Ridesharing apps make transportation convenient in Marietta. You can get a ride within minutes while saving time and money on gas. However, ridesharing drivers are not perfect. If you suffer injuries from a driver’s accident, you might need help from a Marietta ridesharing accident lawyer.
Drivers must operate their vehicles safely when carrying passengers. If your driver makes a mistake and causes an accident, they could be liable. You have legal rights to seek compensation for your costs.
John Foy & Associates can help. Our Marietta ridesharing accident lawyers know how to build strong cases. We bring 20-plus years of experience to the table. To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
What to Do After a Ridesharing Accident in Marietta
The moments after your accident can be overwhelming. You might have painful injuries and not know what to do first. Here are some tips on how to handle the situation.
After a ridesharing accident, you’ll want to document what you can. Think about what information you’ll need to show what happened.
Contact the Police
In Georgia, you must report a car accident if there are injuries, deaths, or over $500 in property damage. After your crash, call the Marietta police immediately. Responding officers should create an accident report that you’ll need for your case.
If you suspect the driver was negligent, mention it to the police. Also, be careful to avoid saying you don’t have injuries. If you’re not sure, just say “I’m not sure.” You could have underlying injuries that haven’t shown up yet.
If you need emergency medical attention, call for an ambulance. Don’t wait to get help for severe or life-threatening injuries.
Document the Scene
Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of:
- Your injuries.
- Any vehicle or property damage.
- The entire accident scene.
Picture evidence is beneficial after a ridesharing accident. It preserves the scene long after the crash happens. Photographs can help support your personal injury claim.
If there were any eyewitnesses, talk to them and ask what they saw. Get the names and contact information for witnesses. Your ridesharing accident lawyer will reach out for statements later.
Get Information from the Driver
If you were a ridesharing passenger, ask the driver for their:
- First and last name
- Contact information
- Insurance policy number
- Driver’s license number
You will need this information to file your personal injury claim. If you were another driver in the accident, exchange the above information.
Contact a Marietta Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
After any car accident, you’ll need to protect your legal rights. If another driver was at fault, their insurance company will make the process complicated. It’s best to let a ridesharing accident lawyer handle the details.
Insurance companies will use whatever they can to pay you less. They care most about their bottom line—not your compensation. The insurer might use tactics like:
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Downplaying your damages
- Doubting your injuries
- Using something you say against you
If the insurance company contacts you, get a lawyer before talking to them. Your attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company.
Get the strong arm
How to Pursue Compensation After a Marietta Ridesharing Accident
Insurance claims between two drivers are often straightforward. Usually, the injured driver can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But ridesharing accident claims are more complicated.
The responsible insurance company will depend on the ridesharing driver’s status during the crash. This information will determine where you should file your claim.
You might need to file a claim with:
- The driver’s auto insurance company,
- The ridesharing company’s insurance company,
- Or both.
Here’s how it works for most ridesharing companies.
The Driver Has Their Own Insurance
All ridesharing drivers must purchase auto insurance. They must have at least the minimum coverage for Georgia, which is:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person; $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
The driver’s insurance solely applies if the driver is “off the clock.” This situation is possible since most ridesharing drivers use their personal vehicles for work.
The Ridesharing Company Provides Insurance Coverage
If a driver is “on the clock,” the company’s insurance kicks in during specific situations.
The driver’s insurance applies first if they are “on the clock” but don’t currently have passengers. If the driver’s insurance won’t cover the accident, the company’s insurance applies. There is usually a limited amount of coverage available from the company.
If the driver is picking up or has a passenger during the accident, the company insurance applies. Both Lyft and Uber have a $1 million policy for these situations. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have full access.
Fighting for What You Deserve
Insurance companies will work hard to reduce their costs. When you file an insurance claim, you’ll need to have a strong case. You’ll also need to be careful what you say to the insurance company.
Do not accept a settlement offer without speaking to a lawyer. The first offer you get will likely be a lowball amount. Your lawyer can work to negotiate a settlement that covers your costs.
To learn more about how an experienced lawyer can help you, contact John Foy & Associates today. The consultation is always FREE, and there is no fee unless we win your case. To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Talk to a Marietta Ridesharing Accident Lawyer for Free Today
You should not have to pay for a ridesharing accident you did not cause. If the ridesharing driver caused your accident, you might deserve full compensation for your costs. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong claim for what you deserve.
With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. Contact us today to discuss your options during a FREE consultation. We’ll answer your questions and talk about what we can do for you.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
