Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a common way to get around Athens, especially near the University of Georgia campus and downtown areas. But when a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, determining liability and getting fair compensation becomes more complicated than a typical car accident claim.
How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works
Rideshare accidents involve layered insurance policies that depend on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- App off: The driver's personal auto insurance applies. Rideshare companies provide no coverage.
- App on, waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- Ride accepted or passenger in the car: Rideshare companies carry $1 million in liability coverage per accident, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Understanding which phase the driver was in at the time of your accident is critical to knowing which insurance policy applies to your car accident claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable
Several parties may be responsible for a rideshare accident in Georgia:
- The rideshare driver if they were negligent
- Another driver who caused or contributed to the accident
- The rideshare company in certain circumstances
- Vehicle manufacturers if a defective part caused the crash
- Government entities if road design or maintenance contributed to the accident
Important: You can file a rideshare accident claim whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. All injury victims have the right to pursue compensation.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you are injured in a rideshare accident in Athens or anywhere in Georgia, take these steps:
- Call 911 and get medical attention right away
- Screenshot your ride details in the app, including the driver's name, vehicle, and trip information
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Report the accident through the rideshare app
- Do not accept a quick settlement from the rideshare company without legal advice
Rideshare companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts. Having a personal injury attorney who understands these cases levels the playing field. At Wells and McElwee, P.C., we have the experience to navigate the complex insurance layers involved in rideshare accident claims.
| Hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident? Get a free consultation with our Athens injury attorneys to understand your rights. |
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