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Ridesharing is an increasingly popular way to get around in cities like Athens, Georgia. In and around campuses like the University of Georgia (UGA), ridesharing is an easy way to get to and from school, work, or after-hours events. While ridesharing is a growing trend in Georgia with an estimated 5,000 drivers in the state, it is a convenience that is not without risk.
At The Dixon Firm, P.C., we have answered numerous questions from Georgians about rideshare accidents. We often receive calls related to what an injured passenger should do, whether or not to accept an insurance settlement, or whether a lawsuit is a viable option. The answers to these questions depend on the facts of your case.
Rideshare Accidents are Complicated Legal Matters
If you are looking at our rideshare accident lawyer in Athens page, you may have been involved in an accident while taking an Uber or Lyft. You may have read news stories about lawsuits against Uber and Lyft, drivers committing criminal acts, or the companies fighting claims of liability.
The reality is that rideshare accident cases are very complicated. This is partly because ridesharing is so new that laws have not yet caught up. It is also partly due to the fact that rideshare companies have complex insurance policies and passionate legal teams fighting for them.
Because rideshare accident cases are complicated, it is important that you work with an attorney who is familiar with this area of law. At The Dixon Firm, P.C., we have worked with clients injured in rideshare accidents for years. We know the complexities of these cases and how to get results.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are complicated because of the laws and insurance policies. Fundamentally, these accidents are as injurious as any auto accident. Rideshare accidents commonly result in injuries, such as:
Head injuries, including brain injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures or broken bones
- Cuts or lacerations
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
These are just examples of the physical injuries caused by a rideshare accident. Further injuries include emotional and psychological injuries caused by the trauma of the incident. Whether physical or psychological, auto accident injuries are serious and should never be underestimated.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Athens, GA
If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, are a pedestrian, or are in another vehicle involved in a rideshare accident, there are a few things you should do after an accident. We recommend that you do the following:
Make sure all parties that are involved in the accident are okay.
- Call 911 and request an ambulance and police response.
- Contact the rideshare service that is involved, such as Uber or Lyft.
- Fill out a complete police report at the scene.
- Document as much of the accident as possible.
- Collect information for all witnesses or involved parties.
- Keep copies of all medical summaries, records, invoices, or insurance statements.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Of course, in order to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you get the compensation or coverage that you deserve, it is a good idea to contact a skilled rideshare accident lawyer in Athens.
Compensation Available in Rideshare Accident Lawsuits
Rideshare accident lawsuits are like other personal injury claims in that you can recover damages if another party is responsible for your injuries. In Georgia, if you can prove that the other party was negligent in causing your injuries and losses, then you may be able to pursue compensation for losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damage
If you are permanently disabled, then you may also be able to claim additional damages. Similarly, if you have lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, then you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim and additional damages as applicable.
The best way to determine what sort of damage you may qualify for is to carefully review your accident situation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Athens.
Free Consultation with a Skilled Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Athens
If you have been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, contact The Dixon Firm, P.C. to find out more about your legal rights and options. Victims of negligence deserve to have a voice, and we are dedicated to helping you find yours – even in the face of strong corporate adversaries. Schedule a free consultation with the rideshare accident lawyer at The Dixon Firm, P.C. by calling 404-733-1166. You can also reach out to us via our online contact form.
