Atlanta Rideshare Accident Lawyer

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE ROSS MOORE LAW

Attorney Ross Moore and his qualified team have extensive experience handling cases like yours – and we have the result to prove it! Here are a few reasons to hire a qualified attorney to handle your personal injury claim:

SKILLED LAWYERS GET BIGGER SETTLEMENTS

Seeking trusted legal counsel can help maximize the benefits you receive. Your lawyer will fight for you each step of the way, always keeping your best interests in mind.

WE UNDERSTAND GEORGIA LAW 

Navigating the legal system alone can be difficult, especially without a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local laws. A personal injury lawyer can help keep your rideshare accident lawsuit on track, ensuring your rights are protected.

YOU ONLY PAY US IF WE WIN YOUR CLAIM

Our Georgia personal injury law firm near you operates on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay anything unless we win your case!

5 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT

After your wreck, our Atlanta rideshare accident lawyers recommend the following:

STEP 1: CALL 911 AND REPORT THE ACCIDENT RIGHT AWAY

Call the police and wait for them to arrive. Be sure that they complete an accident report upon arrival. You should also contact the rideshare company.

STEP 2: GATHER DOCUMENTATION 

Take photographs of the scene and record details about the crash while they are still fresh in your mind. If you receive treatment, be sure to retain all medical records and documents related to your care. It’s also important to write down the names and contact information of any others involved – including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. If you were driving, exchange insurance details with the rideshare driver.

STEP 3: GET MEDICAL ATTENTION 

Make a visit to your doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you sustained any serious injuries. If you don’t seek medical attention but develop symptoms later on, you give the insurance company the opportunity to claim that your injuries are not accident-related. Remember, not all injuries are immediately evident.

STEP 4: NEVER ACCEPT A SETTLEMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR LAWYER

With medical expenses adding up and vehicle repairs to pay for, many rideshare accident victims accept a quick payout from the insurance company. Unfortunately, this initial settlement offer is typically much less than they deserve. The insurance company is NOT on your side, so never accept a settlement without first consulting your Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer.

STEP 5: HIRE A LOCAL RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER

It’s important that the lawyer you hire has specific experience handling rideshare accident cases like yours. Here at Ross Moore Law, our team will advocate on your behalf and negotiate with the insurance company to maximize the settlement you receive.

WHAT WILL A RIDESHARE LAWYER DO? 

Ross Moore Law’s rideshare accident lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, including the following:

• Gather evidence to strengthen your accident claim
• Determine liability
• Consult with experts to evaluate damages
• Communicate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and all other parties involved
• Ensure you understand the legal process and your options moving forward
• Negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement
• Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
• Answer any legal questions you have along the way

WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE?  

Depending on who caused the rideshare accident, any of these parties may be responsible for paying damages:

• Rideshare driver’s personal insurance company
• At-fault driver’s insurance company
• Rideshare company’s insurance (limited additional insurance policy offered to the driver)

While Georgia drivers are required to carry liability insurance, not everyone follows the law. If you are involved in a wreck with an uninsured rideshare driver (as the passenger or in the other vehicle), the rideshare company’s insurance may cover accident-related damages.

Keep in mind, though, that the rideshare company’s profit is their first priority. They may dispute your claim or offer a low settlement, so it is crucial to have an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer on your side.

WHAT PASSENGERS OF A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT NEED TO KNOW

Tips for Rideshare Passengers: If your rideshare driver got in an accident when you were a passenger, here are some important things to remember:

• As a passenger, you are not liable.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you are injured.
• Consider filing a third-party personal injury and property damage claim with the rideshare driver’s insurance company.
• Hire a rideshare accident lawyer and let them handle all communication with the insurance company.
• Be sure to get a copy of the police report.
• Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

WHAT RIDESHARE DRIVERS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE NEED-TO-KNOW

Tips for Rideshare Drivers: While rideshare drivers cannot recover Workers’ Comp benefits if they are hurt on the job, they may claim for their own injuries as well as third party liability using their own insurance and their rideshare company policy.

Rideshare drivers are required to carry auto insurance just like other drivers on the road, but they also must have additional coverage through the rideshare company. Coverage depends on the rideshare company and the circumstance, such as whether or not the rideshare vehicle was occupied or if the driver was waiting for an assignment.

RIDESHARE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Since rideshare apps have gained popularity, DUI incidents have decreased up to 20% across the United States. However, rideshare services are also associated with a 3% rise in car accident fatalities.

In fact, one study of rideshare services showed that the influx of rideshare vehicles on the road has contributed to almost 1,000 more car accident deaths per year nationwide. 21% of rideshare crash victims were passengers, another 21% were rideshare drivers, and 58% were other motorists or pedestrians.

WILL RIDESHARE COMPANIES DIRECTLY COMPENSATE THOSE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT?

As a general rule, rideshare companies require drivers to carry accident liability insurance coverage. Plus, most companies like Lyft and Uber have their own third-party policies to cover property damage or injuries that exceed what the driver’s insurance will cover.

The compensation that rideshare accident victims receive is based on:

• The extent of injuries and medical treatment required
• Effect of injuries on daily life
• Injuries’ impact on ability to work
• Pain or suffering experienced

Damages may include the following:

• The cost of medical treatment, present and future
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

CAN I SUE THE RIDESHARE COMPANY? (CAN I SUE UBER OR LYFT?)

If the insurance company denies your claim or does not cover the full extent of damages, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to recover the compensation you deserve. But because many rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft consider their drivers to be independent contractors, it can be difficult to hold them accountable.

To learn more, contact a qualified rideshare accident lawyer today. Here at Ross Moore Law, our team will fight on your behalf, offering trusted legal advice each step of the way.

GEORGIA STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR RIDESHARE ACCIDENT CLAIM

Here in the Peach State, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years. That means that rideshare accident victims have two years from the date of their wreck to file a claim. In order to preserve evidence, though, our team recommends taking legal action as soon as possible.

COMMON DAMAGES YOU CAN RECOVER AFTER A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following: 

• Medical expenses (for current and future care)
• Car repairs or replacement
• Lost wages or reduced earning capability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish and emotional trauma
• Property damage
• Wrongful death

If the at-fault driver acted in a way that was grossly negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful, you may also receive punitive damages. This type of damages is awarded to punish the liable party as well as deter others from behaving in a similar manner.

COMMON CAUSE OF RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS

Rideshare accidents may be the result of the following:

• Long operating hours
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or running stop lights to complete more rides
• Parking in dangerous locations during pick-ups or drop-offs
• Vehicle defects
• Improper car maintenance
• Unruly passengers who take the driver’s attention away from the road
• Other drivers’ reckless behavior
• Dangerous weather conditions
• Unsafe or poorly maintained roads

COMMON INJURIES SUFFERED IN RIDESHARE ACCIDENT

• Burns
• Broken or fractured bones
• Chronic back
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations
• Neck pain
• Paralysis
• Sprains, strains, & torn ligaments
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Whiplash