Atlanta, GA Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

Liability can fall on multiple parties. The rideshare driver may be personally liable for negligent driving. The rideshare company’s insurance may also apply depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver was engaged in an active trip or en route to a pickup, Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy, providing up to $1 million in coverage, typically applies. Third parties such as other negligent drivers or vehicle manufacturers may also share liability.

The applicable insurance depends on the rideshare driver’s app activity at the time of the crash. If the driver was carrying a passenger or heading to a pickup, the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy generally applies. If the driver was logged in but waiting for a ride request, lower contingent coverage of $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 applies. If the driver was not logged into any app, only their personal auto insurance applies. Passengers may have claims under multiple policies, including the at-fault party’s insurance and the rideshare company’s UM/UIM coverage.

Suing Uber or Lyft directly is challenging because both companies classify their drivers as independent contractors. This classification is intended to insulate the companies from vicarious liability. However, a direct claim may be viable if the company failed to conduct adequate background checks, allowed a driver with a known history of unsafe driving to remain on the platform, or failed to implement reasonable safety measures. Our attorneys evaluate every angle to determine whether a direct claim against the rideshare company is appropriate in your case.

When a driver is logged into multiple platforms simultaneously, insurance coverage questions become more complex. The key issue is which platform the driver was actively engaged with at the time of the crash. If the driver had accepted a trip on Uber but was also logged into Lyft, Uber’s insurance would likely be the primary coverage source. If the driver was toggling between apps without an accepted ride, contingent coverage from multiple companies could apply. Our legal team obtains app data from all platforms to determine the correct coverage and maximize your recovery.

Under Georgia law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, as set forth in O.C.G.A. Section 9-3-33. You must file a lawsuit within two years or risk losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. Certain circumstances may affect this deadline, such as cases involving minors. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible, as early legal action preserves critical evidence, including rideshare app data and surveillance footage, that may be lost or deleted over time.

Rideshare accident victims in Georgia may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact of permanent disabilities. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available under Georgia law. The total value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence. Our attorneys work to ensure every category of loss is fully documented and aggressively pursued.