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770-626-7895If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. This is true whether you were in another vehicle, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist.
An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help make their insurance companies pay fairly for your injuries. Contact The Larrison Law Firm Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys to request that our experienced lawyer Brady M. Larrison review your case.
Why Uber and Lyft Are Dangerous for Others
The Uber and Lyft platforms are inherently dangerous. For example:
- Many drivers are driving Uber or Lyft part-time as a second job to earn more money. They may be driving drowsy late at night after a full day of work.
- The driver is continuously looking at an app to see directions or ride requests, taking their eyes off the road
- Drivers are often asked to go to areas where they are unfamiliar with the local roads
The rideshare companies will put a driver on the road after a very short training program and an initial check of their background and driving record. There is no in-depth training to prepare the driver for the rigors of the job. Driving with a passenger in the car is not something that a driver can simply do after practically walking in off the street.
How Rideshare Insurance Policies Work
There is a large insurance policy in place to pay you for accident injuries with several levels of coverage:
- If the driver has either accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the car, there is up to $1 million of coverage per accident (this amount is divided among all claimants – it is not $1 million per each accident victim)
- If the driver has the app on but has not accepted a ride request (often drivers engage in a practice called “deadheading” where they linger in high-traffic areas waiting for a request), there is coverage for $50,000/person for bodily injury, $100,000/accident for bodily injury and $25,000/accident for property damage
- If the app is not on, the driver’s personal auto insurance covers accidents
Rideshare Companies Try to Protect Themselves at All Costs
Uber and Lyft do everything that they can to protect themselves. These companies take a consistent and steady cut of the driver’s earnings for providing the platform, but they try to turn sideways and disappear when one of their drivers injures you or a loved one.
Uber and Lyft have created a system where they cannot be sued. They classify their drivers as “independent contractors,” meaning the drivers are not agents of the ridesharing companies if they hurt someone.
Rideshare Insurance “Partners” Do Not Work for You
Uber and Lyft work with a number of insurance companies that they refer to as “partners.” When an insurance company is referred to as anyone’s partner, you need to be doubly suspect. These companies include:
- Allstate
- Liberty Mutual
- Mobilitas
- Farmers
- James River
The relationship between the ridesharing companies and their insurance providers often benefits both parties. Uber and Lyft shield themselves from risk, while the insurance companies aim to keep as much of the premiums as they can for themselves.
These insurance companies are professionals at underpaying claims, and the rideshare accounts are a big driver of their profits. In the end, you are the one who suffers unless you hire an experienced Uber & Lyft accident attorney in Georgia to fight for you.
Why Rideshare Accident Claims Can Be Difficult
However, ridesharing accident claims can be complex, given the system that Uber and Lyft have created. It takes a skilled attorney to navigate the complexities that include:
- Figuring out which insurance coverage applies to your case; for example, you may have been injured in an accident with an Uber driver when they had accepted a ride request, triggering a more extensive coverage
- Determining who was responsible for the crash; if you were a passenger in a rideshare car, either the Uber or Lyft driver or the motorist operating the other vehicle must pay for your injuries
- Determining whether there are additional coverages that apply, such as underinsured motorist coverage, or extra insurance that the driver purchased to protect themselves from personal liability
- Dealing with the insurance company that is trying to save money at your expense
Your Recoverable Damages After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Once you are in the position to receive financial compensation, you are entitled to be paid for the following elements of your damages:
- The complete cost of your medical care
- Lost wages for the time that you missed from work or a reduction in your earning capacity
- Pain and suffering for the ordeal of your accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma and distress
You would need to negotiate a suitable settlement with the insurance company that fairly pays you for your damages. If the insurance company does not offer you enough money, you have the legal right to reject a settlement offer. The insurance company is the one that owes you based on their policyholder’s liability. You do not owe them anything.
When you hire a Georgia rideshare accident attorney, they will estimate the value of your claim and advise you to reject an inadequate settlement offer. You should never sell your legal rights for pennies on the dollar.
Contact a Georgia Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Brady M. Larrison at The Larrison Law Firm Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys knows how to deal with these insurance companies. We will stand up for you when they try to profit at your expense. You can call us today at 770-626-7895 or send us a message online to schedule a time to discuss your case.
Rideshare Accident Case FAQs
How long will my rideshare claim take to settle?
It depends on the details of your case and the tactics that the insurance company uses.
Can I still file a lawsuit?
Even though you cannot sue Uber or Lyft, you can still sue the responsible driver.
How much does a rideshare accident attorney cost?
A lawyer will take a predetermined percentage of any recovery you obtain for legal fees. If you do not recover compensation, you will not owe your lawyer anything.
