Navigating Rideshare Accident Claims – How a Personal Injury Lawyer for Rideshare Accidents Can Help
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a common way to get around Atlanta. While they offer convenience, the rising number of rideshare vehicles on the road has led to an increase in accidents. When a crash happens, determining who is responsible and how to seek compensation can be complicated. Unlike regular car accidents, multiple insurance policies may be involved, and rideshare companies often try to limit their liability.
Sarah Flack Law helps victims of rideshare accidents recover fair compensation in Atlanta, GA. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver affected by a rideshare accident, legal representation can make a major difference in your case.
Rideshare Usage and Accident Statistics
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have grown rapidly, providing millions of trips each day. In 2023, Uber reported having 149 million consumers worldwide and 3.5 million drivers, with 1.5 million drivers operating in the U.S. alone. With such a large network of vehicles on the road, the number of rideshare-related accidents continues to rise.
On average, Uber facilitates 28 million trips per day, significantly increasing traffic congestion and interactions between drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles. While rideshare companies promote convenience, safety concerns remain. According to Uber’s U.S. safety study, there were 59 Uber-related fatalities in 2019, with the number dropping to 42 in 2020. Despite this slight decline, accidents involving rideshare vehicles remain a growing issue, especially in busy metropolitan areas like Atlanta. The sheer volume of daily rides increases the likelihood of collisions, and rideshare drivers—who often rely on apps for navigation and passenger updates—face unique distractions that can contribute to crashes.
As rideshare services continue to expand, so does the risk of accidents. Victims involved in these crashes may struggle to determine who is liable or how to handle insurance claims. Understanding the complexities of rideshare accident cases is crucial for anyone who uses these services, whether as a passenger, driver, or another motorist on the road.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Liability may fall on the rideshare company, the driver, another motorist, or even a third party.
- If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy may cover the damages. These companies provide up to $1 million in coverage during these periods.
- If the driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride request, limited coverage from the rideshare company may apply.
- If the driver was off duty and not using the app, their personal insurance policy is responsible for covering damages.
- In some cases, another driver or a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or a government agency responsible for road maintenance, may share liability.
Understanding who should pay for damages can be difficult, especially when rideshare companies and insurance providers try to avoid responsibility.
Challenges of Rideshare Insurance Policies
Uber and Lyft have large insurance policies, but getting fair compensation is not always easy. These companies have legal teams that work to minimize payouts. Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame or argue that injuries are not as severe as claimed.
Victims may face:
- Delays in the claims process, making it harder to cover medical bills and lost wages.
- Settlement offers that do not fully cover medical expenses and other damages.
- Confusion over which insurance policy applies.
Sarah Flack Law fights against these tactics. We collect evidence, build strong cases, and negotiate aggressively to recover the compensation our clients deserve.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare drivers face unique challenges that increase the risk of accidents. They rely on apps for navigation, deal with frequent pickups and drop-offs, and often drive in high-traffic areas. Some of the most common causes of rideshare crashes include:
- Distracted driving – Drivers must constantly check their phones for ride requests and GPS directions.
- Speeding and reckless driving – Some drivers rush to complete as many trips as possible.
- Fatigue – Many rideshare drivers work long hours, leading to slower reaction times.
- Negligence by other drivers – Rideshare vehicles share the road with other motorists who may speed, drive under the influence, or ignore traffic signals.
When accidents happen, rideshare drivers and their companies may try to avoid responsibility. Victims should act quickly to protect their rights.
What Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, taking the right steps can help strengthen your case.
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help if needed.
- Seek medical attention – Some injuries may not be obvious at first but can worsen over time.
- Gather evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from the rideshare driver, other drivers, and witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault – Do not discuss the accident with insurance adjusters or make statements that could be used against you.
- Contact Sarah Flack Law – An experienced personal injury lawyer for rideshare accidents can handle your case and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
Taking these steps helps protect your right to compensation.
Compensation Available for Rideshare Accident Victims
Rideshare accident victims may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages. This can include:
- Medical expenses – Covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost wages – If injuries prevent the victim from working, they may recover compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering – Victims may receive compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage – Covers repair or replacement of damaged personal belongings, such as a vehicle or bicycle.
Sarah Flack Law works to calculate the full extent of damages, making sure that victims are not left with unpaid medical bills or lost wages.
Why Choose Sarah Flack Law for Your Rideshare Accident Claim?
Rideshare accident claims can be complex, and insurance companies do not make the process easy. Having a skilled attorney can help level the playing field.
Sarah Flack is a former prosecutor with a deep understanding of Georgia’s legal system. She has successfully represented accident victims across Atlanta and helped them recover fair settlements. Clients who work with Sarah Flack Law receive direct, hands-on legal representation. Unlike some firms that pass cases to assistants, Sarah Flack personally handles every case to provide the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Consultation with Sarah Flack Law Today
Rideshare accident claims have legal deadlines, and waiting too long to file a claim can make it harder to recover compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, contact Sarah Flack Law today. We offer free 15-minute phone consultations to discuss your case and legal options.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call now to get the support and representation you need.