Uber has become one of the most popular ways to get around Marietta. It’s quick, easy to book from your phone, and often cheaper than calling a taxi or renting a car. For many people, it’s the go-to choice for commuting, getting to appointments, or heading home after a night out. But as rideshare use has grown, so have the number of accidents involving Uber drivers.
Although Uber offers a convenient service, it doesn’t eliminate the risks that come with getting on the road. You can still be injured in a collision, whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. When that happens, the claims process can get complicated quickly. At The Champion Firm, our Marietta Uber accident attorneys help injured clients get the compensation they need and deserve after a rideshare accident.
Why Choose Our Marietta Uber Accident Lawyers?
Rideshare accident cases aren’t always easy to resolve. Depending on the circumstances, different insurance policies may be involved, and insurers nearly always push back against high-value accident claims.
At The Champion Firm, we represent those who have been injured as Uber passengers, pedestrians, or drivers involved in crashes with rideshare vehicles. Since 2014, we’ve recovered over $150 million for our clients, including a $2 million settlement in a fatal rideshare accident. When you hire our personal injury law firm, you benefit from the following:
- Extensive Experience Handling Rideshare Claims: We have represented clients in a range of Uber-related injury claims, including those involving disputed liability, uninsured drivers, and overlapping insurance policies. We know how Uber’s coverage applies based on whether the app was active, a passenger was on board, or the driver was off-duty. That knowledge allows us to quickly identify the appropriate policy limits and pursue compensation from the correct insurer.
- Strategies for Multi-Party Liability: We identify all parties that may share liability, including other drivers, commercial entities, or vehicle owners. By identifying every possible source of recovery, we help our clients pursue the full value of their claims without relying on a single insurance policy.
- Thorough Case Preparation: Our personal injury lawyers begin working on your case immediately by securing evidence, collecting records, and conducting interviews. This proactive approach not only supports your claim but also helps us prepare for potential litigation.
- Trial-Ready Representation: Although many Uber accident cases settle through negotiation, we prepare each claim as though it may be litigated. This includes organizing records, developing arguments, and consulting with subject-matter experts when needed. Our readiness to proceed to trial can help create stronger leverage during settlement discussions and, if necessary, position your case for success in court.
Who Pays for Compensation After an Uber Accident?
Who pays your financial compensation will depend on who was at fault and whether the Uber driver was actively using the app at the time of the crash. Liability may fall on the Uber driver, another motorist, or, in some cases, both. Insurance coverage is determined by the driver’s status during the trip and which party caused the collision.
If the rideshare driver was at fault and actively using the app, Uber’s commercial insurance policy may apply. This coverage varies based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting someone. For example:
- If the driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride, Uber provides limited liability coverage.
- If the driver had accepted a ride or had a passenger in the vehicle, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- If another driver caused the crash, that driver’s personal auto insurance is usually the main source of compensation. In some cases, multiple policies may apply. For example, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber’s policy may provide additional coverage to make up the difference.
Because liability and coverage vary depending on what happened, determining who pays (and how much) involves a thorough investigation. Your attorney will review the trip status, police reports, insurance documents, and any available footage to identify all available sources of compensation.
Maximizing Compensation for Your Marietta Uber Accident
If you’ve been injured in an Uber-related crash in Marietta, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, how the accident affected your daily life, and the insurance coverage available.
Here are common types of compensation available in Uber accident cases:
- Medical Bills: You can recover payment for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing care related to your injuries. Future medical costs may also be included if your condition requires long-term treatment.
- Lost Income: If your injury caused you to miss work, you may be compensated for lost wages. This includes income missed immediately after the crash as well as future lost earnings if your injury limits your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be available for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include the impact on your mental health, sleep, and general well-being.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as a vehicle, smartphone, or clothing, was damaged in the crash, you may be reimbursed for repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as hobbies or exercise, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any other costs related to the accident, such as travel to medical appointments, medical equipment, or help with household tasks during your recovery, may also be included in your claim.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, it’s important to act quickly, gather evidence, and avoid common mistakes that may be used against you later by an insurance company.
Below are key actions to take after an Uber-related crash in Marietta:
- Call 911: If anyone is injured, ask for emergency medical assistance right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting checked by a medical professional creates documentation that can be used later to support your claim.
- Report the Crash to Law Enforcement: Always report the accident to the police. A formal accident report provides a neutral record of what happened, who was involved, and what was said at the scene. Ask how to obtain a copy once it’s available.
- Gather Contact and Insurance Information: Collect names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. If you were a passenger, make sure to get the Uber driver’s full name and confirm that the ride was logged in your app.
- Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to document the crash scene. Take clear photos of all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These images can provide important context that may be lost once the scene is cleared.
- Identify Witnesses and Ask for Statements: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. Witness statements can support your version of events if liability is disputed.
- Report the Incident Through the Uber App: Uber allows passengers to report accidents directly through the app. Submitting a report creates an internal record and may prompt follow-up from the company or its insurer.
- Avoid Giving Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. You’re not required to provide one, and it’s best to speak with an attorney first to avoid saying anything that could be misinterpreted.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and build a strong claim for compensation.
Common Types of Uber Accidents in Marietta, GA
Uber accidents in Marietta occur under a wide range of circumstances. Some are caused by negligent rideshare drivers, while others involve third-party motorists or hazardous road conditions. Below are common types of Uber-related crashes we see in Marietta and the contributing factors behind them.
