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.
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.
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.
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.
51 Lenox Pointe NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
4131 Steve Reynolds Blvd #102
Norcross, GA 30093
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
ILIANA DOBREV
Attorney
KEN THAXTON
Attorney
ALEXANDER LECCA
Attorney
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.