Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have experienced a massive surge in popularity in recent years and it isn’t hard to see why. Uber and Lyft offer an inexpensive yet convenient way to get around, but accidents can and do happen sometimes.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a rideshare accident, you should contact an experienced Smyrna Uber accident lawyer at Jamie Ballard Law. Call us today at 404-301-1687 to schedule your free consultation where we’ll discuss your rideshare auto accident and legal options.
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
Data showing the exact number of ridesharing accidents in recent years has been scant. Uber’s most recent safety report was published back in December 2019 and only covers the years 2017 to 2018. The report showed that during that period, there were 97 Uber-related crashes that resulted in 107 fatalities. However, it omitted all other accidents.
According to Lyft’s Community Safety Report, the ride-hailing company claims that there were 22, 34, and 49 reports of motor vehicle fatalities in 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
The most common types of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
Passenger Injury Due to the Uber or Lyft Driver’s Negligence
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash, you may be entitled to file a claim against the Uber/Lyft driver responsible for the accident.
Third-Party Injury Due to the Uber or Lyft Driver’s Liability
If you were struck by an Uber or Lyft vehicle as a pedestrian or other road user, you might be entitled to file a claim against the negligent Uber or Lyft driver.
Passenger Injury Due to Another Uber Driver’s Negligence
If you were a passenger in an Uber/Lyft and another Uber/Lyft struck your vehicle, you may be entitled to file a claim against the other Uber/Lyft driver.
Property Damage Due to an Uber or Lyft Driver’s Negligence
If a negligent Uber or Lyft driver caused an accident that resulted in property damage, you are entitled to file a claim for compensation against them.
Uber or Lyft Driver’s Injury Due to Their Own Negligence
If you were a driver in your own Uber or Lyft and were injured due to your own negligence, you will assume liability and will have to pursue compensation through your own insurance provider.
Uber or Lyft Driver’s Injury Due to Another Driver’s Negligence
Under or Lyft drivers can be injured too. If you are an Uber/Lyft driver and another vehicle struck you and you suffered injuries, you could have a claim against the other driver.
Uber/Lyft Driver and/or Passenger Injury Caused by a Malfunctioning/Defective Vehicle Part
If a malfunctioning/defective vehicle part caused an accident, then the Uber driver and passenger will both be entitled to a claim against the car’s manufacturer.
Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
Here are the parties that can be found liable in an Uber/Lyft accident:
Uber or Lyft Driver
If the Uber/Lyft driver was negligent and their negligence resulted in an accident and you suffered harm as a result, you could be entitled to file a lawsuit against them to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Rideshare Companies (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, which makes it complicated to sue the rideshare companies directly. Still, depending on the specifics of the accident, you may file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance provider to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Any Related Third Parties
Uber/Lyft drivers share the road with multiple other road users including cyclists, trucks, cars, and motorcycles. If you were involved in a Smyrna, GA Uber or Lyft accident, it doesn’t automatically mean that your Uber/Lyft driver was responsible. If your Uber/Lyft accident was caused by a third party, you could file a lawsuit against them to recover compensation for your losses and injuries.
How Do Uber Accident Cases Differ from Regular Car Accident Cases?
Uber accident cases differ from regular car accident cases due to the process involved in determining the party or parties responsible and determining which insurance companies to pursue to recover compensation. How this is determined depends on whether the app was online and if not, the rideshare company can’t be held accountable and you would have to deal with the driver instead.
If the Uber app was on, but the driver didn’t have a passenger or was waiting for a ride request at the time the accident occurred, they are covered by the company’s liability insurance. It includes $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 for bodily injuries per person, and $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident.
Suppose the Uber app was on at the time of the accident and the driver was actively driving a passenger. In that case, Uber/Lyft covers up to $1 million for damages as well as $1 million for accidents involving uninsured and underinsured motorists.
Rideshare accident cases require more attention than regular car accident cases. Liability isn’t always easy to determine. Fortunately, an Uber accident lawyer at Jamie Ballard law in Smyrna, GA can investigate your rideshare accident for you and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 404-301-1687 to schedule your free consultation.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?
Yes, as previously mentioned, Uber has $1 million liability insurance coverage to compensate victims of accidents caused by Uber drivers. However, this only applies if the Uber app was turned on during the time of the accident, the driver had passengers in the car, and the driver’s personal insurance cannot cover the resulting damages.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
If you have been in an Uber accident, here are the types of compensation you can pursue:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those suffered by the injured party resulting in financial loss. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Lost capacity to earn
- Long-term care costs
- Disability expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are those that have no directly quantifiable monetary loss. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of sense such as hearing or sight
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium/companionship
- Loss of limbs
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages for Uber and Lyft accidents are in a separate class from economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the individual demonstrates extreme recklessness and disregard for human life.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
If you have been offered a settlement in your Uber accident case, you can be sure that it is far less than you deserve. So, you shouldn’t just accept a settlement offer. Instead, you should hire a skilled Smyrna Uber accident lawyer like Jamie Ballard to handle all negotiations on your behalf so that you get what you fully deserve.
How Much Will a Symrna Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
Uber accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you are not required to pay any legal fees upfront to start your claim. You will only pay if and when your lawyer secures compensation for your claim. If the claim doesn’t result in financial compensation, you won’t owe anything in attorney’s fees.
Is there a Time Limit When It Comes to Filing an Uber Accident Claim?
Yes. In Georgia, you have just 2 years from the date of the accident to file your Uber accident claim. If you don’t file your claim within this period, you will be permanently barred from ever doing so in the future.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
It is important to have a lawyer representing you following an Uber accident case in Smyrna, GA for these reasons:
Settlement Negotiations
If your lawyer believes that your case can be settled, they will submit a demand letter to the at-fault party or the insurance company representing the at-fault party. This is the start of the settlement negotiations that will proceed until an amicable settlement is reached.
Case Preparation/Filing a Lawsuit
If the at-fault party’s insurance company doesn’t make a fair offer during settlement negotiations, then your Smyrna Uber accident lawyer will file a lawsuit in court. While this will result in a trial date being set, settlement negotiations will proceed and it is still possible that the claim will settle before trial.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If settlement negotiations fail, then your Uber accident lawyer will take the case to trial. Your attorney will present all the relevant evidence in court and present a strong case to maximize the chances of getting a favorable verdict.
Have You Been Injured in a Smyrna Uber Accident? We Can Help!
If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber Accident in Smyrna, GA, you need to speak with an experienced lawyer without delay. Jamie Ballard and her team at Jamie Ballard Law have the knowledge and experience to successfully pursue your claim and obtain all the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 404-301-1687 to schedule your free consultation about your Uber accident.
