What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Atlanta?

People in Atlanta use Uber and Lyft services every day, and it is vital to know what to do after a rideshare accident in Atlanta. While these accidents can happen for the same reasons as any other accident, they often result in complex legal issues for injured victims. The first steps you take after a rideshare accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover your losses.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Atlanta

Atlanta is a major business hub, home to the corporate headquarters of Delta Air Lines, the Coca-Cola Company, and more. A great deal of visitors to the area rely on rideshare services during their time in Atlanta, and both locals and visitors alike could be injured in rideshare accidents. One of the most important things to do immediately after a rideshare accident in Atlanta is to call 911 and report the accident. This will ensure there will be a police report on file.

As you wait for first responders to arrive, it is a good idea to take photos of your injuries and the vehicles involved in the accident, if you are able to do so safely. These photos can help you prove fault for the accident. When the police arrive, they will ask questions of everyone involved in the accident, as well as any nearby witnesses, to compile their police report.

If you were injured as a rideshare passenger, it is unlikely that you will be deemed at fault for causing the accident, but it will still be crucial to accurately determine liability, so you know how to direct your legal efforts. You should seek medical care immediately after the accident, even if you think you only sustained minor injuries. This creates a record that you sought care and may identify injuries that have not yet caused noticeable symptoms.

Once you have ensured the accident has been reported and you have received medical treatment for your injuries, the most important thing to do next is to consult an attorney who can help you pursue accountability and compensation for your damages. You will need to prove fault for the accident, and once fault is determined, filing an auto insurance claim is likely to be your first option for recovering your losses.

Recovering From a Rideshare Accident in Atlanta

Roughly one-third of rideshare drivers report being in an accident while working. Rideshare accidents can occur because of driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, and they can also happen because of intoxicated driving and other causes.

While rideshare drivers are not always to blame for causing these accidents, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required to have insurance that provides different levels of coverage based on the accident’s timing.

If the rideshare driver has not yet logged into their rideshare driver app when the accident happens and they caused it, their personal auto insurance coverage applies. If they are marked as available for a ride but have not yet picked up a passenger, the first tier of the rideshare company’s insurance policy applies if they cause an accident. Once the passenger enters the car, the second tier of coverage begins and lasts until the passenger gets out at their destination.

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Georgia and throughout the United States each year. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were a total of 1,615 deaths from vehicle accidents in Georgia in 2023. Rideshare drivers are all over the Atlanta area every day, so if you are a local or visitor involved in an accident, you need to know what to do after a rideshare accident in Atlanta.

FAQs

Q: Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident in Atlanta?

A: Liability for a rideshare accident in Atlanta could fall to the rideshare driver or the driver of another vehicle. Georgia is an at-fault state for vehicle accidents, so it is necessary to prove fault for your recent accident before you are able to claim any compensation for your damages. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can gather the evidence you need to build the strongest possible case against the at-fault driver.

Q: Does Auto Insurance Cover Rideshare Accidents?

A: Yes, auto insurance can cover rideshare accidents. Under Georgia’s at-fault system for resolving vehicle accident cases, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy can pay for the resulting damages. If a rideshare driver caused an accident while they were transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s policy applies to the accident. Your attorney can help you understand how insurance will come into play in your case.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Rideshare Accident in Atlanta?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a rideshare accident in Atlanta will depend on the severity of your injuries and the other damages you suffered. If you prove that someone else is directly responsible for causing the accident, they are liable for all resulting economic and non-economic damages. Your attorney can potentially help you recover recompense for medical expenses, lost wages, property losses, and the pain and suffering the defendant caused.

Q: Why Should I Hire an Atlanta Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire an Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer because your case is likely to be more challenging to resolve than you initially expect. You could encounter disputes from an insurance carrier, and you may have recovery options outside of auto insurance that you may not realize. Hiring an experienced attorney increases your chance of success with all of the recovery efforts you attempt after your accident.

Barnes Law Group has years of experience helping injured accident victims recover in Atlanta and surrounding areas of Georgia. We know how stressful and confusing the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident can be, and we look forward to providing the guidance and support you need in this difficult situation. Contact our firm today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you recover from your rideshare accident.