Uber & Lyft’s Liability in an Accident
Establishing liability is rarely straightforward – and it can be even more complicated when an Uber or Lyft driver is involved. In Georgia, any driver at fault for an accident is liable for the harm they cause others. This harm might include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In most cases, the money to pay for these losses comes from that driver’s liability insurance provider. However, things get more complicated when the at-fault driver operates on behalf of a rideshare company.
In most cases, employers are responsible for accidents their employees cause while on the job. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are not employed by those companies. Instead, they are classified as contractors – meaning they are self-employed and connect with their customers through the rideshare companies’ apps.
When one of these drivers causes an accident, the insurance policy that applies depends on their status with the app. If the driver was off duty, meaning they did not have the app active, their own insurance policy covers the accident. If the driver had the app active and was looking for a ride request, both Uber and Lyft provide additional coverage. However, this coverage only becomes active if the driver’s own policy isn’t enough to cover the damage.
Considerably more coverage is available if the driver was driving with a rider or on their way to pick one up. Uber and Lyft are required by state law to provide up to $1 million in third-party liability and certain additional coverages in these circumstances.
How Much Will I Get for My Injuries in an Uber Accident?
For drivers with a rider or going to pick one up, Uber and Lyft both cover $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. This does not mean that you will receive $1,000,000 for the accident, though. The amount of money you can recover will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of income lost.
An insurance adjuster might tempt you to settle by offering what seems like a generous amount. However, this is likely far below what you deserve. After all, the insurance company aims to settle the claim as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Your goal should be to recover all the compensation you need to cover the costs of your medical treatments immediately after the accident and all future expenses needed to help you recover completely. You may need months or even years of physical, occupational, or psychological therapy. It takes time for medical professionals to assess if your injuries will improve, worsen, or remain stable over time. Your future earning potential also needs to be thoroughly understood. You need the help of an Uber or Lyft accident attorney to negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Why Hire a Canton Rideshare Lawyer?
The only way to obtain all the compensation you deserve in an Uber or Lyft accident is to document your losses completely. The Canton Uber attorneys with Geiger Legal Group, LLCÂ can help you do this. In addition, we can:
- Evaluate your case for free
- Review the facts of your case to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages
- Answer your questions and explain your legal options
- Gather the evidence necessary to substantiate your claim
- Work quickly to preserve evidence in your case
- Manage all the details of your claim from start to finish
- Fight for the total financial compensation you deserve
- Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies
- Fight for your legal rights in court if an insurer or at-fault party won’t agree to a fair settlement
- Stay on top of all the legal deadlines and processes so you don’t have to worry about them
How Long Do I Have to File My Rideshare Accident Injury Claim?
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this deadline applies to lawsuits rather than insurance claims, it does affect your attorney’s ability to negotiate the settlement you deserve. Insurance companies want to avoid the expense and uncertainty of trials. Your lawyer’s ability to force them into court is your biggest leverage.
The sooner you consult with our Uber or Lyft accident attorney, the more time we have to investigate the accident details, collect and preserve evidence, determine negligence, and prepare a convincing claim to demand the compensation you deserve.
Talk to Our Experienced Rideshare Lawyers in Canton Today
For more than 40 years, the team at Geiger Legal Group, LLC has helped people throughout Cherokee County and the surrounding communities get the compensation they need for accidents that were someone else’s fault. If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft collision, let us demand the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced rideshare lawyers in Canton.
