Who Can Be Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Georgia?

Who Can Be Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Georgia?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Georgia, providing a convenient transportation option for hundreds of passengers. While these platforms provide flexibility and ease, the claims process after an accident occurs can become complicated and confusing. Determining legal responsibility for an Uber or Lyft accident is critical when pursuing a claim and depends on multiple factors.

Legal Responsibility of the Rideshare Driver

Rideshare drivers must follow the same traffic laws as every other motorist in Georgia and can face legal responsibility for an accident if they fail to drive safely. Essential information about the potential legal responsibility of a rideshare driver includes:

• Negligent Driving – Rideshare drivers must drive responsibly and can face liability if they cause an accident through speeding, distraction, or other unsafe behavior.
• Personal Car Insurance Policies – Rideshare drivers must maintain personal auto insurance, but most personal policies won’t cover rideshare accidents unless they include a specific rideshare endorsement.
• Status on Rideshare App – Rideshare drivers become covered by Uber or Lyft insurance coverage during certain phases of the ride, and coverage only increases once they’re actively waiting for or transporting a rider.

Role of Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Policies

Uber and Lyft provide structured insurance coverage based on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash. Georgia law requires rideshare companies to maintain minimum liability coverage, but the amount varies depending on the driver’s status, which includes:

• Driver Offline – When the driver is not logged into the app, they are off duty, and only their personal auto insurance applies to any accident.
• Driver Online and Waiting for a Ride Request – When the driver is online but hasn’t accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage, including $50,000 per person, $100,00 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Driver Online and Traveling to or Actively Transporting a Rider – When the driver accepts a ride request or transports a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus protection for uninsured drivers and collision damage.

Potential Liability of Other Motorists

A rideshare accident may involve more motorists than just the rideshare driver, including:

• Another or Multiple Motorists– You may file a claim against another driver’s insurance if another driver caused the accident.
• Shared Accident Liability – You may be able to pursue compensation from both the rideshare driver and another motorist if both parties share fault for the accident.
• Increased Insurance Coverage – You may be able to access additional sources of compensation if another driver becomes involved in a rideshare accident by filing a claim through their insurance policy.
• Challenging Liability Disputes – You might receive conflicting reports as accidents involving multiple vehicles and drivers can lead to shifting blame in attempts to avoid liability, complicating the claims process.

Available Compensation in a Rideshare Accident Claim

You can pursue various losses in a rideshare accident claim, including:

• Medical Expenses – You can recover compensation for all accident-related medical costs, including emergency care, treatment, medication, and future healthcare needs.
• Lost Wages – You may seek compensation for income lost due to time missed from work because of your injuries.
• Reduced Earning Potential – You can seek compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work or earn as you did before
• Pain and Suffering – You can pursue compensation for the persistent pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – You can pursue compensation if your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily routines, hobbies, or social activities.

Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney Serving Georgia Today

At Kaufman Injury Law, we know how quickly rideshare accident claims can lead to confusion and frustration. When you’re injured, you don’t need the additional stress of a complicated accident claim. Call Kaufman Injury Law for your free consultation so we can start fighting for the compensation you need today.