If you have ever ordered an Uber in Brookhaven, you know that riding in one can be just as dangerous as driving yourself around town. As safe as the driver is, they are only as safe as the other motorists around them.
Being injured in an Uber accident can change your life in an instant. A Brookhaven rideshare accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates will fight to protect your rights and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
What Causes Uber Accidents?
Just like any other car accident, an Uber accident can be caused by a variety of circumstances. These accidents happen too often in Brookhaven, especially since Uber drivers aren’t always familiar with the roads or neighborhoods where they operate. Our Uber accident lawyers in Brookhaven have seen Uber car accidents caused by the following:
- Inclement weather
- Distracted driving (using a mobile phone, GPS, changing the radio stations, talking to passengers, etc.)
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals and street signs
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Committing traffic violations
It is important for you to wear a seatbelt at all times when riding in an Uber. Doing so can not only save your life in a crash, but also ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries. While failing to wear a seatbelt does not disqualify you for compensation, it can reduce the amount of money you receive in a claim.
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Uber Ac
Being a passenger in an Uber can be just as dangerous as driving your own vehicle, especially if the Uber driver is not acting in a safe manner. If you are involved in an accident with an Uber, you could wind up
Accidents and the Injuries They Cause
suffering any of the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Lacerations
- Amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. For this reason alone, you should seek medical evaluation immediately following an Uber crash. Some injuries do not present symptoms right away, which is why you should go to the emergency room for additional tests. Having proof of medical care when filing a claim against the at-fault driver can improve your chances of being successful.
Recovering Compensation Following a Brookhaven Uber Accident
After a car accident, the victim will most likely file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance company will do everything possible to deny the claim or lowball the victim when offering a settlement. Do not speak with an insurance adjuster until you have secured representation from a Brookhaven Uber accident attorney.
The Uber driver will also be covered by Uber’s $1 million commercial liability policy. However, this policy is not per person and only per incident, which means any money you recover will need to be divided between you and any other person who was injured in the accident.
John Foy & Associates can help you recover compensation following an Uber accident for the following:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Loss of future earning potential if you are unable to go back to work
- Compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one
It can be intimidating as an Uber accident victim filing a claim against such a large company. Let John Foy & Associates take care of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery and returning to a normal life.
Does Georgia Have Rideshare Laws?
Residents of Georgia cannot operate a vehicle as a for-hire service without first obtaining a for-hire endorsement for their driver’s license and/or undergoing a background check. According to the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Law §40-5-39, the driver is also required to have the state auto insurance minimums and meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a valid Georgia driver’s license
- The license cannot have any limitations
- Be a legal citizen of the United States
- Have never been convicted of a felony
- Has submitted fingerprints for a background check
If the driver underwent a background check handled by Uber that meets Georgia’s requirements, the driver will not have to obtain an endorsement for their driver’s license.
Auto Insurance Minimums in Georgia
The following auto insurance liability minimums are required of all drivers in Georgia:
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per incident
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident
Uber drivers in Georgia must have both liability minimums on their policy in order to qualify as a driver for Uber. Uber also holds a $1 million commercial liability policy for its drivers but is paid out per incident and not per person. So, if you were riding in the Uber with someone else, you will need to split the compensation paid by the insurance company instead of keeping all of it for yourself.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Cases
The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years from the date you suffered the injury. If you wait until three years from the date of injury to file a claim, you run the risk of the court dismissing the case.
If your child was with you at the time of the crash and was under the age of 18, the statute of limitations for them to file a claim does not begin until their 18th birthday. They then have two years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim against the at-fault driver.
Schedule a Consultation With a Brookhaven Uber Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an accident with an Uber driver, it is in your best interest to seek medical care immediately. You should then call an Uber accident attorney in Brookhaven to discuss your case. Call the office of John Foy & Associates or submit our contact form to schedule an initial consultation.
Founded in 2003, John Foy is “The Strong Arm” in Georgia. Our team will fight to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form