- Car Accidents
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more convenient than ever, but they also come with risks. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles are increasingly common in Georgia and across the country.
If you are a passenger in a rideshare accident, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you should take. Uber and Lyft accident cases can be complicated, especially when multiple insurance policies are involved.
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer from Wade Law can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Contact our car accident lawyers today for a free case review!
What to Do As a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident
A rideshare accident can be a chaotic and confusing experience. Whether your rideshare driver caused the accident or another vehicle was at fault, it’s important to document the incident and protect your legal rights. Here’s what passengers should do after an Uber or Lyft accident.
Contact the Police
The first and most important step after any accident is to call 911 and request medical assistance if anyone is hurt. If the Uber or Lyft driver doesn’t call the police, do it yourself. Law enforcement officers will gather statements from those involved and create an official accident report. The police report is crucial for your case as a rideshare passenger.
Collect Insurance and Contact Information
You should get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved in the accident. This includes:
- Your rideshare driver
- The other driver(s) involved in the crash
- Any witnesses who saw what happened
Additionally, take note of the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. If possible, ask your rideshare driver to provide proof that they were actively using the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash. Rideshare companies have specific insurance policies based on whether the driver was actively engaged in a ride.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
Gather evidence at the rideshare accident scene if you can. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- The vehicles and any visible damage
- The surrounding area, including traffic signs or road conditions
- Any injuries you sustained
- Skid marks, debris, or other relevant details
If there were any eyewitnesses, ask for their contact information. Their statements may be valuable in supporting your Uber or Lyft accident claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions, may not present symptoms right away. Delaying medical care can put your health at risk and make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the rideshare accident.
Keep records of all medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments. These documents will be essential when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Report the Crash to Uber or Lyft
After ensuring your safety and gathering the necessary information, report the accident to the rideshare company. Uber and Lyft have options for passengers to report accidents in the app.
However, be cautious when providing details, as rideshare companies and insurers may attempt to minimize liability. Avoid making statements that could be used against you, such as admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Our team at Wade Law has extensive experience representing passengers in Uber and Lyft accidents. A rideshare accident lawyer can help:
- Identify the at-fault driver
- Determine which insurance policies apply to your case
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation
- File a lawsuit if necessary
We fight to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Who Is Responsible for Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Determining fault in a rideshare accident can be complex. Responsible parties may include:
- The rideshare driver, if they were negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving)
- Another driver who caused the crash
- Uber or Lyft, if the company’s policies or actions contributed to the accident
- A third party, such as a manufacturer of a defective vehicle part
Because rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, they often attempt to deny liability for accidents. However, Georgia law allows injured passengers to pursue compensation through Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies.
Insurance Coverage for Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare companies carry liability insurance, but coverage depends on whether the driver is logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger.
- If the rideshare app is off, the driver’s auto insurance covers the accident.
- If the driver has the app on and is waiting for a request, Uber and Lyft insurance covers $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Lyft and Uber insurance cover $1 million when a driver is transporting a passenger.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with multiple insurance companies and complex legal procedures. Having a skilled attorney by your side can make all the difference in your case.
Building a Strong Case
One of the most critical aspects of any personal injury case is collecting strong evidence to prove fault and establish the extent of your damages.
A rideshare accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into your case, obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage. Your attorney will help secure digital evidence from Uber or Lyft, such as ride history, driver logs, and GPS data.
They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash happened and who should be held responsible. Without the right evidence, insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or deny your claim altogether.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line over fair compensation for accident victims. Uber, Lyft, and their insurance providers have teams of attorneys working for them. Without legal representation, you may be pressured into accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your actual losses.
A rideshare accident lawyer knows the tactics insurers use to reduce settlements and will aggressively negotiate on your behalf.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
Many rideshare accident cases settle outside of court. However, an experienced lawyer can represent you in a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement. Having a lawyer who is prepared to go to trial sends a strong message to insurance companies that you won’t settle for less than what you’re owed.
A rideshare accident attorney will handle all aspects of the litigation process, including filing legal documents, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and advocating for you before a judge and jury.
Contact Wade Law for a Free Case Review
Being injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. By taking the right steps such as contacting the police, seeking medical care, and consulting a lawyer, you can protect your rights.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a rideshare accident in Georgia, Wade Law is here to help. Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers understand the complexities of Uber and Lyft accidents and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
