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Can I Sue Uber for Injuries or Wrongful Death?

You can sue another driver or party who causes an accident in Georgia, including an Uber driver. Whether you can sue Uber for injuries or wrongful death in Augusta, Georgia, depends on the circumstances of the accident. 

Legal claims may be brought against the driver, Uber, or both. Let’s discuss some circumstances that could lead to a lawsuit against Uber for injuries or wrongful death.

Who Can Sue Uber for Damages After a Car Accident in Georgia?

Georgia is a fault-based state for car accident claims. The party responsible for causing the crash can be sued for damages by the accident victims. Potential parties that could sue Uber after an accident include, but are not limited to:

• Rideshare passengers in the Uber vehicle
• Drivers and passengers in other vehicles
• Cyclists and pedestrians struck by an Uber driver
• Property owners, if the accident results in property damage
• Surviving family members of someone who died because of injuries sustained in an Uber accident

Whether a party wins a lawsuit against Uber depends on the factors involved in the case. The party would need to have legal grounds to create liability for damages.

Legal Grounds for Lawsuits Against Uber in Georgia

Many car accidents are based on negligence claims. For example, an Uber driver has a general duty of care to drive safely and follow traffic laws. If an Uber driver breaches the duty of care and that breach causes an accident, the driver could be liable for damages.

If an employee is negligent, the employer can be held liable for damages under the legal theory of vicarious liability. However, Uber drivers are not employees. Instead, they are independent contractors. Therefore, vicarious liability would be difficult to argue.

However, you may be able to sue Uber if it was negligent and that negligence contributed to the cause of the accident. For example, suppose Uber failed to screen the driver and the driver had a history of vehicle accidents. In that situation, Uber could be responsible for damages. 

Given the complexity of Uber accident claims, hiring an experienced local personal injury lawyer in Augusta is crucial for effectively navigating a legal claim. An attorney gathers and preserves evidence to determine the most effective legal strategy for maximizing compensation.

Uber Has Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Drivers in Georgia

Even if you do not have a legal cause of action to sue Uber after an accident, you may recover damages by filing an insurance claim. Uber’s insurance coverage includes:

• $50,000 ($100,000 per accident) for bodily injury and wrongful death when the driver is online and available for a trip
• $1 million for bodily injury and wrongful death when the driver is en route or on a trip

An accident victim must have evidence proving the Uber driver was responsible for causing the wreck to recover compensation from Uber’s insurance provider. The insurance company may undervalue damages or unfairly deny the claim. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer evens the playing field between you and a giant insurance company.

What Damages Can I Receive for an Augusta Uber Accident?

Uber accidents can result in severe injuries and substantial financial losses. Accident claims often include economic damages, including:

• Reimbursement for medical treatment, nursing care, and rehabilitative therapies
• Out-of-pocket expenses, including household services, child care, transportation to medical appointments, etc.
• Loss of past and future income, including lost wages, earning capacity, and employment benefits

Uber accident claims may also include non-economic damages. These damages compensate you for:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Disfigurement

Uber accident injuries could result in a victim’s death. If so, the surviving family members may receive compensation in a wrongful death action.

A wrongful death claim may include loss of financial benefits, including the deceased’s lost wages and retirement benefits. Family members may receive loss of consortium, including the loss of guidance, companionship, and instruction. The claim may also include pain and suffering.

What Is the Average Uber Settlement in Georgia?

A settlement or jury verdict in an Uber accident case varies depending on the factors of the case. Factors that impact the amount of the settlement include, but are not limited to:

• The severity of the victim’s injuries
• The complexity of proving liability
• The parties involved in the case
• Applicable insurance coverage
• The strength of the evidence

A skilled Georgia Uber accident attorney can discuss the specifics of your case and explain how they can impact the settlement. Hiring an experienced lawyer improves a victim’s chances of receiving a fair outcome.

Find Out if You Can Sue Uber for a Car Accident in Augusta, GA

If you were injured in an Uber accident in Augusta, GA, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Georgia law. Understanding your legal options is key to protecting your future after a rideshare crash. 

Contact Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Augusta Uber accident attorney.

We proudly serve Augusta, GA, and its surrounding areas:

Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys
4137 Columbia Rd, Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 722-8784