Whether your collision was caused by an Uber or Lyft driver or simply involved one, rideshares can make an already complicated situation even more maddening. With several parties and large companies involved, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and abandoned.
Bader Law Injury Lawyers is here for you. A Dunwoody Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can make sense of your case and help with the day-to-day tasks of filing and processing your suit. Call our office to receive a free consultation at (404) 888-8888.
The Liable Party in Rideshare Accidents
In a personal injury claim following a normal collision, liability is based on negligence, and negligence is based on a duty of care. Someone who drives recklessly, such as due to impairment, distraction, or speeding, violates their duty to operate their vehicle with care. This behavior leaves others open to injury and the driver open to liability.
In a rideshare accident, the same principles apply. The negligent driver is the one whose actions led to the accident. The complication lies with who is responsible for paying.
When the Rideshare Company Pays
Uber and Lyft provide coverage for injuries if the driver was:
- Active on the app when the accident occurred
- Waiting for a passenger to request a ride
- En route to pick up a passenger
- In the process of transporting a passenger
If the driver was not logged into the app, you would deal with them as if they were just another private citizen and receive payment through their insurance or a personal injury suit.
When logged in, a driver with a passenger receives more coverage from Uber or Lyft than a driver waiting for a passenger. In other words, if you were in an accident while the driver had no ride requests, you will receive less from the rideshare company insurance than if they were giving a ride at the time.
For a free legal consultation with a uber and lyft rideshare accidents lawyer serving Dunwoody, call (404) 888-8888
Taking the Rideshare Out of the Equation
Rideshares do not hire employees. They introduce drivers to passengers, describing themselves as “transportation network companies” or interactive computer services. Drivers, therefore, do not get employee perks.
All that means is you may end up dealing with the driver as if the accident did not involve a rideshare at all. Factors that can affect receiving damages include whether the driver has:
- Enough insurance coverage
- Any insurance at all
- Insurance that does not cover certain accidents
- A rideshare clause in their policy
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
It is possible the rideshare driver in your accident did not have personal insurance, making them one of the 12% of Georgia drivers without coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. It is also possible they have insufficient insurance to cover your expenses.
Depending on your injuries, the costs could easily exceed what insurance the driver has, especially if they were counting on Uber or Lyft to offer coverage. Potential costs associated with your accident could include:
- Emergency visits
- Imaging tests
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Medical equipment
When insurance does not provide enough for expenses, regardless of whether a rideshare was involved, you will then have to pursue the driver individually with a personal injury claim. Your Dunwoody Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can help determine your claim’s value.
Rideshare Coverage
Some insurance companies do not cover accidents that occurred while conducting business. This lack of coverage is because they assume employers offer their own coverage. With rideshare drivers, this gets tricky, as they are not considered employees of Uber or Lyft and therefore have fewer perks.
Fortunately, some insurance companies offer coverage specifically for rideshare accidents. Your attorney can check with the other party to determine their coverage. To get started on this process, call Bader Law Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888.
Dunwoody Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Past and Future Consequences
In addition to the costs mentioned above, your rideshare accident can also impact your future well-being. For this reason, your attorney may wait for you to reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI) before filing to better understand what you have paid and will continue to pay for your injuries.
They will then know if you will need:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- At-home care
- Long-term prescriptions
- Permanent medical equipment (wheelchairs, walking aids)
If your injuries were severe enough, MMI might not mean being back to normal. Your attorney can include that in your case and seek damages to help you adjust to your new normal.
Financial and Emotional Impact
Accidents damage your wallet and your psyche, whether due to the accident itself or the effect your injuries have had on your life. When someone else is at fault, you can seek compensation for expenses such as:
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological counseling
Loss of consortium refers to the inability to enjoy your relationships in the same way. If the accident affected your ability to show the same affection or support to your loved ones, you could include that in your claim.
Some of these may seem abstract, but your attorney can help value each aspect of your suit according to law. Even the emotional consequences of the accident are still consequences.
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More Than Determining Liability
To establish what you may be entitled to, as well as compile data and support for your case, your lawyer can:
- Assign a value to your claim
- File within the state’s deadline
- Interview witnesses and experts
- Coordinate with multiple insurance companies
- Create defenses against the other party’s arguments
- Gather evidence, records, and police reports
- Negotiate settlement offers
Do not just rely on us for figuring out who to sue. Let us help you along the way.
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Simplifying Your Personal Injury Claim
All accidents complicate your life, and rideshare accidents have additional components making them more confusing. Bader Law Injury Lawyers can change that. A Dunwoody Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from our firm can simplify the process and focus on getting you compensation. Call now at (404) 888-8888.
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