If you live in Atlanta, chances are you have taken an Uber to get to work, catch a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson, or enjoy a night out without the stress of driving. For many of us, it feels like second nature to hop into the backseat, trust the driver, and scroll through our phones until we arrive. But when an Uber accident occurs, the consequences can be devastating, and claiming damages from the insurers can become an uphill battle.
At The Issa & Castro Law Firm, our car accident lawyers in Atlanta has seen firsthand how complicated Uber accident cases can get. There is Uber’s corporate policy to consider, the driver’s personal insurance, and sometimes other negligent drivers involved. It can feel overwhelming, but that is exactly why we offer Atlanta rideshare legal help, so you do not have to take this fight on by yourself.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Atlanta
In the experience of our Uber accident attorney in Atlanta, some of the common causes of Uber crashes in the city include:
Distractions Behind the Wheel
Uber drivers rely heavily on their phones. They are constantly accepting ride requests, following GPS directions, and checking maps. Unfortunately, that phone, which is the tool they need to work, is also one of the biggest distractions that can lead to serious accidents and injuries in Atlanta.
Long Hours and Fatigue
A lot of Uber drivers in Atlanta work late nights or long shifts to make ends meet. The problem is, driving while exhausted is almost as dangerous as driving under the influence. We’ve seen accidents involving catastrophic harm, such as traumatic brain injuries, where drivers simply nodded off or reacted too slowly because fatigue set in.
Speeding and Cutting Corners
With traffic in Atlanta, particularly around I-285 and I-85, some Uber drivers push the limits to get passengers to their destination quickly. Unfortunately, that sometimes means speeding, darting through intersections, or making risky lane changes. These actions can create perfect conditions for a crash.
Insurance Coverage Policies for Uber Drivers in Atlanta
Uber or Lyft accident cases are different because of how the insurance for rideshare drivers works. The type of available coverage changes depending on what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash.
- When the app is off: If the driver is not logged into the Uber app, Uber’s insurance does not apply. In that case, only the driver’s personal auto insurance comes into play. So, the claim must be pursued with the negligent driver’s insurance company.
- When the app is on but no ride has been accepted: Rideshare companies like Uber provide a smaller, “contingent” policy during this stage; up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This only kicks in if the driver’s insurance does not fully cover the claim.
- When the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car: This is where Uber’s $1 million liability policy applies. That liability coverage protects both the driver and passengers if a car accident happens. There is also uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which helps if the at-fault driver does not carry enough insurance.
Steps We Take to Pursue Your Claim After an Uber Accident
When you approach our Atlanta Uber accident attorney after an accident, we know your life and mental peace are severely disrupted. Medical bills are piling up, you may be missing work, and the last thing you want to do is argue with insurance adjusters who do not have your best interests at heart. Here is how we handle it for you.
Investigating the Crash
We collect everything, including crash site photos, police reports, medical records, Uber’s trip data, phone records, vehicle damage analysis, and any available video footage. If there are witnesses, we track them down. If we need accident reconstruction experts, we bring them in. We make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Determining Who Is Responsible
Sometimes it is the Uber driver’s fault. Other times, another driver caused the crash. And in some cases, Uber itself can be held accountable if there was negligent hiring or a failure in their safety protocols. Our job is to figure out exactly who is liable for your rideshare vehicle crash and pursue claims against every responsible party.
Documenting Full Damages
We work with doctors and financial experts to calculate current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and the emotional toll the accident has taken on your life. This ensures that when we seek compensation, it covers the true impact of your injuries and losses, and not just the short-term costs.
Aggressive Negotiations
Insurance companies in Atlanta are not in the business of paying fair settlements voluntarily. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyer is determined to push back, armed with evidence and ready to go to trial if necessary. Our reputation as aggressive litigators encourages insurers to take settlement negotiations more seriously.
Trial Preparation from Day One
If an insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, we are ready to take the case before a Fulton County jury. We prepare rideshare accident claims involving serious injuries as if the case might go to trial. That level of preparation is one reason why insurance providers recognize our resolve and are generally more willing to settle.
Our Atlanta Uber Accident Lawyer Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
Uber accident cases are about real people whose lives have been turned upside down in an accident involving another’s negligence. When we take a case, we know we are handling more than a legal claim. We are helping someone who is trying to get their life back after an unexpected and traumatic event. That is why we fight the way we do.
At The Issa & Castro Law Firm, we are proud to be a small, proactive firm with big results. Our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys, Mark Issa and Miguel Castro, have been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, among other honors.
What matters most to us is the trust our clients place in us in their most vulnerable moments of life. That trust is earned through compassion, aggressive advocacy, and real results in a personal injury lawsuit. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (404) 468-4000 or contact us online.