Uber and Lyft are becoming more and more popular in the U.S. and all over the world. When using a rideshare service, you aren’t thinking about the possibility of an accident. Sadly, careless Uber and Lyft drivers can cause accidents that injure passengers and others on the road.
You shouldn’t have the shoulder the cost of medical bills and other expenses after an Uber accident that wasn’t your fault. Uber and Lyft will do everything they can to deny or underpay your claim. As massive companies, they have teams of skilled attorneys on their side.
You need an experienced Gainesville Uber accident lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve. At H Groves Law, we have handled hundreds of cases and won millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We don’t get paid until you get what you deserve.
Call our Gainesville car accident lawyers at (770) 329-1868 today for a free case review.
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
The statistics surrounding Uber and Lyft accidents are quite troubling. Some research has trailed the surge in Uber and Lyft crashes.
The National Bureau of Economic Research conducted a study in 2020 and discovered that rideshare services are associated with a 3% increase in the number of fatal crashes, encompassing not only passengers but also pedestrians. The 3% rise suggests an extra 987 lost lives every year.
According to another study released in the Southern Economic Journal, it’s estimated that around 1,000 auto crash fatalities every day can be linked to the rising number of rideshare cars on roads.
According to an Uber Safety Report, Uber cars were involved in 97 fatal crashes in 2017 and 2018. Those collisions caused 107 deaths.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Here are the common types of rideshare accidents.
- Passenger injury resulting from the negligent actions of the Lyft or Uber driver.
- Third-party injury caused by the negligent actions of an Uber and Lyft driver.
- Passenger injury resulting from the negligence of another rideshare driver (Lyft/Uber).
- Property damage caused by the negligence of an Uber and Lyft driver.
- Uber and Lyft driver injury because of their own negligence.
- Uber and Lyft driver injury arising from the negligent actions of another driver.
- Passenger and driver injury because of a malfunctioning or defective vehicle component.
Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
In a standard auto crash, either you or the other motorist is responsible for the crash. The party who caused the crash is responsible for paying for the damages. However, liability in rideshare accidents is more complicated.
Uber or Lyft Driver
A rideshare driver is expected to behave professionally and transport their occupants to their destination safely. The Uber or Lyft driver can be held liable if they behaved in a careless way or ignored traffic laws.
The Rideshare Companies
Rideshare companies generally try to deny liability on the grounds that rideshare drivers are independent contractors. However, there are situations where the company can be held liable for its drivers’ actions.
Rideshare companies must do extensive background checks to make sure they hire certified and reputable drivers. If the driver is guilty of sexual assault, robbery, drunk driving, etc, the rideshare company can be considered responsible for subsequent injuries.
Any Related Third Parties
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles may result from the negligent actions of other third parties like pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. In cases like these, you may have grounds to file a negligence claim against the third party or their insurer.
You can sue the parts and vehicle manufacturers if defective parts contributed to your accident. You can also file a claim against government institutions for poor road conditions.
How Are Uber Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accident Cases?
The main difference between Uber accident cases and typical auto crash cases is insurance coverage. Uber drivers are required to have personal insurance in the event of an accident. The driver’s personal insurance pays for the damages if the driver is offline or the Uber app is off.
If the app was online and the driver was waiting for a request, Uber’s third-party liability insurance covers up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person and up to $100,000 for bodily injury per accident. This only coverage only kicks in if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply.
If the app is on and the driver is in the middle of transporting or going to pick up a client, Uber’s insurance policy provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy For Accidents?
Uber insurance coverage depends on the status of the driver in the moments leading to the crash. If the app is on and the driver is in the middle of transporting or going to pick up a client, Uber’s insurance policy provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
The driver’s personal insurance pays for the damages if the driver is offline or the Uber app is off.
If the app was online and the driver was waiting for a request, Uber’s third-party liability insurance covers up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person and up to $100,000 for bodily injury per accident. This only coverage only kicks in if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
Depending on the specific details of the accident, you may be able to claim three types of damages in an Uber accident case.
Economic Damages
These damages can be summed up and given a figure. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, property damage, lost earning capability, and lost income.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are difficult to compute and can’t be measured. They include emotional distress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of companionship.
Punitive Damages
These damages are meant to punish the offender and dissuade others from similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are only awarded when it’s proven that the driver acted with malice or reckless disregard for the welfare of others.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
Never accept any settlement proposal following your Uber accident without consulting with a Gainesville Uber accident attorney first. The liable party and the insurance carrier will often quickly offer you a settlement amount that’s less than what you deserve.
When you consult our attorneys at H Groves Law, we will compute the actual value and ensure you receive your deserved compensation.
How Much Will a Gainesville Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our Gainesville Uber accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront costs. You don’t pay any attorney fees until we win. If we don’t recover compensation for you, then you don’t pay us anything.
Are There Time Limits For Filing an Uber Accident Claim?
Georgia law stipulates that you have two years following the Uber accident date to file your personal injury claim. If you lost a loved one, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the death. If you miss the deadline, you risk having your case dismissed.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
It’s normal to feel confused and overwhelmed after a rideshare accident. Our experienced Gainesville Uber accident lawyers will handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
A rideshare lawyer will help you to gather critical evidence that proves the responsible party’s negligence. Rideshare cars have GPS systems and use electronic records to establish the location of drivers. Many have dash cams that record the vehicle’s surroundings. We will also look at police reports, medical records, and witness testimony.
A qualified Uber accident attorney will put together a strong case and make sure all the legal paperwork is filed correctly.
Settlement Negotiations
Insurers and their legal team will try to devalue or deny your claim. Our legal team is familiar with the tactics that insurance companies use to take advantage of rideshare accident victims. An attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you get the best possible settlement offer.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If the insurer is unwilling to pay fair compensation, a qualified lawyer can decide to take the matter to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation you’re owed.
Call Our Gainesville Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today!
If you’ve sustained an injury in an Uber accident, you can depend on our accident lawyers at H Groves Law to advise you and steer you through the claims procedure. We have expansive experience and will be resolute when seeking a favorable case outcome.
Uber and Lyft will do everything they can to deny or underpay your claim. As massive companies, they have teams of skilled attorneys on their side. Don’t risk handling your case alone. Our experienced and skilled Uber accident attorneys in Gainesville, Georgia are ready to fight for you.
Our team at H Groves Law has won millions on behalf of clients. Please get in touch with us at (770) 329-1868 to schedule a free consultation.