- Rear-End Collisions: These crashes happen when another vehicle strikes the back of an Uber car or vice-versa. Sudden stops, distracted driving, and failure to maintain a safe following distance are common causes. Rear-end collisions are especially frequent in traffic congestion along I‑75, Cobb Parkway, and near commercial areas with heavy pickup and drop-off activity.
- Intersection Collisions: Accidents at intersections can happen when a driver runs a red light, fails to yield, or misjudges the speed of oncoming traffic. These crashes can cause serious injuries to passengers sitting near the point of impact. Intersections near Marietta Square and the Loop are common locations for these incidents.
- Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: A T-bone accident occurs when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often due to a driver ignoring a traffic signal or making an unsafe turn. These crashes are dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers less protection, and Uber passengers may be seated in the path of the impact.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Uber drivers rely on mobile devices to accept rides, use navigation, and communicate with passengers. Glancing at the app, adjusting directions, or responding to notifications can take their attention off the road. Even brief distractions increase the chance of missing traffic signals, drifting out of a lane, or failing to stop in time.
- Speed-Related Accidents: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards and extends the distance needed to stop safely. Uber drivers may speed to complete more rides or to reach passengers quickly. High-speed crashes, especially on Cobb Parkway or Delk Road, can result in more severe injuries due to the force of impact.
- Impaired Driving Accidents: Although Uber is frequently used as an alternative to driving under the influence, impaired driving still plays a role in some cases. The at-fault party could be an Uber driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs or another motorist sharing the road. These crashes tend to happen late at night and result in serious or fatal injuries.
- Fatigue-Related Crashes: Uber drivers who work long shifts or drive during late hours may become fatigued behind the wheel. Drowsy driving impairs attention, slows reaction time, and increases the risk of drifting into other lanes or missing key visual cues. Fatigue-related accidents are especially common among part-time drivers juggling multiple jobs.
- Accidents in Adverse Weather: Rain, fog, or icy roads make it harder to maintain traction and reduce visibility. When rideshare drivers fail to adjust their speed or driving behavior during poor weather conditions, the risk of losing control increases. Marietta’s roadways can become particularly dangerous during sudden storms or winter freezes.
- Mechanical Failure: Worn brakes, tire blowouts, or steering issues can lead to sudden loss of control. While Uber requires drivers to maintain their own vehicles, not all comply with maintenance recommendations. A failure to inspect or repair known issues can place passengers and others at risk.
- Inexperienced or Unqualified Drivers: Some Uber drivers lack the training or driving experience needed to handle fast-changing traffic patterns, particularly in busy urban areas. Improper lane changes, failure to use turn signals, and unsafe merges can all result in collisions. These types of mistakes are more common among new or part-time drivers unfamiliar with local traffic rules.
- Negligent Hiring or Oversight by Uber: If Uber fails to screen drivers adequately or overlooks warning signs in their driving history, unsafe drivers may be allowed on the platform. In cases where a driver has a pattern of traffic violations or reckless conduct, Uber may face legal exposure for hiring or retaining them.
Common Uber Accident Injuries in Marietta, GA
Although most Uber rides are uneventful, accidents involving rideshare vehicles can result in serious injuries for passengers, drivers, and others on the road. Their severity depends on the type of crash, the location of impact, whether seat belts were worn, and how quickly emergency care was received.
Below are some of the most common injuries reported in Uber accidents in Marietta:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Blunt force trauma to the head can lead to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain damage. Even when symptoms seem mild at first, brain injuries can affect memory, concentration, coordination, speech, and personality. In some cases, long-term monitoring and neurological treatment are needed.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage may result in partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. These catastrophic injuries tend to need surgery, mobility aids, and extended rehabilitation. Victims may experience long-term pain, nerve damage, or paralysis depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Limb Injuries and Amputations: Crushing injuries may lead to the loss of fingers, toes, or limbs. Surgical amputation may be necessary when the affected area can’t be repaired. These injuries normally involve prolonged recovery, physical therapy, and prosthetic adaptation.
- Bone Fractures: Broken bones are a common outcome of car accidents, particularly in high-speed or side-impact collisions. Fractures may occur in the ribs, arms, legs, hips, or pelvis and need surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy to regain mobility.
- Internal Organ Damage: High-impact crashes can cause trauma to the abdomen or chest, leading to damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These internal injuries may not be visible but can become life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, such as whiplash or rotator cuff strains, can cause long-lasting discomfort and limit mobility. These injuries are common in rear-end collisions and may interfere with lifting, walking, or performing physical tasks.
- Severe Burns: In rare cases involving vehicle fires, fuel leaks, or electrical malfunctions, crash victims may suffer second- or third-degree burns. These injuries may require skin grafting, long-term wound care, and treatment for chronic pain or nerve damage. Visible scarring can also lead to psychological distress.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The mental toll of an accident can be just as disruptive as the physical injury. Victims may experience anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, or post-traumatic stress. These conditions may persist long after the physical wounds have healed.
Speak With a Marietta Uber Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in an Uber accident in Marietta, you may be unsure about who should be held responsible. Rideshare claims can involve more than one insurance company, and without legal representation, you risk accepting less than what you're owed.
At The Champion Firm, our personal injury lawyers take a thorough and aggressive approach to Uber accident cases. Our legal team can identify the liable parties, gather supporting evidence like medical records and police reports, and pursue full compensation for your losses. To schedule a free consultation, call our law firm at (404) 948-3734 or contact us online today.