circumstances of the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney will determine the full extent of your losses and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Examples of the types of damages you may recover include:

• Medical costs (past, present, and future)
• Loss of wages and loss of future earnings
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished enjoyment of life
• Reduced quality of life
• Property damage
• Wrongful death expenses (if a loved one died due to the crash)
• Punitive damages (if the liable party engaged in extremely reckless behavior)

You can claim both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are any costs of your accident that come with a bill or exact dollar amount, like your medical care or lost wages.

Non-economic damages are losses like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment in life. While difficult to quantify, these intangible costs are recognized by state law. You can get compensation for these in addition to your monetary losses, and there are several ways to calculate them.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you could claim wrongful death compensation. According to Uber’s 2017-18 Safety Report, there were 107 fatalities recorded in 97 crashes. However, our lawyers view fatalities as more than numbers; we can help surviving family members seek justice for the untimely death.

How to Calculate Non-Economic Damages

One of the most common methods is to apply a number called a multiplier to your economic costs. This is usually a number between 1.5 and 5, and it’s how we can attach dollar amounts to your non-economic damages.

There are also other ways to calculate these losses. Your Atlanta Uber accident attorney can go over the specifics of your accident and explain which damages might apply in your case.

Compensation Sources in Uber Collisions

In rideshare collisions, several sources of compensation may be available to victims.

Depending on the circumstances of the crash, you could seek compensation from various sources, including the driver’s insurance company, Uber’s insurance policy, and even your auto insurance policy.

The Driver’s Policy

The first source of compensation is typically the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. If the driver caused the accident, their insurance policy should cover any damages you sustain.

The Rideshare Company’s Insurance Policy

The second source of compensation is the rideshare company’s insurance policy. Most rideshare companies, including Uber, have a commercial auto insurance policy that provides coverage in the event of an accident.

This policy may provide additional coverage beyond what is available from the driver’s insurance policy.

Your Insurance

Finally, victims may seek compensation from their auto insurance policy. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your policy might provide additional compensation for the cost of your medical care and other damages.

Time Is of the Essence After a Georgia Uber Accident

Time is always of the essence when you’ve been involved in a car accident. However, if you were injured in an Uber accident in Georgia, it’s especially important to act fast due to the unique laws governing ridesharing companies like Uber.

The first step is to contact an experienced Atlanta Uber accident attorney who can review your case and explain your legal options. Your lawyer will help you understand the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you meet important deadlines in your case.

For example, you have two years to file a personal injury claim in Georgia. If you fail to take action within that time frame, you may be barred from recovering financial compensation for this injury.

What Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Can Do for Your Case

If you have been involved in an Uber accident in the Atlanta area, a lawyer could help you get proper compensation. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine your best action.

They can also negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to ensure that you have a strong auto accident claim and get a fair settlement. Your lawyer will also represent you in court if necessary.

A good lawyer will fight for the compensation you need after a life-altering ridesharing accident.

Can I Afford an Uber Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident, you may wonder if you could afford to hire an experienced Uber collision lawyer. The answer is yes, you can.

Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t charge any fees unless you win your case. This arrangement allows you to get the legal help you need without worrying about upfront costs.

Uber accidents are complex cases requiring a knowledgeable attorney who understands the laws and regulations surrounding rideshare companies like Uber.

An experienced Uber accident attorney could help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation in your case.

Hire an Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyer

Don’t let insurance carriers take advantage of you during this difficult time. Instead, hire an Uber accident attorney in Atlanta, GA, to represent your interests. If you are anywhere in the Atlanta metro area and get into an accident involving an Uber, call in the Strong Arm by contacting John Foy & Associates.

Find out why we are one of Atlanta’s most well-known injury law firms. Contact us online or call now for a free case evaluation.