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Augusta Rideshare/Uber/Lyft Injury Attorney

Getting in a rideshare vehicle should not end in a trip to the emergency room. Unfortunately, some Uber and Lyft drivers can be careless and reckless, leading to preventable collisions. If you have been injured in an Augusta, Georgia rideshare accident, do not hesitate to contact Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys. You can learn your rights and legal options during a free consultation with our local injury lawyers.

Why Choose Us

• We understand rideshare accident law. Our attorneys have been practicing in this field since the advent of rideshare services.
• Our Augusta personal injury lawyers know how to obtain the best possible results for their clients. We have recovered at least $1 million on over 25 cases.
• You will never be left in the dark about the status of your case. Your lawyer will provide individualized client care and communicate with you often.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

With the increased number of rideshare drivers on the road, there has also been a rise in the number of accidents involving these vehicles. If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it is important to understand what caused the accident. By identifying the cause, you can better understand your options for compensation.

One of the main contributing factors to Uber and Lyft accidents is distracted driving. With rideshare drivers so dependent on apps and GPS navigation systems, they may become distracted and take their eyes off the road. As a result, they can react more slowly to unexpected situations and get into an accident. 

Other common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Speeding: Rideshare drivers may feel pressure to complete as many trips as possible, which can lead to them exceeding the speed limit and driving recklessly.
• Driver fatigue: Rideshare drivers may work long hours, leading to fatigue and reduced concentration, which can cause accidents.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Rideshare drivers have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, but some motorists may neglect regular maintenance, which can result in mechanical failures while driving.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, and other hazardous weather conditions can make driving more challenging and increase the risk of accidents.
• Aggressive driving: Rideshare drivers may become frustrated with traffic or other drivers, leading to aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors such as tailgating and sudden lane changes.

Who Pays for a Rideshare Accident?

Many people do not understand how the insurance claims process works when a crash involves a rideshare driver or vehicle. Under Georgia’s tort-based law, the person or party at fault for a car accident is the one responsible for financial damages. In a rideshare accident case, however, the other driver’s personal insurance might not be your only outlet for recovery. You may also be eligible for insurance benefits directly from the rideshare company.

Both Uber and Lyft offer certain amounts of insurance based on the period of the rideshare that the accident occurred:

• Period 1: The rideshare driver is logged into the app but has not yet picked up a rider. The policy limits for Period 1 are $30,000 in property damage insurance, $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, and $100,000 per accident.
• Period 2: The rideshare driver has accepted a trip and is traveling to pick up the rider. Policy coverage in this period is up to $1 million in auto insurance and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.
• Period 3: The rideshare driver has picked up a passenger and is taking him or her to the destination. The same amount of insurance available in Period 2 is available in Period 3.

Although this may seem like ample insurance to pay for an injured party’s expenses, rideshare companies are notorious for denying liability for accidents and attempting to devalue claims. This is why it is important to hire a car accident attorney in Augusta as soon as possible after a rideshare accident.

What Compensation Is Available After a Rideshare Accident?

By filing a rideshare accident claim, you could recover compensation for your injuries and other losses that you suffered in the collision. The specific compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the type of claim that you file, and the extent of your damages.

Below are some possible damages that you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses: You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, prescription medication, and rehabilitation costs.
  
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you could secure compensation for the wages that you lost while receiving medical care or recovering from the accident. If you are unable to return to work, you can recover compensation for the loss of future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress that you experienced as a result of the accident. Examples of pain and suffering damages include chronic pain, permanent disability, mental anguish, and mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Property damage: If your personal property, such as your car, smartphone, or other belongings, was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for repair or replacement costs.
• Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.

It’s important to note that every case is unique, and the compensation available will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. A personal injury attorney from Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys can help you identify the potential damages and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to after an accident.

How an Augusta Lawyer Can Help With a Rideshare Accident Claim

Hiring a lawyer levels the playing field between you and a rideshare company. Uber and Lyft are both billion-dollar corporations. They have plenty of legal resources to put toward combating injury claims. Hiring a lawyer of your own allows you to fight back. Having a lawyer by your side can help you obtain the compensation you deserve without the stress of a legal battle. Your lawyer will negotiate with the rideshare company’s insurer on your behalf, preventing it from taking advantage of you.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents in Georgia?

A statute of limitations is a legal time limit for bringing a lawsuit, which varies depending on the type of case and where the incident occurred. Rideshare accident claims typically fall under the umbrella of personal injury. 

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you were injured in a rideshare accident in Georgia, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.

There may be exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations, depending on the circumstances of your case. However, these extensions are very rare. To protect your right to financial compensation, it is best to speak with a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible to identify your filing deadline and initiate your lawsuit.

Evidence Needed to Prove a Rideshare Accident Claim

To prove a rideshare accident claim, you will need to show that the at-fault party’s actions caused your collision and the damages that you suffered. However, these cases can be challenging to prove without the right evidence. 

The moments after an Uber or Lyft accident can be scary, but it is very important to gather as much evidence as possible following the collision. By gathering this information, you can strengthen your case and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Here are some types of evidence that may be useful in proving your claim:

• Police report: The police report from the accident can provide important details about the cause of the accident, the vehicles involved, and any witnesses.
• Witness statements: Statements from witnesses who saw the accident can help establish what happened and who was at fault.
• Medical records: Medical records can provide evidence of the injuries you sustained in the accident and the medical treatment you received.
• Photographs and videos: Photographs and videos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and your injuries can help support your claim.
• Driver’s phone records: Phone records can provide evidence of distracted driving or other negligent behavior.
• Expert testimony: Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts can provide additional evidence to support your claim, especially in complex cases.

Comparative Fault for Rideshare Accidents in Georgia

Sometimes, more than one party is responsible for a rideshare accident. In fact, your own actions could have contributed to the collision as well. In these situations, Georgia’s comparative fault rules may limit the amount of compensation that you can claim. 

Under Georgia law, if you are involved in a rideshare accident and the jury determines that you were partially at fault, your settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. If you are found to be equally or more at fault than the other party, you would not be able to collect any compensation.

To protect your right to recovery, it is important to work with a rideshare accident attorney who can defend you against accusations of shared fault. A lawyer from Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys can craft a strong case in your favor and prove the at-fault driver’s liability.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Augusta, GA

If you get into a rideshare accident, make sure someone calls the police to report the collision. Check yourself and others for injuries and request an ambulance, if necessary. Gather evidence before you leave the scene. Take photographs, if you can, and write down the details of your ride, such as the driver’s name. Report the crash to Uber or Lyft, as well. Then, before you begin the complicated claims process, ask an attorney for assistance.

Consult With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Free in Augusta Today

Uber or Lyft may be responsible for your injuries and financial damages after a rideshare accident in Augusta, Georgia. If you have been injured as a rideshare passenger, rideshare driver, third-party driver, or pedestrian, please contact us for a free case evaluation. Our lawyers will review your case and help you understand your legal rights. Call (706) 722-8784 now to speak to an attorney near you.