I Was Hit By a Rideshare Driver in Georgia, What Do I Do Now?

In recent years, ridesharing has become a popular way to get around Duluth and the Atlanta metro area, largely replacing traditional cab services. While companies like Uber or Lyft offer affordable and convenient transportation for passengers within most cities and suburbs, problems arise when rideshare drivers get into accidents with other drivers or pedestrians.

If you were the victim of a rideshare accident, as a passenger, a driver or a pedestrian, you can file an insurance claim or a legal claim and seek compensation for the damages you suffered.

Filing claims against large corporations, like Uber or Lyft, can be intimidating. These behemoth companies have their own legal teams ready to use every trick in the book to avoid liability. However, all of these companies have extended significant commercial liability policies to drivers in recent years, in large part due to state laws (O.C.G.A. § 33-1-24).

An experienced rideshare injury lawyer will use their legal expertise to hold both the rideshare company and driver accountable and help you get the fair outcome you deserve.

Rideshare Insurance Policies

Georgia law makes it clear that rideshare companies are responsible for providing insurance coverage to their passengers. In the event of an accident caused by a rideshare driver and subsequent injuries, you should never be told by a rideshare company to seek compensation for your medical bills or lost wages elsewhere.

According to Georgia’s public safety and insurance regulations, ridesharing companies must ensure their drivers have a minimum of one million in commercial liability insurance for their passengers. This means that if the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident, there should be plenty of coverage to pay for your personal injuries if you happened to be their passenger.

What If the Rideshare Driver Wasn’t at Fault for the Accident?

When the Uber or Lyft driver isn’t at fault, the insurance company of the driver who is at fault will likely be the first one to issue a payout to the injured passenger. If the driver who’s at fault doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage, rideshares will typically have an additional one million dollars of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to pay for the injuries of anyone who was riding in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident.

What If I Wasn’t in the Rideshare Vehicle?

Drivers and pedestrians who suffered injuries from an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver can still file a legal claim. However, chances are good the insurance policies that apply to rideshare passengers will not apply to other parties and the road to receiving compensation may be more complicated. You’re still likely to be successful in your pursuit of damages if you make a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance policy.

What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Georgia?

Just like with any other accident, time isn’t on your side, and you should act as quickly as possible.

• Seek medical attention: Adrenaline can mask pain after an accident. Strongly consider visiting a chiropractor or doctor after being involved in an accident.
• Get your driver’s name, license plate number and insurance information.
• Ask the rideshare company for GPS records. Uber and Lyft track each driver’s whereabouts and activities while they’re working.
• Report your accident to the rideshare company: You can call them or even use your phone application to fill out an accident report.
• Consider seeking legal advice if the insurance company is challenging or denying your claim.

Contact an Experienced Duluth Car Accident Injury Attorney

Duluth residents injured in rideshare accidents often benefit from the help of a personal injury attorney who will help ensure their claims are handled fairly and accurately. Personal injury attorney, Isaac F. Cotto is well-versed in the intricacies of Georgia rideshare and personal injury laws and will be happy to handle your case and guide you in the right direction.

For a free consultation, call us at (770) 817-7581 or send a message.