What to Do When Involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

What to Do When Involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

Getting involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. Still, things can become even more complicated when it happens during a rideshare trip. Whether you are a passenger or a driver, there are specific steps you need to take to protect your rights and get maximum compensation. In this blog article, we will go over what you should do if you are involved in a rideshare car accident in Georgia.

It is important to note that Uber and Lyft accidents can be caused by various factors, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In many cases, the drivers of these rideshare services may be inexperienced or unfamiliar with the area, leading to accidents due to poor judgment or unfamiliarity with local traffic patterns.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. However, the type and amount of coverage can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident.

For instance, if the driver is not on a rideshare trip, their personal insurance policy will be the primary coverage. If a rideshare driver gets into an accident while using the app but they have not accepted a trip yet then Uber can provide some coverage. Finally, if the driver gets into an accident, while on a trip then Uber will provide full coverage. However, in most cases, the rideshare driver’s privately owned policy will need to be used and exhausted first.

So, what should you do if you are involved in a rideshare car accident? Here are the steps you need to take:

Seek medical attention

The first and most crucial step is to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a doctor is essential, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Additionally, seeking medical attention will provide documentation of any injuries you may have suffered, which will be helpful when filing a claim.

Report the accident to the rideshare company.

Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app or website as soon as possible. They will ask you for details of the accident, so it’s important to be truthful and detailed when providing this information. The company will also likely initiate an investigation into the accident and may contact you for more information.

Call the police

In addition to reporting the accident to the rideshare company, you should also call the police to report the accident. The police will document the accident and file a report that provides crucial details that can be used in your claim.

Gather evidence

If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include taking pictures of the vehicle’s damages, getting witnesses’ contact information, and obtaining the other driver’s insurance information. All of this evidence will be helpful when filing a claim.

Contact an attorney

Finally, contacting an experienced attorney is essential. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are being protected. Rideshare accident claims can be complicated. An attorney can help you navigate the insurance company’s process and negotiate a fair settlement.

What can an attorney do if you get in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft?

When you’ve been in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, navigating the claims process can be confusing and overwhelming. But don’t worry – an experienced rideshare accident attorney can help. They’ll have the resources and legal know-how to investigate your case and determine who’s responsible for the damages caused by the crash. With their help, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the highest amount of compensation from Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage.

Here’s what an attorney can do for you:

  • Evaluate your Uber/Lyft claim and determine the liability.
  • Investigate the circumstances of the accident.
  • Gather evidence to support your claim.
  • Calculate a fair amount for compensation based on your losses.
  • Negotiate with Uber/Lyft’s insurance company on your behalf.
  • Represent you in court if necessary.
  • Keep you updated through every step of the claims process.
  • Explore all possible sources of recovery for your injuries and losses.
  • Handle negotiations with third parties involved in the accident.
  • Defend against any opposition raised by Uber/Lyft.

It’s worth noting that Uber and Lyft accident claims can be particularly complex, with unique legal issues that may not arise in other types of accidents. That’s why it’s crucial to have an attorney familiar with these issues who can help you navigate them.

With their expertise and understanding of how these companies operate, they’ll work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve. So if you’ve been in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney.

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be a stressful and confusing experience. Still, by taking the proper steps, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Remember to seek medical attention, report the accident to the rideshare company and police, gather evidence, and contact an experienced attorney. Our exceptional attorneys at Castan & Lecca are here to help you in every car accident case, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and schedule your free consultation.





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Dustin Thompson

Attorney

Dustin Thompson was raised in rural Camilla, Georgia. Dustin graduated from Georgia Southern University majoring in political science and history. After graduation, Dustin obtained a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin worked a variety of jobs from a watermelon farm in Mitchell County to a policy think tank in Washington D.C. Dustin has practiced law almost exclusively in the workers’ compensation arena since 2014. For nearly a decade, he worked for a large defense firm in Georgia representing employers and insurers and gaining the invaluable experience and knowledge of how insurers defend claims. In 2023, Dustin joined the firm to use his expertise and litigation skills to help individuals who have been injured as a result of work accidents and third-party negligence.  Dustin has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” in the practice of workers’ compensation. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys traveling, hunting, and attending sporting events. He and his family are active in Buckhead Church.

