Ride-sharing apps have brought rise to a new way of seamless travel. You only need to get on your app to find a ride to your destination in Decatur and around Georgia. Thanks to Uber, established in 2009, travel is now easy and convenient.
Even with all the praise around the apps, cabs have increased the number of accidents on our roads. Uber auto accident victims should claim compensation after injuries or damage to property. Filing insurance claims may drain an accident victim. Complications in the claim process can also be disheartening.
An experienced auto accident attorney can take you through the claims process and help you obtain fitting compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Contact the legal team at SHElaw firm® today at 470-788-8930 to get help with your Uber accident claim. Our Decatur Uber accident lawyers will answer any questions that you may have regarding your Uber or Lyft accident.
Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics
Research shows that the rate of accidents has risen since 2014, upon the introduction of ride-sharing cabs into the U.S. market. According to research by John Barrios of the University of Chicago in Illinois and Yael Hochberg of Rice University, since the emergence of ride-sharing apps, fatal motor vehicle accidents have increased by roughly 3%.
Of all the accidents reported between 2017 and 2018, Uber contributed to 97 fatal crashes and 107 fatalities. Approximately 90% of the accidents were in urban areas. Additionally, 31% of the accidents involved pedestrians, while 65% involved other vehicles.
Of the total fatalities, 67% were Uber occupants, while 31% were not Uber riders.
What Are the Most Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?
While it is lovely to catch an Uber or Lyft in Decatur or any other area in Georgia, you want to stay safe during your ride.
Accidents can interrupt your peaceful journey and leave you with severe injuries. Here are some common types of Uber and Lyft accidents in the Decatur area:
- Passenger injury because of the negligence of the Uber and Lyft driver.
- Third-party injury due to the liability of an Uber and Lyft driver.
- Passenger injury due to the negligence of another Uber driver.
- Property damage due to the negligence of an Uber and Lyft driver.
- Uber and Lyft driver injuries due to their negligence.
- Uber and Lyft driver injury due to the negligence of another driver.
- Passenger and driver injury due to a defective car part.
Who Can be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?
When an accident occurs, you should contact an experienced Decatur Uber accident lawyer to help you identify the at-fault party. Police who arrive at the scene of the crash may establish the at-fault party and prepare an incident report once they assess evidence such as vehicle damage.
Here are some parties that could be at fault during an accident:
Uber or Lyft Driver
Sometimes an Uber or Lyft driver may be at fault. They may be distracted by their phone or absent-minded. They may also ignore traffic lights leading to accidents. An Uber or Lyft driver found guilty of traffic rules violations, like speeding or drunk driving, may face federal and state laws.
Rideshare Companies
Sometimes ride share companies can expose their customers to road accidents. If an Uber or Lyft driver gets a job despite a long record of breaking traffic rules, the rideshare company may be liable for the accident. A professional Uber accident lawyer in Decatur can determine whether the company is vicariously liable by proving issues such as negligent hiring practices or inadequate driver training.
Any Related Third Parties
Sometimes other drivers on the road can cause an accident. For instance, another driver may hit your Uber, causing an accident. You may enlist the help of a competent Decatur Uber accident lawyer if another driver’s negligence leads to your injury.
How Are Uber Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accident Cases?
An Uber accident is different from a personal car accident. Uber has three forms of insurance coverage which include:
- A commercial insurance coverage
- Passenger auto insurance
- Uber driver’s insurance policy
A typical auto insurance coverage is about $15,000. Additionally, Uber insurance coverage applies when a driver is awaiting passengers. Uber’s insurance cover also applies when drivers are available. It pays out $50,000 for bodily harm for every person and $25,000 for property damage.
Does Uber Have a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?
It is crucial to note that Uber keeps a $1 million auto insurance policy for third parties. It is only accessible when an Uber gets into an accident while passengers are on board. This coverage is available when the driver’s accident cover cannot cover the damages.
What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Uber Accident?
