Rideshare collisions often lead to confusion over who is responsible for injuries and damages. If you were hurt in an Uber-related crash, the Uber accident lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. in Carrollton can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation. Call 770-205-8887 for a free consultation to discuss your case and next steps.
Understanding Your Legal Options After an Uber Accident in Georgia
Rideshare services like Uber have changed the way people travel. They’re convenient and often more affordable than traditional taxis. But just like any other vehicle on the road, Ubers can get into accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving an Uber in Georgia, you may wonder who is responsible and whether you can take legal action.
The answer depends on several factors, including who caused the crash, the status of the Uber driver at the time, and the details of your injuries. Georgia law does allow injured victims to pursue compensation, but suing Uber directly is not always straightforward.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After an Uber Accident
Responsibility in an Uber-related crash usually falls into one of three categories:
- The Uber driver was at fault
- Another driver caused the accident
- A mechanical failure or unsafe road condition played a role
If the Uber driver caused the accident, you might be able to file a claim against their insurance or Uber’s commercial policy, depending on what they were doing at the time. If a third-party driver caused the crash, your claim would likely be against that driver. In some cases, multiple parties share fault, which can make the claims process more complex.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage in Georgia
Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s activity. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Driver is offline or off-duty: Uber’s insurance does not apply. The driver’s personal insurance policy would be responsible.
- Driver is online and waiting for a ride request: Uber provides limited liability coverage. This includes up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage is only used if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the damages.
- Driver is en route to pick up a rider or is transporting a rider: Uber provides $1 million in liability coverage. This is the most robust coverage and typically applies if you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or hit by an Uber vehicle during an active trip.
This tiered system is important. It can significantly affect the compensation available to you, and insurers may dispute which coverage applies.
Can You Sue Uber Directly
Suing Uber itself is often difficult. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This limits the company’s liability under Georgia law. While it is possible to pursue legal action against Uber in certain situations, those cases are rare and usually involve company negligence, such as failure to properly screen drivers.
Instead of suing Uber directly, most accident victims pursue compensation through insurance claims—either the Uber driver’s personal policy, Uber’s commercial coverage, or another driver’s insurer.
When a Lawsuit Might Be Necessary
In many cases, a settlement through insurance is possible. However, there are situations where filing a lawsuit is necessary to recover full compensation. For example:
- Your medical bills and losses exceed available policy limits
- The insurance company denies your claim or delays payments
- Multiple parties are disputing fault
- You suffered long-term or permanent injuries
In these situations, a lawsuit may be filed against the responsible driver, or in rare cases, against Uber if negligence by the company can be proven.
What to Do If You’re Injured in an Uber Accident in Georgia
After any accident, your actions matter. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a crash involving an Uber:
- Call the police and get an official report
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and contact information from witnesses
- Get the Uber driver’s name and insurance information
- Take screenshots of your ride details from the app
- Speak with a personal injury attorney before discussing the accident with insurance adjusters
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be—whether it leads to an insurance settlement or a lawsuit.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Handling a rideshare accident claim is not the same as a standard car accident. Uber’s layered insurance policies, legal disclaimers, and use of independent contractors all create added complications. A skilled attorney can investigate the crash, determine who is responsible, and guide you through the best path forward. They can also protect your rights when dealing with large insurance companies and help you recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Future care needs
- Property damage
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Delaying action can hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
Every crash is different. Getting legal advice early can help you avoid mistakes and secure the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney familiar with rideshare accidents can explain your options and handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
Speak with an Uber Accident Attorney in Carrollton Today
Rideshare injury claims can involve multiple insurance companies and unclear liability. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving Uber, don’t try to navigate the process alone. The Uber accident attorney at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 770-205-8887 to schedule your free consultation and get trusted legal support.