Uber Accident Lawyer Atlanta
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.
At The Pendergrass Law Firm, P.C., 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.
Types of Uber Accident Cases
At The Pendergrass Law Firm, P.C., we handle a wide range of Uber accident cases in Atlanta, always prioritizing your emotional well-being and financial recovery.
Injuries to third-party drivers
If an Uber driver’s negligence causes an accident, injuring drivers or passengers of other vehicles, those injured have the right to seek compensation. Our team has the expertise to untangle the complexities involved in dealing with rideshare companies and insurance providers so you receive fair compensation.
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 attorneys 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.
Injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists
An Uber accident is limited to those in the car. Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable road users who can suffer severe injuries in Uber-related accidents. Your Uber accident lawyer at The Pendergrass Law Firm, P.C. 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.
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. Or, if another driver on the road caused the accident, they would be held liable for the damages, as in any other car accident scenario.
One of the key challenges in rideshare accidents is determining if Uber Company can be held liable. 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.
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.
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, but with some adjustments.
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. The skilled Atlanta Uber accident lawyer at The Pendergrass Law Firm, P.C. will move immediately to obtain evidence, build a strong case to prove liability, and work towards minimizing or eliminating your percentage of fault.
Insurance Coverage for Uber Drivers
In Georgia, Uber drivers are expected to carry appropriate liability insurance coverage to protect themselves and their passengers. This is just one thing your Atlanta uber accident attorney will look into.
Insurance coverage for Uber drivers
Uber and Lyft drivers must carry additional 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.
Uber driver license requirements in Georgia
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.
Vehicle requirements: 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.
Insurance requirements: 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.
Background checks: 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.
Compliance with local regulations: 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 these requirements.
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.
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 towards the statute of limitations. This is why it’s so important to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer or Atlanta uber accident attorneys who specialize in 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, P.C., and we will work tirelessly to help you reclaim control over your life, obtain the largest possible compensation, and move forward with confidence. With us 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.