After an accident, you may get confused about the compensation befitting your case. Knowing what you deserve ensures that you pursue maximum compensation for your Decatur Uber accident claim. Otherwise, you may end up missing out on important payments.
Here are the damages that an Uber accident lawyer near Decatur, GA, can help you claim after an accident:
Economic Damages
Accidents can cause monetary losses. Here are some verifiable losses that you can recover in an Uber accident lawsuit:
- Property damage
- Medical bills — past, present, and future
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost wages
Non-Economic Damages
These are subjective, non-monetary losses that victims of Uber accidents may sustain. They include:
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Mental anguish
- Loss of reputation
Punitive Damages
Punitive awards are not always applicable in all cases. However, when a defendant makes an extremely reckless mistake during an accident, a plaintiff may be entitled to seek punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish defendants for their egregious acts or omissions. The extra charges may deter them from committing similar mistakes in the future.
Should I Just Accept a Settlement Offer?
No. You can choose to turn down settlement offers that are not suitable. A settlement may overlook many compensation angles. It may also misrepresent your interests as a victim.
A seasoned Decatur Uber accident attorney can help with settlement talks and ensure you don’t get a lowball offer for your damages. Contact SHElaw firm® today if you receive a settlement from Uber or Lyft. Our legal team will analyze the offer, look at your legal options, and help you take the next legal step.
How Much Will a Decatur Uber Accident Lawyer Cost?
Costs are hard to ignore when hiring a lawyer. It is vital to get a lawyer that accepts contingency fees. This implies that the lawyer takes payment after compensation. At SHElaw firm®, our lawyers don’t require any upfront payment to help you with an auto accident compensation claim. We only get paid once you win your case.
Are There Time Limits for Filing an Uber Accident Claim?
Yes. There are limits on how long it can take to file an Uber accident claim for bodily injury. The law allows you two years to make a legal claim. Our Uber auto accident attorneys will help you make your claim as fast as possible to receive the compensation you deserve.
For property damage, you have three years to file a claim seeking compensation.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
You will need the help of a lawyer for various reasons after an accident. Facing a company like Uber or Lyft is difficult. They have the money and resources to hire professional lawyers. Any mistakes and slip-ups can make you lose out on compensation.
SHElaw firm® has prominent Uber accident lawyers in Decatur, GA, who can help you navigate even the most complex legal situation after an Uber or Lyft accident. Here’s how our attorneys can help you with your personal injury claim:
Case Preparation/Filing a Lawsuit
After an Uber accident in Decatur, our attorneys will go over the evidence. We will determine what led to the accident and also establish the at-fault party. Our legal team will also evaluate photos of the scene, police reports, medical records, and eyewitness statements to build a strong claim.
At SHElaw firm®, our lawyers will also assess employment records to determine your lost wages and benefits. Thereafter, we will proceed to file a demand letter to push for full compensation.
Settlement Negotiation
Your Decatur Uber accident lawyer can help you determine what you are entitled to after an Uber accident. Victims of Uber accidents need a good negotiator to get them what they deserve. At SHElaw firm®, we have experienced attorneys who will aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure maximum compensation.
With the help of our expert negotiators, you can rest and recuperate while we handle settlement talks on your behalf.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If negotiations do not work out, our lawyers can represent you in a court of law. We understand Georgia’s personal injury laws and we will ensure your rights are protected throughout the litigation process. Our seasoned attorneys will build a strong case to help win over the judge and jury.
With good representation, you can get decent compensation for the case.
Contact Reliable Uber Accident Lawyers in Decatur, GA
Hiring an Uber auto accident lawyer is the best way to recover after an accident. While money may not take away the pain, trauma, or bring back your loved one, financial compensation goes a long way in aiding recovery, not to mention hefty medical bills that can affect your finances for a long time.
At SHElaw firm®, we ensure you get justice for your Uber or Lyft accident. We will follow through with each legal process to get maximum compensation. Our reputable Decatur Uber accident lawyers are happy to serve you.
Call 470-788-8930 if you need help with your Uber or Lyft accident case.
