Uber Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

Name: Uber/Lyft Accidents
Brand: Pendergrass Law

As ridesharing continues to grow in popularity in Atlanta, so does the frequency of accidents. In fact, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were over 400,000 reported traffic accidents in 2020, many of which involved rideshare services like Uber.

Uber driver requirements in Georgia: vehicle maintenance and insurance

Uber drivers in Georgia must have a vehicle that meets certain requirements, such as being a 4-door car, in good condition, and not older than a certain model year (usually around 16 years old). The vehicle must pass an inspection to ensure it meets safety standards. Drivers must maintain personal auto insurance that meets or exceeds Georgia’s minimum coverage requirements. Uber also provides liability insurance coverage while drivers are actively using the app for work, but the coverage amounts vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Types of Uber accident cases

At Pendergrass Law, we handle a wide range of Uber accident cases in Atlanta, always prioritizing your emotional well-being and financial recovery. As your trusted Uber accident lawyer in Atlanta, we’ll be your advocate in a difficult situation.

Injuries to third-party drivers

If a Lyft or Uber driver’s negligence causes an accident, injuring drivers or passengers of other vehicles, those injured have the right to seek compensation. Obtain the assistance of an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Atlanta. Our team has the skill to untangle the complexities involved in dealing with rideshare companies and insurance providers so that you can receive fair compensation.

Injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists

An Uber accident is not limited to those in the car. Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable road users who can suffer severe injuries in Lyft and Uber-related accidents. Your Uber accident lawyer at Pendergrass Law understands the unique challenges that arise when pursuing claims against rideshare drivers, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Injuries to Uber passengers

As an Uber passenger, you trust your driver to safely transport you to your destination. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, leaving you with injuries and emotional distress. Our Uber accident attorney in Atlanta will help you navigate the claims process, holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

Injuries to Uber drivers

Uber drivers themselves can become victims in accidents caused by other negligent drivers on the road. We understand that your livelihood is on the line, and we are committed to helping you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses (like pain and suffering) resulting from the accident.

Determining liability in Uber accidents

Establishing liability in Uber accidents can be more complicated than with traditional car accidents because of the multiple insurance companies involved. If the Uber driver is at fault for the Uber accident, they can be held liable for the damages, like medical bills. If another driver on the road caused the accident, they would be held liable for the damages, as in any other car accident scenario. In general, Uber drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, which makes it difficult to hold Uber accountable for the actions of its drivers in rideshare accidents. It’s not impossible for an experienced Uber accident lawyer, though. There are certain exceptions and specific situations in which Uber may be held liable for accidents, such as if it is discovered that Uber failed to conduct adequate background checks on its drivers or the company didn’t perform proper vehicle safety inspections.

Source: According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents account for 21.7% of unintentional injuries.

Georgia’s comparative negligence rule

Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” system, which is designed to allocate responsibility for an accident fairly among all parties involved. This means that if you’re involved in an Uber accident and are found to be partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. Importantly, the modified comparative negligence rule has one crucial limitation: if your fault is 50% or more, you cannot recover any compensation. Determining fault percentages can be a complex process. Every skilled Atlanta Uber accident lawyer at Pendergrass Law will move immediately to obtain evidence, build a strong case to prove liability, and work toward minimizing or eliminating your percentage of fault.

Insurance coverage for Uber drivers

Your Atlanta Uber accident attorney can tell you that Uber and Lyft drivers must carry additional liability insurance coverage beyond the standard auto insurance required by Georgia law. This coverage can be broken down into three distinct periods:

Personal use: If an Uber or Lyft driver is using their car for personal reasons and not working, only their personal auto insurance company policy applies.
App on, waiting for a ride request: When a driver has the app open and is waiting for a ride request, Uber/Lyft provides additional insurance coverage. This includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
En route or transporting passengers: When a driver accepts a ride request and is either on their way to pick up a passenger or actively conveying a passenger, Uber’s insurance company coverage increases significantly. In this situation, the coverage includes $1 million in liability coverage per accident and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident. An Uber accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you understand these requirements.

Uber driver requirements in Georgia: personal identification

To meet age and license requirements, drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid Georgia driver’s license. The license must be in good standing without any recent suspensions or serious traffic violations. Uber drivers in Georgia are required to pass a background check, which includes a review of their driving record and criminal history. Convictions for certain offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, or a history of violent crime, can disqualify a driver from working with Uber.

Advocates for Uber Accident Victims: Pendergrass Law Firm in Atlanta

At The Pendergrass Law Firm, our skilled and experienced Atlanta Uber accident attorneys are here to support you in your time of need. We know that you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, prolonged pain and suffering, and emotional trauma from your accident.

Our goal is to alleviate your stress and fight for the maximum financial compensation you deserve from all the liable parties. Whether you need an Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Atlanta, we’re here to help.

Additional requirements in Georgia

In some cities or counties within Georgia, there may be additional requirements or regulations that Uber drivers must adhere to, such as obtaining a business license or meeting specific vehicle requirements. We recommend checking out Uber’s official website to learn more about compliance with local regulations, driver license requirements, and other criteria for Uber drivers. A Lyft accident attorney in Atlanta can tell you that Lyft requirements are similar.

Statute of limitations in Georgia for Uber accident claims

For personal injury claims resulting from an Uber accident, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) requires you to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this period after the Uber accident occurs, you will most likely lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Our Uber/Lyft accident attorney in Atlanta can help you file the paperwork on time. There are exceptions to these general time limits in specific circumstances. For example, if the injured party is a minor or is legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until the disability is removed or the minor turns 18. Also, if the responsible party leaves the state of Georgia after the accident, the time they are absent may not count toward the statute of limitations. This is why it’s so important to get in touch with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer or Atlanta Uber accident attorneys who focus on personal injury cases immediately after your accident.

Trust our Atlanta Uber accident lawyers to maximize your compensation

Put your trust in our skilled personal injury lawyer team at The Pendergrass Law Firm, and we will work tirelessly to help you reclaim control over your life, obtain the largest possible compensation, and move forward with confidence. With an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Atlanta by your side, you get:

Legal Guidance: Our experienced attorneys navigate the complexities of insurance claims and the legal system in Atlanta for you, so you can make informed decisions
In-Vehicle Video and Dash Cam Analysis: We may use crucial dash cam footage, CCTV recordings, and other evidence to show the driver’s negligence
Thorough Investigation: We conduct in-depth investigations, gather strong evidence, and accurately estimate your losses, creating a winning legal strategy for you
Maximum Compensation: We tirelessly fight to secure the compensation you deserve, helping you rebuild your life after an Uber accident

Contact a leading Atlanta personal injury attorney at our firm today for a free, no-obligation case review. Give us a call to get started.