Rideshare services have grown in popularity throughout Georgia. Uber is one of the leading rideshare companies people choose when they need a ride. However, Ubers are not immune to accidents.
Whether you are an Uber driver, passenger, or other party involved in a car accident in Columbus, GA, you need legal advice from a trusted advocate. No one wants to be involved in an Uber accident, but if you are, you want to hire an experienced lawyer to get you the best possible result for your case.
At Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, we focus our practice exclusively on personal injury legal matters. Our founding lawyer, Mark Casto, has over 25 years of experience. He has substantial trial experience as a former prosecutor.
Our legal team has won millions of dollars in compensation. Clients and peers consistently give us top ratings. We have a perfect 10.0 with Avvo and received the Avvo Client’s Choice Award in 2019.
Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus Uber accident lawyer or call (706) 940-4030.
How Our Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You With an Uber Accident Case in Georgia
Pursuing damages after an Uber accident might involve suing the at-fault driver, Uber, and other third parties. You might be able to settle the claim with Uber’s insurance provider after filing an insurance claim. The legal options you have depend on the circumstances of your Uber accident case.
Sorting out fault and liability for a rideshare accident could be complicated. However, you do not need to handle your case alone. Hiring an experienced Columbus Uber accident attorney ensures that you have someone on your side who analyzes the law and the facts of your case to identify your legal options for pursuing damages.
Our Georgia personal injury lawyer is dedicated to recovering maximum compensation for our clients. We have received numerous honors for our legal services, including being selected by Georgia Super Lawyers, named an Elite Lawyer in Accidents & Injuries, and included in the Top 100 by The National Trial Lawyers.
When you hire our top-rated Columbus personal injury attorney, you can trust we will handle all matters related to your Uber accident case, including:
- Investigating the car accident to determine how the crash occurred and identify all parties responsible for causing the accident
- Verifying insurance coverage, filing insurance claims, and handling all matters related to the claims
- Gathering evidence to support your claim, including working with the top expert witnesses in their fields
- Assisting you in documenting your damages to maximize how much your case is worth
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court if negotiation attempts fail
Don’t let Uber or an insurance company convince you to accept a settlement offer without legal advice. Call Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss how much your Uber accident case is worth.
Who Is Liable for an Uber Accident in Columbus, GA?
Georgia is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. The parties who caused or contributed to the accident can be held liable for damages.
Therefore, potential parties who could be accountable for Uber accident injuries and damages include:
- The Uber driver
- Another driver
- The manufacturer of a defective car part
- A negligent passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian
- A trucking company and/or truck driver
- Negligent repair and/or maintenance shops
- Government entities for dangerous roads
A liability insurance company might be responsible for the claim if their insured was at fault. Uber and the Uber driver must have insurance coverage to operate in Georgia. Therefore, your claim may be handled by an insurance provider. Unless you accept a settlement offer and sign a release, you can still sue the at-fault driver for your damages instead of accepting the insurance settlement.
Is Uber Responsible for an Uber Accident in Columbus, GA?
Uber drivers are not employees of the company. Instead, they are independent contractors. As such, they are responsible for the damages they cause by their negligence or wrongdoing.
When rideshare companies began, they denied liability for Uber accident claims. They relied on the fact that the Uber driver was not their employee. Therefore, they were not liable for damages under vicarious liability principles.
However, private insurance companies for Uber drivers denied claims. They relied on clauses in automobile insurance policies that excluded liability if the vehicle was used for commercial or for-pay services.
Unfortunately, the accident victim had nowhere to turn. If they sued the Uber driver, they might not receive anything for their damages.
Uber Now Provides Limited Insurance Coverage for Drivers
All Uber drivers must have automobile insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $25,000 for bodily injury per person ($50,000 per accident). They must also have a minimum of $25,000 in property damage coverage. If an Uber driver causes a car accident while the Uber app is off, their personal insurance coverage should apply.
However, Uber now covers drivers with limited liability insurance if they cause an accident.
The insurance coverage Uber provides includes:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person ($100,000 per accident) and $25,000 in property damage while the Uber driver is available or waiting for a ride request
- $1,000,000 third-party liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party insurance, and contingent collision and comprehensive if the driver is en route to pick up a ride and during trips
Even though an insurance policy might provide coverage for an Uber accident, it does not mean the insurance company will admit liability. If not, the injured party has the burden of proving the legal elements required to hold the driver at fault for causing the accident.
Our Columbus Uber accident lawyer will build a case based on solid evidence to prove that the at-fault party caused the crash, and you are entitled to compensation for your damages.
What Damages Can I Receive in an Uber Accident Claim in Columbus, Georgia?
The types of damages you receive depend on many factors, including the strength of your evidence, the severity of your injuries, and the availability of insurance coverage. Most car accident victims are entitled to receive compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of damages in an Uber accident claim include:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment and care
- Impairments and disabilities
- The cost of occupational, physical, and other rehabilitative therapies
- Loss of enjoyment of life and diminished quality of life
- Past and future lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disfigurements and scarring
- Physical pain and suffering
- A decrease in future earning capacity
Georgia does allow injured parties to seek punitive damages. However, they are only awarded in a few personal injury lawsuits. The burden of proof for punitive damages is higher than for compensatory damages.
How Does Shared Fault Impact an Uber Accident Case in Georgia?
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence standard bars victims from recovering compensation for damages if they are 50% or more at fault for causing the Uber accident. However, if they are less than 50% at fault, they can recover damages relative to their fault.
For example, suppose a jury awards you $500,000 in an Uber accident lawsuit. The jurors decided you were 10% to blame for causing the accident. Instead of receiving the entire $500,000 award, the amount is reduced by 10% for your fault in causing the accident.
If an insurance adjuster, Uber, or another party asks for a recorded statement, do not agree without speaking with an attorney. The adjuster or other party is likely trying to get information they can use to blame you for causing the accident.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia sets statutes of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. If you do not file your lawsuit before the time expires, the court may dismiss your case. The dismissal can happen even if you have a valid legal claim against the other party for damages.
The deadline to file an Uber car accident lawsuit in Georgia is generally two years from the accident date. However, circumstances in your case could change the deadline.
For example, if a government vehicle was involved in the accident, you have just six months to file a notice of claim (sometimes less if a local ordinance applies). On the other hand, if a minor is injured in the accident, you could have longer to file the claim.
The best way to protect your right to fair compensation is to discuss your case with an experienced Columbus Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting too long to seek legal advice could hurt your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Columbus Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents can be challenging to pursue. Multiple parties could be liable for your damages, and they might point the finger at each other to avoid paying your claim.
Our Columbus Uber accident attorney at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm will aggressively pursue each responsible party and source of compensation. We’ll work to get you the money you deserve after an Uber accident. Call now to request a free case review with an experienced Uber accident attorney in Columbus, GA.
Our personal injury law firm in Columbus, GA also provides:
- Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
- Brain Injury Attorneys in Columbus, GA
- Car Accident Injury Lawyer in Columbus, GA
- Child Injury Lawyers in Columbus, GA
- Construction Accident Attorney in Columbus, GA
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- Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
- Premises Liability Attorneys in Columbus, GA
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- Truck Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA
- Uber Accident Attorney in Columbus, GA
- Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Columbus, GA
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Local Emergency Rooms Near You
- Northside Medical Center: Emergency Room – 100 Frist Ct, Columbus, GA 31909
- Midtown Medical Center West Campus Hospital – 616 19th St, Columbus, GA 31901
- Midtown Medical Center Emergency Room – 710 Center St, Columbus, GA 31901
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
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