Rideshare Collision Attorneys in Atlanta & Marietta Representing Clients Throughout Georgia
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta & Marietta Uber and Lyft crash lawyers know that if you have been involved in a rideshare collision, the liable party may be difficult to identify. If you were a passenger, you probably would not know if it was your rideshare driver or another motorist who caused the crash.
Unfortunately, as is the case in most vehicle collisions, neither driver is going to leap at the chance to admit they were at fault. Although non-rideshare drivers are just as capable of causing a crash, most other drivers do not spend countless hours driving each day, using up to 60% of their time behind the wheel searching for passengers.
These and other fatigue and distraction-inducing facts can lead to significant risks of a crash, injuring Uber and Lyft passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists.
If you have been injured in a rideshare collision in Georgia, and are unsure who to pursue for your damages, we can help. We have walked this path with other families and have a great reputation in the industry. We have earned our clients’ trust with hard work, frequent communication, and expertise. We can provide the same exceptional legal advice, guidance, and representation for you and your family, starting with a free case review.
Call us today to learn more. We can decide together if we are a good fit for your case, and ensure your voice is heard.
What are the Most Common Causes of Georgia Rideshare Crashes?
Using a cellphone while driving is one of the deadliest distractions that occur on our Georgia roadways, and those across the nation. The Centers for Disease Control reports nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.
For that reason, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
- Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or touch any part of their body while talking on their phone while driving.
- Even with hands-free technology, drivers cannot write, read, or send text messages, e-mails, social media content, and other internet data while on the road.
The problem is, rideshare drivers count on their cellphones for revenue. This includes performing multiple tasks to pick up and drop off riders for the duration of their Uber and Lyft working hours.
When a rideshare app notification alerts a driver to a rider request, they only have a limited time to accept. This means they have very little time to look down or over at their device, manipulate the app, and locate the pick-up (and later the drop-off) point on the map. During some ride requests, passengers may even send direct messages to the driver, alerting him or her to their exact whereabouts or providing other directions about their movements. This requires the driver to read and respond to messages, enlarge their maps, or search for passengers near the pick-up location, yet again taking their eyes and attention off the road.
Each of these actions is a form of distracted driving.
If you have been injured in a collision caused by a negligent rideshare driver, or as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle in Georgia, contact our experienced Uber and Lyft crash attorneys today for help.
Who is Liable for Uber and Lyft Collisions in Georgia?
Since rideshare drivers are increasing their duties to include more than transporting passengers and are now picking up and delivering s-out orders from restaurants, groceries, and other goods from local stores, they are further encouraged to focus on their apps instead of on the road in front of them.
The question is, who is liable for injuries suffered in a crash involving a rideshare driver?
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides the basic guidelines for determining liability.
- When Uber or Lyft drivers are using their personal vehicles and their rideshare apps are not enabled, the driver’s personal insurance policy applies to all damages.
- When rideshare drivers have enabled their apps, but have not yet accepted a pick-up, delivery, or ride request, the driver’s personal insurance may apply, but the rideshare company and its insurer may have some limited liability or coverage.
- When Uber or Lyft drivers have accepted a pick-up, delivery, or ride request, but have yet to perform the task — or when the rideshare drivers have the food, goods, or passengers onboard — they are currently employed by the company. This means the rideshare company’s insurance coverage may apply up to the coverage limit.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Georgia Uber and Lyft collision and injury lawyers know these crashes are difficult to understand and pursue on your own. This is why we deliberately limit the number of cases we take so that we can build relationships with our clients, devote the time that their cases deserve, and make their goals our goals. Together, we have decades of experience in overseeing the most complicated, catastrophic, and meaningful cases on behalf of the most deserving clients.
Contact us today at (404) 777-7771 or online to determine whether we are a good fit for your case, so we can start pursuing real results together.
Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys In Atlanta & Marietta Today
We understand that suffering personal injuries because of another person’s negligence is nothing short of life changing. We want to help you turn the page, and move forward with confidence, starting today.
Contact our skilled Atlanta & Marietta rideshare collision lawyers and support team today at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation, so we can tell your story and ensure your voice is heard by pursuing the best outcome for your unique case.