Rideshare services like Uber have become an essential part of transportation in Atlanta. Whether heading to Lenox Square, the historic streets of Downtown Atlanta, or along the busy lanes of Peachtree Road, Uber connects countless residents and visitors to their destinations. Unfortunately, with the high volume of rideshare vehicles zipping through crowded areas of town, accidents are a reality many people encounter.
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. An experienced Atlanta Uber accident attorney from Calvin Smith Law can help guide you through this challenging time. We have the experience and compassion to fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Why Choose Calvin Smith Law for Your Atlanta Uber Accident Claim?
When dealing with an Uber accident, hiring the right legal team can make all the difference. At Calvin Smith Law, we understand this is not just a case to you; it’s your life, your pain, and your future. That’s why we prioritize your needs and fight relentlessly to secure a resolution that reflects the hardship you’ve endured. Here’s why so many people trust us:
- Proven Case Results: Our track record speaks for itself. Calvin Smith Law has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in car, rideshare, and workplace accidents.
- Compassionate Attorneys: We know the emotional and physical toll this experience has taken on you. Our attorneys are empathetic, responsive, and dedicated to helping clients feel supported throughout the legal process.
- Decades of Experience: With over 30 years of combined experience, our team has handled complex Uber accident cases across Georgia, mastering the nuances of rideshare claims.
- 24/7 Availability: Accidents don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Someone from our team is always ready to assist you, no matter the time or day.
- No Upfront Costs: You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees on top of medical bills or lost wages. At Calvin Smith Law, you only pay if we win your case.
Our promise is simple but powerful: we don’t play. When you choose Calvin Smith Law, you’re hiring a team committed to fighting aggressively for your rights. Contact us today, and see how our Atlanta Uber accident attorney can advocate for you.
Who May Be Eligible to Make an Atlanta Uber Accident Claim?
Uber accidents involve unique challenges that can complicate the path to compensation. Still, many individuals may be eligible to file a claim, including the following:
- Rideshare Passengers: If you were riding in an Uber and were injured in a collision, you have the right to claim compensation for your injuries, regardless of who was at fault.
- Other Drivers and Passengers: Whether you were hit by an Uber vehicle while driving your car or as a passenger in another vehicle, you may also be eligible to hold the rideshare driver accountable.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: If you were struck by an Uber as a pedestrian, cyclist, or runner, you can bring a claim for the injuries and damage caused.
The legal team at Calvin Smith Law will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine your eligibility to pursue a claim. Our attorneys will guide you through the process with compassion, ensuring every detail is addressed and every avenue for recovery is explored.
How Does Insurance Work After an Uber Accident in Atlanta?
Understanding how insurance coverage works for Uber accidents can be confusing. Whether you’re a passenger, another motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, your rights and the compensation you’re entitled to may depend on Uber’s unique insurance policy structure. Here’s how the process typically works:
Offline or the App is Off
When the Uber driver’s app is off, they are not considered “on the clock” for Uber. This means their personal car insurance is the primary coverage. If you’re involved in an accident during this time, compensation for your injuries and damages will likely come from the driver’s personal insurance policy. Unfortunately, personal insurance policies often deny claims involving rideshare incidents, arguing that the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes.
Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber’s insurance begins to play a role. During this phase, Uber provides contingent liability coverage that activates if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim or doesn’t fully cover the damages. This coverage includes
- up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person,
- $100,000 total per accident, and
- $25,000 for property damage.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride
Once a driver accepts a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber’s full $1 million liability insurance policy is activated. This policy also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help if the accident involves a driver who lacks adequate insurance. If you were injured in an accident during this phase, Uber’s policy may cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Potential Issues with Ridesharing Companies
With the inception of companies like Lyft and Uber, many people have actually found an affordable and convenient way to travel. Nonetheless, there are a few inherent weaknesses in the business model of ridesharing companies, which make the vehicles much more prone to accidents, placing the passengers at more risk of being injured or hurt. Some of these issues include:
Lack of proper driver screening and training:
There has been a great controversy with regard to the poor driving screening process usually used by ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft. Just about anybody can be an Uber driver as long as they have a valid driver’s license and a good enough vehicle to be on the road. Lyft or Uber really conducts no driving skills tests to establish whether a given driver would be a good fit or a proper candidate to provide the ridesharing service to the public.
How do you know whether the driver has a criminal record or a drinking and driving habit? There are many risks involved, some of which could injure the Uber driver and the passenger.
Lack of proper regulations:
Uber made it absolutely clear that it doesn’t operate as a taxi company and should therefore not be regulated by the same rules and principles as one. This is why the ridesharing companies are now under a new classification and have come to be known as Transportation Network Companies (TNC). Unluckily for the passengers, TNCs are generally not as regulated as conventional taxi companies, which means that the passengers are inherently vulnerable to reckless behavior and negligence.
There’s a great need to improve the regulations of ridesharing companies so that they can be closely monitored in terms of how they operate as well as how they provide different services to the general public.
