Douglasville Uber Accident Attorney

Ridesharing services like Uber have exploded in popularity in recent years, with tens of millions of people using apps like Uber every month. With that many ridesharing trips, an increase in traffic accidents is inevitable.

If you were involved in an Uber accident in Douglasville, Georgia, the knowledgeable attorneys of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., can help with your case while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today for your free initial consultation to learn how our professional advocates can seek fair compensation for your losses.

How Do You Determine Liability for Uber Accidents in Georgia?

Determining who is liable for a Georgia Uber accident can be difficult. In most cases, employers are responsible for the actions of their employees. However, Uber hires its drivers as “independent contractors.” This subtle distinction – in theory – allows Uber to distance itself from drivers and limit the company’s responsibility when its drivers are involved in Georgia car accidents.

As a result, it’s typically very difficult to sue Uber directly after a ridesharing accident. However, depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties may be partially or fully liable in an Uber wreck:

• The Uber driver – The Uber driver may be at fault if they were distracted, impaired, drowsy, or otherwise negligent when the accident occurred. If so, you may have grounds for a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy or Uber’s liability insurance policy.
• Another driver – In some cases, another driver may be responsible for the accident. If a non-Uber driver was at fault for the accident, you would likely be limited to recovering money from their personal auto insurance provider.

How Do Insurance Policies Work for Uber?

If you were involved in an accident with an Uber driver or as the passenger of an Uber driver, it could be challenging to determine what types of insurance coverage may be available. The answer could look very different depending on the status of the Uber driver when the crash occurred:

• If the driver was off-duty and not available on the Uber app – If an Uber driver is not actively available for ridesharing, they are considered off-duty and not covered by Uber’s liability insurance policies. That means the driver’s personal liability insurance is likely the only coverage available. In Georgia, drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, and at least $25,000 per accident in property damage coverage.
• If the driver was available or waiting for a ride request on the Uber app – If the driver was available for a ride but not actively transporting or picking up passengers when the accident occurred, Uber’s third-party liability policies cover them to a limited extent. Suppose the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance coverage doesn’t apply. In that case, accident victims can claim up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and up to $25,000 per accident for property damage from Uber’s limited insurance policy.
• If the driver was en route to pick up a rider or on a rideshare trip – If the Uber driver was carrying or picking up passengers when the accident occurred, they are fully covered by Uber’s liability insurance policies. That means victims can claim up to $1 million for bodily injury or property damage per accident.

Who Can Sue After an Uber Accident?

If you were injured in an Uber accident due to someone else’s negligence, you might have grounds to sue the at-fault party in a personal injury lawsuit. You could be eligible to file a lawsuit if you are:

• A motorist who was injured in an Uber accident while driving in another vehicle
• A passenger who was injured in the accident while riding in an Uber
• A pedestrian or cyclist who was struck by an Uber driver or another vehicle involved in an Uber accident

Under Georgia law, you have just two years from the date of the Uber accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. If you wait to sue until after the two-year deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.
If dismissed, you will lose your right to demand compensation for your losses.

How Can an Uber Accident Attorney Help Me?

Rideshare accident claims can be very complex. Determining who is at fault, filing claims against the right parties, dealing with multiple insurance companies, and supporting your case with solid evidence can be difficult when you’re on your own.

That is why working with an Uber accident attorney is vital. An experienced attorney will understand the nuances of liability and how they apply in your situation. At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our knowledgeable Douglasville lawyers can help you protect your legal rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and claim fair compensation for your medical costs and other accident-related losses.

What If My Georgia Uber Driver Didn’t Have Insurance?

Many Uber drivers may assume their personal insurance coverage will kick in if they are at fault for a rideshare accident. Still, some insurance companies may deny coverage if the driver was operating commercially without the right policy. So, what happens if the Uber driver is at-fault in a Georgia accident but is not covered by a valid insurance policy?

Your first option would typically involve looking to the insurance coverage Uber provides for its drivers, as discussed above. If you still need another coverage option, it may be possible to pursue benefits from your auto policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

Contact a Douglasville Uber Accident Lawyer Now

An Uber accident can result in painful injuries and life-changing consequences. Fortunately, a Douglasville Uber accident lawyer can help you face these challenges and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., today to speak to our qualified attorneys in a free, no-risk case review.

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