Rideshare Accident Lawyer Atlanta
In the bustling urban landscape of Atlanta, rideshare services have become an integral part of daily life, offering convenience and accessibility. However, when accidents involving rideshare vehicles occur, the ensuing legal complexities can be overwhelming. At Fox Injury Law, we recognize the challenges faced by those involved in rideshare accidents and are here to provide steadfast support. Our team of experienced legal professionals specializes in rideshare accident claims, ensuring that victims receive the guidance and representation they need during this trying time. If you find yourself in the aftermath of a rideshare accident, don’t navigate the complexities alone. Contact Fox Injury Law at 404-948-5619 for a free consultation with our dedicated rideshare accident lawyers, ready to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents in Georgia
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a fast, accessible, and affordable alternative to traditional taxicab services. Particularly, in metropolitan areas like Atlanta, rideshare services are considered a safer and more convenient option than public transportation.
Due to the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the roads, the risk of accidents has also increased considerably. A study conducted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2019 showed that since the arrival of app-based rideshare services, the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents has increased by 3%.
Fatigued Driving
Rideshare drivers are generally paid based on the number of trips they complete. In an effort to make more money, many rideshare drivers tend to accept as many rides as they possibly can.
Pertaining to this, many people who drive for Uber and Lyft already have another job, which means they have to put in a full shift somewhere else on a regular basis – even more so because of inflation which means everything just costs more nowadays. As a result, many of these drivers are overworked and fatigued, which increases the risk of accidents significantly.
Distracted Driving
Many rideshare drivers have the bad habit of keeping their focus on the app while driving their vehicle – to check for new ride requests or for whatever reason. This kind of distraction can prove to be deadly, especially at busy intersections.
Speeding
Rideshare services are known for their speed and efficiency. To complete their trips as fast as possible, many rideshare drivers tend to speed or drive too fast for the conditions. It’s also one of the factors that contribute to rideshare accidents.
Lack of Maintenance
People who drive for Uber and Lyft are required to maintain their own vehicles. Many people who drive for these companies struggle to make ends meet and fail to maintain their vehicles properly. Lack of maintenance can lead to vehicular malfunctions, which in turn can result in serious accidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do not directly employ the people who drive for them. The drivers are classified as independent contractors. At the same time, Uber and Lyft maintain third-party liability insurance policies on behalf of all their drivers. However, these policies come into effect only when the drivers are on duty.
When a driver is on duty but has not accepted any ride request, Uber and Lyft offer limited coverage as follows.
- $50,000 per person for bodily injuries
- $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 in property damage
When a driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or when they are on their way to drop off a passenger, Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in extended third-party liability coverage.
On the other hand, if you are injured by an off-duty rideshare driver, you need to sue them personally and recover damages from the driver’s auto insurance company – just like you would in case of an accident involving a passenger vehicle.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover in an Atlanta Rideshare Accident Claim?
The amount of compensation you can recover depends on how serious your injuries are, whether you might need more treatment in the future, whether you are physically or cognitively impaired as a result of your injuries, whether your earning potential has been affected, and whether the overall quality of your life has been affected.
Depending on these factors, we can help you recover the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses (including the cost of transportation to the hospital, emergency care, diagnostic tests, lab tests, surgery, physician’s charges, prescription medications, and more)
- Future medical expenses (estimated cost of treatment and care you might need in the future)
- Cost of physical therapy (to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and other mental health problems you might have developed as a result of the accident)
- Physical rehabilitation costs
- Cost of buying crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices (if you are physically disabled as a result of your injuries)
- Current loss of income
- Loss of future earning potential (if your ability to work and earn a living has been impacted by a physical or cognitive disability)
- Property damage (cost of repairing or replacing items damaged in the accident)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life (if you are unable to enjoy your life as you used to in the past due to a physical or cognitive problem caused by your injuries)
In addition to this, if your ability to have an intimate relationship with your spouse is affected in any way by your injuries, your spouse can file a loss of consortium claim against the rideshare driver and seek damages for loss of love, affection, intimacy, support, and household services.
Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Experienced Atlanta Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today
In the aftermath of a rideshare accident, the road to recovery can be complex and challenging. Fox Injury Law is here to serve as your unwavering ally in this journey, offering the expertise of our dedicated rideshare accident attorneys. We understand the unique nuances of these cases and are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Your well-being is our priority, and that’s why Fox Injury Law invites you to take the first step toward resolution by scheduling a free consultation at 404-948-5619. Let us guide you through the legal intricacies, advocating for your rights and ensuring a brighter future after a rideshare accident. Your path to recovery begins with Fox Injury Law – your trusted partner in seeking justice.