MICHAEL BOESCHEN

Attorney

Michael Boeschen (Mike) was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Mike graduated from The McCallie School and went on to study history, Spanish, and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from the University Of Georgia School Of Law. During law school, Mike participated in the Legal Aid Clinic, assisting in the defense of indigent criminal defendants. Mike has been licensed to practice law in Georgia since 2002 and his main practice area consists of representing injured workers as they navigate through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Mike is also fluent in Spanish. In his spare time Mike enjoys following soccer, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Mike and his family are parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA

CHRISTIAN PECONE

Attorney

ED DENKER

Attorney

Edward Denker was born in Philadelphia, PA but has made Georgia his home since 1999. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Edward spent his first years in practice representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He then spent more than a decade honing his litigation skills representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, where he gained immense experience and knowledge of how insurers defend those claims. In 2017, Edward returned to his passion of representing people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others. When he isn’t working, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is also an avid sports fan, and enjoys cooking and travel

ILIANA DOBREV

Attorney

Iliana Dobrev was born in Bulgaria. After high school, she immigrated to the United States to study law. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in political science concentrating on pre-law and minoring in Spanish. In 2015, she graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Iliana completed a Graduate Research Assistantship in Labor and Employment Law and Employment Discrimination and two externships in Immigration Law. As an immigrant herself, Iliana is passionate about advocating for and defending immigrants. She is delighted to help families stay together and pursue the American dream. Iliana is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and worked in both a fellowship and a firm specializing in immigration law. Iliana is fluent in Bulgarian and Spanish
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KEN THAXTON

Attorney

Ken Thaxton was born and raised in Roberta, GA. When Ken was a child, his father started a trucking business, which Ken ultimately spent over ten years working with through his late teens and twenties. Ken graduated from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA in 2001 with a 4.0 GPA. He then studied Business and Information Technology at Macon State College, ultimately graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2004. After graduation, Ken continued to work with his father’s trucking company, and in late 2005, Ken and his father started an aircraft charter company, Southern Jet, Inc., under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Ken served as President of Southern Jet from 2006 until 2010, when he and his father sold the company. Ken is a Commercially Licensed Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilot. While serving as President of Southern Jet, Ken started Law School at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Ken focused primarily on business and civil law, including Workers’ Compensation, while at UGA. He graduated Cum Laude and in the top 25% of his class from UGA Law in 2012. Ken is a licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, and he is also a licensed neutral (mediator) in the State of Georgia. Ken represents small businesses in transactional matters and business conflicts, and he also represents injured workers and Plaintiffs injured in cases of negligence. During his spare time, Ken enjoys swimming, cycling, sporting clays, and fishing. He also does charity work with a national scholarship fund
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ALEXANDER LECCA

Attorney

Alexander Lecca (Alex) was born in Miami, Florida to immigrant parents from Cuba and Peru. Alex graduated from Coral Gables High School, where he was a recipient of the Elsa Glazer Award (given to students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA and above). He went on to study marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. At the University of Miami he was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, Alex received several book awards and graduated Cum Laude. During law school Alex clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom, had an internship with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, and clerked for a prestigious litigation law firm. Alex is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida and handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. He is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Alex is also fluent in Spanish. During his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and four children. He also helps coach his children’s baseball, football, basketball, and soccer teams. Alex and his family are parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

DANIEL CASTAN 

Attorney

Dan Castan is a senior partner at Castan and Lecca, PC in Buckhead and represents injured workers before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and plaintiffs in State and Superior Courts of Georgia for injuries suffered in accidents. Dan litigated one of the seminal claims securing the rights of undocumented workers to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits in the state of Georgia when injured in the case of Wet Walls, Inc. vs. Ledesma. Dan has successfully fought and settled multi million dollar cases. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to immigrant parents from Cuba. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington D.C.  Dan was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November, 1993.  He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Atlanta Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Dan is a founding member and Director of the Latino Victory Fund Georgia and serves on the Board of The Latin American Association. Dan has been dedicated to getting Latinos elected to local, state and Federal offices in Georgia. He has been a Big Brother through Big Brothers and Sisters of Metro Atlanta and a mentor through The Latin American Association’s mentor/mentee program. Dan is married with two children.