The convenience of Uber and other ridesharing companies is hard to beat. At the tap of a button, you can find a nearby driver who will pick you up and take you where you need to go. Whether you are taking home heavy groceries, needing a break from public transportation, or wanting a night out without driving responsibilities, Uber can sometimes feel like a modern-day miracle.
However, the larger presence of Uber vehicles on Georgia’s roads has increased the possibility of accidents with rideshare cars. Studies have shown that these services have led to a 3 percent increase in fatal accidents – and injury-causing accidents have likely risen as well.
Were you hurt in a ridesharing accident in Gwinnett County, GA? The Duluth Uber accident lawyers at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. are here to help you pursue the compensation you could be owed. Contact our Uber accident law offices today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
What Are Common Injuries in an Uber Accident?
Like all automobile accidents, those involving Ubers can lead to a wide variety of injuries depending on the accident type, speed, and severity.
Uber accident victims may suffer injuries such as:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
- Amputations
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Facial and dental injuries
The physical harm a person suffers in a car accident may require intensive and costly medical intervention, including diagnostic tests, surgeries, rehabilitation, and pain management medication. The effects of the experience and the resulting injuries can also cause psychological damage, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias. These results can severely disrupt the victim’s life. Contact our Duluth Uber accident attorney today.
What Should I Do If I Have Been in an Uber Accident in Duluth?
Accidents are shocking experiences for everyone involved. Many people feel confused about what they should do afterward.
However, taking the following steps can help prepare you for a successful Uber accident claim:
- Gather evidence – If possible, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Collect contact information from the Uber driver, other motorists, and any eyewitnesses. This evidence can strengthen your claim.
- Seek immediate medical assistance – A medical examination can detect hidden injuries you might not realize you suffered. Early diagnosis can improve your recovery prospects and optimize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
- Avoid making statements about the accident – Do not post anything relating to the accident or your injuries on social media. If the insurance agent asks you for a statement, tell them you will let your legal representative handle communications for you.
- Contact an experienced Duluth Uber accident attorney – A skilled rideshare accident lawyer will investigate the accident, determine who was at fault, and negotiate with their insurance provider for a fair settlement. They can also take the at-fault party to court if necessary.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Uber Accident?
In an Uber accident, there are a few parties who may bear responsibility, including:
- The Uber driver – If the driver behaved negligently, such as by speeding, getting distracted, or ignoring traffic signals, they might be most directly to blame for a resulting crash. Like all drivers, Uber drivers must carry liability insurance.
- Other drivers – If another driver involved in the crash was the one behaving negligently, they would be responsible. Their insurance could cover resulting injuries and property damage.
- Uber – While Uber drivers are independent contractors, Uber may still share fault if they did an insufficient background check on the driver or allowed them to work despite prior accidents or traffic violations. The company also provides additional insurance coverage for drivers actively using the app or transporting riders.
- Manufacturers – If a defective auto part caused or worsened the accident, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
An experienced Uber crash attorney can help determine all potentially responsible parties in your Uber accident.
What Insurance Coverage Does Uber Provide Their Drivers?
Uber provides liability coverage for drivers when the app is on but no passenger is in the car.
Uber’s accident policy has a limit of:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
While picking up riders or when a rider is in the car, Uber provides:
- $1 million per incident in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured coverage
What Compensation Can I Receive for My Uber Injuries?
If you suffered injuries in an Uber accident someone else caused, they could owe you money for your:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
What Issues Could Affect My Uber Accident Claim?
Some common issues that could complicate an Uber accident claim include:
- Gaps in insurance coverage
- Disagreements over whether Uber’s insurance applies
- Poorly documented evidence and witness statements
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Limited insurance policy limits that cannot fully cover damages
A skilled Duluth Uber accident lawyer knows how to counter these arguments effectively.
How Long Do I Have to File My Accident Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the limitation period for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of injury. You should contact an attorney well before the deadline so they have time to build the strongest case possible. Too often, memories fade, and valuable evidence may disappear over time. Duluth car accident lawyer.
Contact a Duluth Uber Accident Lawyer
Pursuing an accident claim is always challenging. But it is even harder when a major corporation is involved. Let the knowledgeable Uber accident lawyers at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. handle your case so you can focus on healing. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys have what it takes to demand the results you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you. Duluth personal injury attorney.