Suppose you recently were in an auto accident involving an Uber driver in Georgia. In that case, you may wonder if you can sue the rideshare company for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you suffered. Here, we discuss the different circumstances in which Uber may be held liable and other options available for seeking full and fair compensation.
Who May Be Eligible to Bring a Lawsuit for Accidents Caused by Uber Drivers?
Depending on how the crash occurred and who was involved, the people who may have grounds for a lawsuit after an Uber accident include:
- Passengers in the Uber — If you were riding in an Uber vehicle and suffered injuries as a passenger, you might have grounds to sue the Uber driver, Uber itself, or other responsible parties.
- Drivers or passengers in other vehicles — If another driver or their passengers suffered injuries in a car accident that an Uber driver caused, they may have cause for a lawsuit.
- Pedestrians and cyclists — People walking or biking sometimes sustain injuries from careless Uber drivers. In these cases, injured pedestrians or cyclists may have grounds for a lawsuit against the Uber driver or another responsible party.
- Family members of deceased victims — If someone dies due to a car accident involving an Uber driver, their surviving relatives may bring a wrongful death claim.
- Property owners — Individuals or businesses may have grounds for an Uber accident lawsuit if the Uber driver damaged their property in a crash.
How Do You Prove Who Was At Fault for the Uber Car Accident?
Proving whether the Uber driver or another party contributed to a rideshare driver car accident requires robust evidence. An Uber accident attorney can investigate the wreck to identify the liable parties. Evidence the attorney could gather and offer to establish liability includes:
- Police report — Police crash reports detail the officer’s findings, including diagrams of the scene of the Uber accident, citations, or notes on driver behavior. For example, if the Uber driver was speeding or failed to yield the right of way, any notes to this effect in the crash report could help establish their liability.
- Witness statements — Accounts from passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians can provide unbiased perspectives on Uber accidents. For instance, a witness might confirm that the Uber driver ran a red light or appeared distracted.
- Surveillance and dashcam footage — Video evidence is often helpful in Uber accident claims because it offers clear, unbiased visual proof of what happened. For example, footage from a traffic camera might show the Uber driver making an illegal turn or rear-ending another vehicle, directly linking them to the crash.
- Uber app data — The Uber app records data such as trip status information, the Uber driver’s location, and speed. If the data shows the driver rushed to pick up a passenger when the car accident occurred, it could indicate negligence by the driver.
- Photographs of the scene — Pictures of skid marks, damaged vehicles, or road signs provide context for how the crash occurred. For example, photos showing the Uber driver’s car crossing into another lane could support a claim of improper lane usage.
- Expert analysis — Accident reconstruction experts can analyze crash dynamics using evidence like vehicle positions and impact angles, making their findings particularly helpful in Uber accident cases. For instance, an expert might conclude that the Uber driver’s sudden braking caused a chain-reaction car accident.
- Medical records — Finally, your medical records connect your injuries to the crash and help quantify your losses. For example, if your injuries align with rear-end collision trauma, it strengthens the case against the Uber driver who rear-ended the car you were in.
Does Uber Provide Insurance for Its Drivers?
Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, but the extent of the coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the Uber accident. Here are the following possible scenarios:
- If the driver is offline or the app is off — Uber does not provide coverage. The driver’s auto insurance applies.
- When the driver has the app on but hasn’t accepted a ride — Uber offers liability coverage up to $50,000 per person for bodily injuries ($100,000 per accident for injuries to multiple people) and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Once the driver accepts a ride or has a passenger in the car — Uber’s $1 million liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage apply.
Injured parties often face challenges when filing claims with Uber despite this coverage. The company may dispute the driver’s status during the crash or try to shift responsibility to other parties. Additionally, Uber’s insurance adjusters often offer settlements that undervalue claims.
For this reason, having a lawyer is crucial in these cases. An Uber accident attorney can help you access the coverage you are entitled to and claim fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
What Are Some Damages That May Be Available in My Uber Accident Case?
“Damages” is the legal term for the compensation you demand in a personal injury claim to cover your injuries and other losses. Depending on your injuries and other factors, your compensation after an Uber accident could include money for:
- Current and expected medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit Against Uber in Georgia?
Under Ga. Code § 9-3-33, you typically have two years from the date of an Uber accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should speak to an attorney right away so they can collect and preserve vital evidence before memories fade or physical evidence is lost or destroyed.
Contact a Georgia Uber Accident Lawyer
The Georgia Uber accident lawyers at Bayuk Pratt aren’t afraid to stand up to Uber to protect your rights. Two of our partners used to defend large insurance companies in complex cases. So, we understand the tactics companies like Uber use to delay or deny claims. We can handle all the legal work in your case, and you won’t owe us any fees unless we recover your compensation. Contact us now to learn more in a free consultation.