Uber Accident Lawyer in Fayetteville, GA
Did you get hurt in an accident involving an Uber driver? Was the Uber driver or another party at fault for the wreck? If so, contact the Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. Uber accident lawyers in Fayetteville immediately to discuss your legal options.
Rideshare companies like Uber offer transportation services similar to traditional taxis. However, these companies have apps that facilitate rideshare requests directly through a smartphone, tablet, or computer, making the process more convenient. Although ridesharing has become increasingly popular over the years, these services come with dangers most people don’t think about.
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we understand the aftermath of a car crash can be confusing and scary. The good news is that you can take steps to hold the at-fault party accountable and demand monetary compensation for your crash-related losses. Call us today at 770-205-2231 for a free consultation with a Fayetteville Uber accident lawyer to learn more.
How You Could Be Involved in an Uber Accident
It’s possible to sustain injuries in an Uber accident in numerous ways. For instance, you might get hurt if an Uber driver runs a red light and crashes into your vehicle, gets into an accident while carrying you as a rideshare passenger, or strikes you while you’re walking in a crosswalk.
The three most common ways you can be involved in a collision with an Uber driver are:
- As a rideshare passenger
- As a pedestrian or cyclist
- As a driver or passenger in another car
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
Uber drivers do not have special training or licensure like other commercial drivers. As a result, these operators are just as likely to cause accidents as anyone else. Common causes of Uber accidents in Fayetteville include:
- Driving under the influence – Some Uber drivers pick up passengers after consuming drugs or alcohol. Driving under the influence places others in harm’s way.
- Unsafe lane changes – Using a turn signal and checking blind spots is necessary before changing lanes. An Uber driver might sideswipe another vehicle if they don’t check their surroundings before merging or turning.
- Driving while fatigued – Fatigued driving is more dangerous than people think. It compromises safe driving abilities, such as cognitive functioning, reaction time, and decision-making. Exhausted Uber drivers have an increased risk of causing accidents.
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals – Traffic signs and signals inform motorists of what to do under specific circumstances, such as yielding to others or slowing down for a sharp curve. Ignoring those directions can lead to devastating Uber accidents.
- Tailgating – Uber drivers must avoid tailgating or following behind other cars too closely, as this practice doesn’t allow drivers enough space to slow down or stop when necessary.
- Distracted driving – Uber drivers often follow GPS directions and send and receive text messages when picking up passengers and bringing them to their destinations. Looking away from the road at a text or GPS readout, even for a few seconds, increases the risk of an accident.
- Speeding – Speeding can cause highly-destructive accidents that lead to life-threatening injuries and death. Uber drivers who speed are far more likely to cause severe or fatal accidents.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Uber Accidents
Injuries from an Uber accident can vary depending on the circumstances. You can get hurt riding in an Uber driver’s car, crossing the road in front of an Uber, or driving another vehicle that collides with an Uber. Common injuries in Uber accidents include:
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Emotional distress
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Concussions
- Paralysis
Possible Compensation Uber Accident Injury Claims
Uber carries multiple types and amounts of insurance coverage to pay for injuries and losses from crashes involving Uber drivers. However, this insurance doesn’t apply in all situations. It only applies to accidents that occur when Uber drivers are on duty.
The available insurance limits depend on what the driver is doing when the collision occurs. For example:
- If the Uber driver is giving a ride or on the way to pick up passengers – $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance is available
- If the Uber driver is available and waiting for a request from a passenger – $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $25,000 per accident in property damage coverage, is available
Uber’s insurance policies won’t apply if the Uber driver has their app turned off and isn’t waiting for a ride request when the accident occurs. If an accident involves an off-duty Uber driver and they are at fault, only their personal liability insurance will apply.
In Georgia, every owner of a motor vehicle registered in the state must carry liability insurance that includes the following minimum coverage:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in an accident
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in an accident
- $10,000 for accident-related property damage
If you got hurt in an Uber accident, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover money for:
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Past and future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Lost earning ability
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions our clients commonly ask us after Uber accidents.
Can I sue Uber?
It depends. Employers are generally liable for their employees, but Uber drivers aren’t technically employees. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which largely shields the company from liability. Suing Uber is rarely possible, but you can file a claim against Uber’s insurance policy if you get hurt in an Uber accident.
Is there a deadline to file an Uber accident lawsuit?
Yes. Georgia law gives you a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit after most preventable injuries. That means you usually have two years from the accident date to file suit against the Uber driver.
Should I hire a lawyer after an Uber accident?
Yes. It’s always a good idea to hire a local Fayetteville car accident lawyer after an accident someone else causes. With help from an experienced attorney who specializes in rideshare or Uber accidents, you have a much better chance of recovering the money you deserve for your injuries and related losses.
Contact a Fayetteville Uber Accident Lawyer Today
If you sustained injuries in an Uber accident that wasn’t your fault, call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. at 770-205-2231 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
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