Unclear Insurance policies
In Georgia, Uber has a comprehensive insurance policy. This insurance policy is, in theory, a means to cover damages that could arise as a result of an accident. Uber and Lyft drivers are also required to carry their own personal insurance policies.
However, there are quite a few loopholes with this insurance setup. For starters, there’s usually no check to determine whether the driver has the required insurance. It’s possible that the driver is underinsured or uninsured. Secondly, although Uber has its own insurance policy, there’s no guarantee it will pay up. Insurance companies are notorious for being difficult when it comes to making these kinds of payments. They will always attempt to find reasons to deny the claim or make an excuse to blame another person or another insurance company.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
After an Uber accident, it might seem tempting to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company. However, these companies are businesses that prioritize their bottom line. They often use tactics to undervalue your claim and pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. Some common strategies include:
- Contacting you quickly to offer compensation before you’ve had a chance to understand the full extent of your injuries or damages.
- Using your words against you by twisting your statements to downplay liability or injuries.
- Lowballing settlements by suggesting that legal proceedings will be lengthy or expensive if you don’t accept their offer.
Accepting a quick payout can leave you with unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. Consulting with an experienced Uber accident lawyer means having a professional who can analyze your claim, negotiate on your behalf, and secure the compensation you truly deserve. Calvin Smith Law will ensure no money is left on the table.
Compensation Available in an Uber Accident Lawsuit
The compensation you can receive after an Uber accident depends on the severity of your injuries, property damage, and other factors. Calvin Smith Law will work to recover every dollar you deserve, which may include:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Lost Income: Compensation for income lost due to time off work and diminished future earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injuries.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other belongings damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful Death: If your loved one was killed in an Uber-related accident, you might be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Our lawyers will evaluate your case thoroughly to ensure every aspect of your loss is accounted for in your claim.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for the Accident?
It’s completely normal to wonder how your role in an accident might impact your ability to seek compensation. If you’re partly to blame for an Uber accident in Atlanta, don’t lose hope. Georgia follows a rule called “comparative negligence.” This means you can still recover compensation for your injuries even if you share some fault, as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, the amount you’re awarded will be adjusted based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for the accident and the total compensation is $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. This system allows accident victims to pursue justice and financial recovery, even in situations where mistakes were made.
The lawyers at Calvin Smith Law understand how complicated and stressful these situations can feel. Insurance companies may try to exaggerate your level of fault to reduce their payout, but we’re here to protect your rights. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys will review every detail of your case to ensure that fault is assigned fairly. We’ll stand by your side to make sure you’re treated with the respect and compassion you deserve.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Claims in Atlanta?
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident in Atlanta, you need to know there’s a strict deadline for filing your claim. Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you typically have two years to take legal action to recover compensation for your injuries. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to file a claim.
We encourage you to act quickly. Prompt action not only secures your ability to file but also helps preserve crucial evidence for your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Uber Accident Attorney in Atlanta?
At Calvin Smith Law, we understand you may have financial concerns after an Uber accident. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t need to worry about upfront costs or paying out of pocket. Instead, our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you.
With a contingency fee arrangement, we bear the financial risk of your case, so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that pursuing justice doesn’t come with additional financial strain.
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss your case in detail and explain how our payment structure works. At Calvin Smith Law, we’re here to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve without adding to your financial burden.
How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Rideshare Accident Case
At Calvin Smith Law, we understand how stressful an accident can be, and we’re here to shoulder the burden and guide you every step of the way. Our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can help:
- Handle Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful and confusing. We’ll take care of all communication and negotiations to ensure you’re not pressured into accepting lowball offers. - Gather Crucial Evidence
A strong case requires solid evidence. We’ll investigate the accident, collect police reports, secure witness statements, and gather any video or photographic evidence to build your claim. - Calculate the Full Extent of Your Damages
From medical expenses and lost wages to emotional distress and pain and suffering, our team will assess all aspects of your losses to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. - Provide Trusted Legal Guidance
Navigating the legal system can be difficult, especially while you’re recovering. We’ll explain your rights, outline your options, and guide you through every step of the process.
At Calvin Smith Law, we’re not just your lawyers; we’re your advocates and partners in this fight. Our goal is to help you move forward with peace of mind, knowing your case is in capable hands.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyers Today
An Uber accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with pain, confusion, and mounting expenses. You don’t have to face this alone. The dedicated team of Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Calvin Smith Law is here to provide personalized support, compassionate guidance, and aggressive representation to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
With years of experience handling rideshare accident cases in Atlanta, we know how to take on insurance companies, rideshare corporations, and other parties involved. We understand the complexities of these claims and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and recover the financial support you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Your well-being is our top priority.
Contact us today at (404) 842-0999 or through our online form for a free consultation and begin your journey toward reclaiming your peace of mind and future. At Calvin Smith Law, you’re not just another case number; you are family, and we’re here to stand by your side every step of the way.
Calvin Smith Law – Atlanta Office
3560 Lenox Road, Suite 3020,
Two Alliance Center,
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 842-0999
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