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Ridesharing is one of the most popular trends in transportation. Sadly, most people who use rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft don’t recognize the possible dangers and don’t know what to do if they are involved in an accident. At The Dixon Firm, P.C., we want to change that. If you have been involved in an auto accident – whether as an Uber or Lyft passenger or while driving another car – contact us to speak with our rideshare accident attorney in Jonesboro.
Personal Injury Claims We Handle
At The Dixon Firm, P.C., our personal injury lawyers have worked with clients in a wide variety of personal injury matters. We understand what it takes to build a case and get results. We have successfully litigated cases involving:
Georgia Uber & Lyft Rideshare Information
Uber and Lyft launched in 2011 and 2015 respectively. Since then, their business has expanded to dozens of cities, including many in the Metro Atlanta area. In Georgia, there are more than 5,000 Uber drivers, and likely as many Lyft drivers. Anyone who drives on Metro Atlanta roadways with any frequency has likely seen vehicles outfitted with Uber or Lyft decals.
Even though ridesharing is incredibly popular and demand is increasing, there is still a gap in related laws. Laws that currently exist are new and often are open to interpretation as there is not yet a lot of precedent for courts to work from. What that means for Georgia drivers is that accident cases involving ridesharing companies or drivers are complicated.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Jonesboro, GA
No matter what type of accident you were involved in – car, truck, pedestrian, or bicycle – the first thing you should do is call the police. Fill out an accident report and provide officers with any information that is relevant to your potential case. Because rideshare accident cases are more complicated, there are some additional steps you can take immediately after an accident to help prove your case. These include:
- Gather contact information for all other drivers involved, witnesses, and the reporting officer.
- Take photos of the accident, including any property damages.
- Get medical attention for any injuries and keep detailed records and copies of medical records and invoices.
- Take photos of your injuries immediately after the accident, and during treatment.
- Contact your insurance provider and file a claim.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
What NOT to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you file a personal injury claim against a rideshare driver or company, the burden is on you to prove that the other party (defendant) was at fault in causing your injuries. In the aftermath of an accident, and while you build your case, there are a few things that you should NOT do. These include:
- Do not admit fault at the accident scene, or during any interviews.
- Do not argue with other parties involved at the scene, or in subsequent conversations.
- Do not accept any settlement offered by your insurance adjuster, or that of the defendant, without having an attorney review the claim.
- Do not negotiate any settlement with the defendant outside of the insurance company or your attorney.
Complexities Related to Rideshare Accident Cases
There are a few complexities to rideshare accident cases that make it incredibly important for you to work with an attorney before filing or accepting a claim. For example, Uber and Lyft drivers may not technically be employed by the companies but can be independent contractors. That raises questions when attempting to prove liability because the companies often will deny that they are liable for a driver’s actions, claiming they are not “employees”.
Another complexity is insurance claims. Uber and Lyft have large insurance policies designed to cover accidents or injuries that drivers are involved in. However, with arguments over who is liable, you may find that your claim has been denied. This is especially a concern if your injuries occurred while the rideshare driver was between fares or was off the clock.
If you were injured as a passenger of an Uber or Lyft, it may be easier for you to obtain insurance coverage for your injuries, as clearly, you were not at fault for the accident. Whether your rideshare driver was at fault or another driver will impact how your case moves forward and whether their individual auto insurance policy will cover your injuries and expenses.
Why You Need a Jonesboro Rideshare Accident Attorney to File a Claim
As you can see, there are many complexities to filing a claim after a rideshare accident. Fortunately, if you work with a skilled rideshare accident attorney, you can recover damages from your accident. Like other personal injury claims, you may be able to recover damages for your:
- Medical Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
Other damages may be applicable depending on the individual facts of your case. If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, contact The Dixon Firm. Let our rideshare accident attorney in Jonesboro help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
