There is no question that the growth of the ridesharing industry has provided many people with options for getting around town without the need to own a vehicle. Unfortunately, the influx of drivers working for these companies also means an increased risk of vehicle collisions.
Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Flowery Branch can result in devastating injuries. If you have been hurt in a wreck like this due to someone else’s negligence, the team at Smith Hulsey Law is ready to help. Let our team of dedicated auto crash attorneys evaluate your case and advise you of your options.
The people who operate rideshare vehicles are like any other driver and must have a valid driver’s license. As individuals, they are no more likely than anyone else to cause a crash, but certain aspects of driving for rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft can increase the likelihood of an accident in Flowery Branch.
Rideshare drivers are often required to travel through areas they are unfamiliar with. The chances of a crash may increase when they come across blind curves or one-way streets that they were not expecting. Wrecks are also more likely when drivers are distracted by their rideshare app or are too busy looking for a street address to notice a car or pedestrian in front of them.
There are countless ways to suffer injury in Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accidents in Flowery Branch. While any body part could ultimately be damaged, certain injuries are especially common in these crashes. Some prominent examples include the following:
Any of these conditions could provide an injured person with the basis for a personal injury claim.
Rideshare collisions are unique because insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Unlike typical Flowery Branch car accidents, liability in Uber or Lyft cases often involves a complex web of insurance policies that is difficult to navigate. Whether these companies will cover the cost of an injured person’s wreck depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
If the rideshare app is turned off, the driver is treated like any other motorist, and only their personal auto insurance applies. When the app is on, but no passenger has been accepted, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage that may apply if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim. This coverage is typically lower than what is available when a ride is in progress.
Once the driver accepts a ride or has a passenger in the car, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. This higher coverage is designed to protect both passengers and third parties involved in the crash.
The insurance potentially provided by the rideshare company is secondary to any coverage the driver has on their own vehicle. This can make it difficult for an injured person to get a clear answer on who is responsible for paying their claim. Our team could unravel these policies and get a client on the path to compensation.
Our attorneys have experience helping those injured in Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Flowery Branch, and we are ready to discuss your options with you. At Smith Hulsey Law, we understand how to build a winning claim for compensation after a collision. Contact our firm today to learn how we could help you get the recovery you deserve.
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