Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient way to get around Atlanta, but when accidents happen, the legal aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. At MPG Trial Law, we provide comprehensive legal services for victims of Uber and Lyft accidents in Atlanta, ensuring that injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians have the support they need to pursue justice.
Our firm is dedicated to delivering aggressive representation that holds negligent parties accountable and secures the fair compensation our clients deserve. From personalized consultations to thorough case evaluations and strategic litigation approaches, we tailor every step of the process to your unique circumstances.
With extensive experience handling the complexities of rideshare accidents and insurance claims, MPG Trial Law knows how to navigate the overlapping responsibilities of drivers, rideshare companies, and insurers. We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Accidents involving rideshare drivers can happen for many of the same reasons as other car crashes, but the unique demands of ridesharing often increase the risks. Understanding these causes is an important step in building strong rideshare accident claims.
Distracted Driving
Because rideshare drivers rely heavily on navigation apps and their phones, distraction is a leading cause of accidents. Looking at directions, accepting new rides, or texting can take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to serious collisions.
Fatigue and Long Hours
Many rideshare drivers work long shifts or drive late at night to maximize earnings. Fatigue slows reaction time and increases the likelihood of an accident involving rideshare drivers, putting passengers and others on the road at risk.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
In an effort to complete more trips, some drivers may speed or take unnecessary risks. This kind of behavior mirrors that of any negligent driver, but when it involves a rideshare vehicle, it can complicate liability and insurance coverage.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Running red lights, unsafe lane changes, or ignoring stop signs are common violations that can lead to accidents. When rideshare drivers disregard traffic laws, passengers and other motorists can suffer severe injuries.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Rideshare drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles in safe working condition. Worn brakes, faulty lights, or bald tires can all contribute to dangerous accidents and strengthen the case for holding a negligent driver accountable.
Common Injuries Stemming From a Car Accident
Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can leave victims facing not only the shock of the crash but also a wide range of physical and emotional harm. These injuries can vary from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions that require extensive medical care. Many of these injuries form the basis of personal injury cases, as victims seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most severe outcomes of an Atlanta rideshare accident, or any car accident, is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a mild concussion can cause headaches, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. More serious TBIs may lead to permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, or loss of independence. These injuries often require costly ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, which can be included in a personal injury claim.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another devastating consequence of rideshare accidents. Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or limited mobility. Victims often face lifelong medical needs, adaptive equipment, and significant lifestyle changes. Because of their profound impact, spinal injuries are considered serious injuries and often lead to substantial compensation claims.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Fractures are common in collisions, especially when passengers are thrown against hard surfaces during impact. While some broken bones heal with time, others may require surgery, physical therapy, or leave lasting complications. These injuries can generate high medical bills and missed work, making them a key part of many personal injury lawsuits.
Internal Injuries
Accidents involving rideshare drivers can also cause internal bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Prompt medical evaluation is critical, both for health reasons and for documenting the injury in a legal claim.
Emotional Distress and Psychological Harm
Not all injuries are visible. Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents often experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological effects can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and are recognized damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
We understand that the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident can bring overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Our attorneys fight to ensure victims of rideshare accident cases are fully compensated for both their serious injuries and the hidden toll of emotional trauma.
Whose Insurance Covers an Accident With an Uber or Lyft Driver?
One of the most complicated aspects of an Uber or Lyft crash is figuring out which insurance companies are responsible for paying damages. Because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, liability can depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
If the rideshare app was off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the primary coverage. In this situation, only the driver’s insurance company and their personal insurance policy apply; Uber or Lyft’s coverage does not.
If the app was on and the driver was waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, which may apply if the driver’s personal insurance provider denies or limits coverage.
If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, Uber and Lyft carry a $1 million insurance policy that typically covers injuries and damages for victims. This is in addition to any coverage provided by the driver’s insurance company.
Because multiple insurance providers may be involved, rideshare accident claims can be complex. An Atlanta uber accident lawyer from MPG Trial Law knows how to navigate these overlapping policies and fight to ensure victims receive the maximum compensation available under Georgia law.
Role of an Atlanta Uber Accident Attorney
Gathering Evidence and Witness Statements
Building a strong case after a rideshare accident requires a detailed investigation. An experienced Atlanta Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will collect police reports, medical records, and photographs from the crash scene, while also securing witness statements to support your claim. By piecing together this evidence, your attorney can clearly demonstrate how negligence caused the accident and the extent of your damages.
Filing Claims Against Rideshare Companies and Drivers
Because Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, filing claims can be complicated. Your lawyer will determine whether to pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance company, the rideshare company’s coverage, or both. By handling all communications with insurance providers and filing the necessary paperwork, your attorney ensures no deadlines are missed and your rights are fully protected.
Going to Court to Fight for Fair Compensation
First and foremost, our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys are trial lawyers. While other firms avoid litigation at all costs, we know that the best outcomes are achieved by handling a case with the mindset that your case will go to trial at some point.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Atlanta rideshare accident lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial. In court, your attorney will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve. With trial-tested experience, MPG Trial Law fights aggressively to ensure your voice is heard and your recovery reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Challenges in Negotiating With Insurance Adjusters and How We Handle Them
Dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident can be one of the most frustrating parts of the recovery process. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation. We know these tactics well and have the experience to counter them effectively.
Low Settlement Offers: Adjusters often start with offers that barely cover immediate medical bills, ignoring long-term costs. We push back with detailed evidence of your injuries, future care needs, and financial losses to demand a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.
Disputing Liability: Insurance providers may try to shift blame onto the victim or another driver. Our attorneys gather witness testimony, accident reports, and expert analysis to prove fault and hold the negligent party accountable.
Delaying Tactics: Some adjusters drag out the process, hoping victims will accept less money out of frustration or desperation. We stay aggressive, setting firm deadlines and moving cases forward through litigation when necessary.
Complex Rideshare Coverage: With multiple policies in play, adjusters may deny responsibility or point fingers at another insurer. We cut through the confusion, identifying every available insurance policy and pursuing all possible sources of compensation.
Strategies to Maximize Your Claims
At MPG Trial Law, we know that victims of Uber and Lyft accidents often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term challenges. That’s why we use proven strategies to ensure your claim is as strong as possible and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Thorough Case Investigation: We carefully analyze every detail of the accident, from driver records and app data to police reports and witness statements. This allows us to build a clear picture of fault and liability.
Leveraging Insurance Coverage: Because multiple insurance providers may be responsible in rideshare cases, we identify every available insurance policy (from the driver’s personal auto insurance to Uber and Lyft’s $1 million coverage) to maximize recovery.
Working with Experts: We collaborate with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial experts to prove the full extent of your damages, including future care and lost earning capacity.
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation: Our attorneys negotiate firmly with insurance companies to reach fair settlements. If they refuse to pay what you deserve, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
Contact an Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
We know the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. Victims are often left facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of dealing with multiple insurance providers. That’s why having the right legal representation is so important. Our experienced legal team is committed to guiding you through the complex legal process and standing up to insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.
As seasoned personal injury attorneys, we understand the unique challenges that arise when an accident involves a Lyft or Uber driver. From determining liability to navigating overlapping insurance policies, our attorneys have the experience and resources to build the strongest case possible. We fight tirelessly to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact of your injuries.
While many cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations, we are always prepared to go further. If insurance companies refuse to offer what you are rightfully owed, our trial-tested lawyers are ready to take your case to court. At MPG Trial Law, we believe in aggressive advocacy backed by compassion for our clients, and we will not stop until your voice is heard and justice is served.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact MPG Trial Law today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.