Atlanta Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services have been increasing in popularity, and the number of people using them will likely grow in the years ahead. While Uber comes to mind when many people think of a ridesharing service, the rideshare company Lyft is also very popular.

Rideshare companies like Lyft are becoming a common source of transportation in large cities like Atlanta, as well as some of Atlanta’s suburbs, such as Marietta, Smyrna, Decatur, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Roswell, and Sandy Springs.

After an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may have a lot of questions, and a variety of questions need to be addressed.

What insurance is available if you are injured while riding in a Lyft vehicle? What happens if a Lyft driver hits my own car? Is Lyft responsible for damages when one of its drivers causes an accident? Can I sue Lyft?

Like any other drivers on the roadways, Lyft drivers must follow the rules of the road and not act negligently.

Unfortunately, rideshare drivers seem to be more prone to distraction than other drivers on the roadways as they try to follow directions on their phone or look for the next ride request to come through their app.

If you were injured in a Lyft accident in the Atlanta area, here is some basic information you need to know.

How Does Insurance Work for a Lyft Accident in Atlanta?

Lyft provides liability insurance for its drivers and uninsured motorist coverage for Lyft drivers and their passengers. The amount of insurance available depends on the timing of the accident. When a Lyft driver is in Driver Mode but has not picked up a passenger, then Lyft provides contingent liability insurance. This insurance applies if the Lyft driver’s insurance is not available. Contingent liability coverage is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for personal injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

As soon as a Lyft driver accepts a ride request, Lyft provides primary liability insurance and uninsured motorist insurance through the end of the ride. The amount of liability and uninsured motorist insurance is $1,000,000 per accident.

Whether Lyft’s liability coverage or uninsured motorist coverage applies to a personal injury claim depends on who was at fault. If the Lyft driver caused the accident, then the liability policy would pay for the damages the driver caused. On the other hand, if an uninsured or underinsured driver is responsible for an accident with a Lyft driver, then Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage may be available to provide benefits to the injured Lyft driver and their passengers.

What To Do After a Lyft Accident in Atlanta

If you were involved in an accident with a Lyft vehicle, you should report the accident to Lyft. As always, be careful what you say to any claims adjusters, whether they work for an insurance company or Lyft. What you say could come back to hurt you.

In addition to reporting the claim to Lyft, you should report your accident to your insurance company. In Atlanta, you are entitled to uninsured motorist coverage under your own insurance policy or under any resident relative’s policies, if you are injured while a passenger in another person’s motor vehicle. This means that if you are injured in a Lyft accident in Atlanta, it is important that you notify all potential insurance companies as soon as possible.

How to File a Lawsuit Against Lyft

If you can’t reach an acceptable settlement with the insurance company or if the Lyft driver acted irresponsibly, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you need. Lyft attempts to shield itself from liability by treating drivers as independent contractors, but they aren’t completely protected from lawsuits.

The damages you could pursue in a lawsuit against Lyft will likely be limited to the company’s liability or uninsured motorist’s coverage. Depending on the circumstances, it may be better to act against the driver and their insurance, including the coverage provided by Lyft.

Georgia courts have historically upheld the independent contractor defense when dealing with rideshare accidents, making it difficult for accident victims to recover damages. However, your lawyer will advise you on the best course of action to maximize your chances of recovery.

How To Get Compensation after a Lyft Accident in Atlanta

An experienced Atlanta Lyft accident lawyer can investigate the crash and help you determine all the liable parties.

In many cases, Lyft accident victims of Uber accidents file claims against the company’s insurance policy, in which case a lawsuit may not prove necessary. But if pursuing a lawsuit maximizes your chances of recovering the damages you need, your attorney will advise you appropriately and help you weigh all your options.

Between filing a claim with the insurance company and pursuing your case in civil court, you could be awarded compensation for how your injuries have affected your life. This should include both your economic and non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Inconvenience
• Damage to your reputation
• Costs of medical expenses and equipment
• Diminished earning potential
• Lost quality of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages

Your attorney can give you a better idea of what your rideshare accident claim might be worth when you contact our office to discuss your specific losses in greater detail.

Call an Atlanta Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in an Atlanta Lyft or Uber car accident, speak with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney as soon as possible.

The Atlanta personal injury attorneys at The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., have the experience and knowledge to successfully pursue your claim and obtain all the compensation you are entitled to.

Contact The Champion Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.C., at (404) 341-4276 for a free consultation about your Lyft accident.