Savannah Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
There is no question that rideshare companies have added value to the local economy in Savannah. You can have transportation at your fingertips when needed, often at a more affordable price than a taxi. However, along with convenience comes danger.
Uber and Lyft drivers are often poorly trained and place both their passengers and other drivers at risk. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you have been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle. However, the legal framework may be complicated, and you may need the help of an experienced Savannah Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.
What Are the Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Savannah?
The rideshare system is an inherently dangerous one. Companies like Uber and Lyft make more money by putting large numbers of drivers on the road, regardless of their training. These companies claim they perform background and safety checks, but minimal training is required to become an Uber or Lyft driver. Further, rideshare drivers are behind the wheel often as a second job to earn extra money. They may be working late at night to earn extra money after working a full day. Further, they may be trying to maximize the money they can earn by cutting corners in any way they can.
Further, Uber and Lyft drivers often look down on the app to secure their next ride. They may have one eye on the road and one eye on their phone. This form of distracted driving is inherent in the system, and it puts everyone at risk.
Common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Driving in poor weather
- Driving in unfamiliar neighborhoods
Who Is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Savannah?
The negligent driver is the one who is legally responsible for the accident. In an Uber or Lyft accident case, it could be the driver of the rideshare vehicle or the motorist in the other car. If you are a rideshare car passenger, you may file a claim against either driver, depending on who was to blame for the accident. If you are the driver of the other car involved in the accident, you would need to prove that the Uber or Lyft driver was negligent.
In a rideshare accident case, negligence means that a driver did something that would be considered unreasonable under the circumstances. Any of the causes of accidents listed above could be regarded as negligence. Your Uber or Lyft accident attorney will gather the evidence to prove why a driver was to blame and help you file a claim against their insurance. In some cases, both drivers may share part of the responsibility for the accident, and you may be able to file claims against both of their insurance policies.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for My Accident Injuries?
Uber and Lyft are experts in protecting their interests at all costs. One of the main ways that they keep themselves from being liable for your injuries is to classify their drivers as independent contractors. Rideshare drivers are not employees of Uber and Lyft, and thus, you cannot sue these companies. Instead, you would need to proceed against the driver personally. There are very few circumstances where you can puncture the airtight level of protection around these companies. One of the limited instances in which you can sue Uber or Lyft is if your injuries are caused because they fail to perform their due diligence and background tracks on drivers before they put them on the road, either overlooking a checkered safety history or a criminal record.
How Much Insurance Coverage Is There to Pay for My Damages?
The amount of insurance coverage available to pay for your injuries depends on which driver was to blame for the accident. If you are a rideshare passenger, and the other vehicle’s driver was to blame, you would be filing a claim against their car insurance policy. Then, if their coverage is not enough to pay for your damages, you could file a claim against your underinsured motorist policy.
Uber and Lyft provide a corporate commercial insurance policy covering all drivers. In addition, Uber and Lyft drivers would be prudent to purchase additional coverage because they can be personally liable for their injuries in certain circumstances. Recently, Georgia passed a law that reduced the insurance coverage that Uber and Lyft must provide their drivers. Therefore, you may be dealing with multiple insurance companies because you may have to come after the driver’s supplemental policy or assets. The highest coverage available from rideshare companies ‘commercial policies is $100,000 in Georgia after the new law.
How Does a Savannah Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
Because of the unique way laws work in Georgia, you may end up dealing with multiple insurance companies as part of an Uber or Lyft claim. Each insurance company may try to give you the runaround, and they may point you toward the other. You need an experienced attorney to represent you when dealing with one insurance company, let alone having to file claims with multiple ones.
Our Savannah Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC can help you by doing the following:
- Determining who was responsible for the accident and gathering evidence to prove it.
- Studying your case to learn the value of your claim.
- Dealing with all insurance companies involved in handling communications with them.
- Negotiating settlement agreements that can compensate you for your injuries to the fullest extent possible.
- Filing a lawsuit on your behalf in court if it is necessary.
At Childers & McCain, the “personal” in personal injury law means something to us. We fight the good fight for good people. Our attorneys have a track record of delivering results, no matter how much the insurance companies try to fight you.
Contact the Savannah Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC for Legal Help
If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, the Savannah Uber & Lyft accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC can help you navigate the complex legal system involved in your case. Call 478-254-2007 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
