Given the complexity and continuously evolving law in this area, hiring an experienced Uber accident lawyer in Atlanta is critical in proving the case and recovering for you or a loved one’s injuries.
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing options are affordable and convenient ways to get around whether you are traveling out of town or in your own city. But if you are involved in an accident while using a ride-sharing service, how to handle the situation and how to determine which party is at fault can be a bit more complicated than a typical vehicle accident.
If you have been injured while using Uber or Lyft in the Atlanta area, it is crucial that you contact an experience personal injury lawyer who can help you determine which party or parties are responsible for compensating you for your injuries, medical bills, and even time off from work. Call The Baer Law Firm today at 404.THE.BAER (404.843.2237). Atlanta car accident lawyer Bryan Baer will meet with you virtually or in person for a free consultation to answer your questions.
In Georgia, most taxi drivers are considered independent contractors although there are exceptions to this rule. The same is true for Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share operators. They are independent contractors pursuant to their agreements with the parent companies of these ride-share organizations.
Companies are typically not legally responsible for the negligence of a person hired as an independent contractor the same way that companies are legally liable for negligence of an employee. That said, there are good arguments that can be made as to why a ride-sharing company such as Uber and Lyft should be held liable for the negligence of their driver (this is sometimes called vicarious or imputed liability). Additionally, Uber and Lyft require its users to click on a Ride-Sharing Agreement requiring that disputes be resolved in arbitration depriving injured riders of a trial by jury.
The good news is that even if you cannot hold Uber and Lyft legally liable for their drivers’ negligence, they do have $1,000,000.00 in coverage available for their drivers. By comparison, taxi companies typically only have $25,000.00 in coverage available for their drivers. If you happen to be badly hurt in a wreck, you are for more likely to receive a better result in an Uber or Lyft vehicle as opposed to a taxi.
Ride-sharing services have revolutionized urban travel, and insurance rules relating to this industry continue to evolve. If you are injured in an accident while using Uber or Lyft, there will likely be many parties involved in your case including the ride-share company and their insurance company. Because of this, there can be an increased level of dispute about who is responsible for paying damages to injured passengers.
These factors, in addition to the ride-sharing agreement required by Uber and Lyft, make an accident claim involving a ride-sharing service more complicated than other types of car accidents. If you are severely hurt from the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver you need an experienced Atlanta Lyft accident attorney to navigate the ride-sharing agreement and vicarious liability issues. Otherwise, you could end up receiving less than your injuries warrant.
At The Baer Law Firm, our team of experienced professionals will:
Determining fault in a ride-sharing accident can be difficult. With multiple parties involved, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to try to pass the blame off to another party. When you work with The Baer Law Firm on your Uber or Lyft accident claim, we understand how important it is to make sure your medical bills are paid timely. Our team will work with insurance companies and providers on your behalf to get bills paid in a way that ultimately maximizes your recovery.
When you choose to engage The Baer Law Firm, you will gain advocates who are dedicated to helping you recover the total amount of compensation you are entitled to recover. We understand that maximizing your recovery begins with building a case on a solid foundation that is unshakable. That way, we are prepared to go to trial for you and the other side knows we are prepared to go to trial which is typically the only way you are going to obtain the deserved recovery.
At The Baer Law Firm, we handle personal injury cases like Uber and Lyft accidents on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only owe legal fees if you win your case through an agreed upon settlement or judgment from the court. If we cannot prevail on your behalf, you do not owe any legal fees.
If you are seriously injured as a result of an Uber or Lyft accident, contact attorney Bryan Baer at The Baer Law Firm. Attorney Bryan Baer has handled hundreds of cases for people seriously injured in car accidents and has the expertise to obtain results victims deserve. Call 404.THE.BAER (404.843.2237) or fill out our online contact form so we may discuss your case in a free consultation.