Valdosta residents trust Uber and Lyft drivers to safely get them to their destinations. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and victims of an Uber or Lyft accident could be left wondering how they will be compensated for their injuries.
Fortunately, you can recover compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver. A Valdosta Uber and Lyft accident lawyer could be helpful in this situation as there could be multiple paths to recover damages. Uber and Lyft provide high coverage rates for injuries caused by their drivers, but it will depend on whether their driver was working at the time of the accident. While you generally cannot sue Uber and Lyft directly after an accident, there are certain times when Uber and Lyft could potentially be liable.
If you were injured because of an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence, seek assistance from our dedicated Valdosta Uber and Lyft accident lawyers today. For a free case evaluation, contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Dangerous Intersections in Valdosta, GA Where Uber and Lyft Accidents Occur
Unfortunately, there are many dangerous intersections in Valdosta where Uber and Lyft accidents are more likely to occur. Accidents at intersections can be incredibly dangerous for unwary Uber and Lyft passengers. T-bone accidents are some of the most devasting at an intersection and can be especially harmful to passengers who might not have time to brace for the impact. You could also be injured as the other driver in an Uber or Lyft accident at these intersections. The following are the most dangerous intersections for Uber and Lyft accidents in Valdosta:
- Val Del Road and North Valdosta Road
- Interstate-75and North Valdosta Road
- Country Club Drive and North Valdosta Road
- Cat Creek Road and Ga. 122
- Lakes Boulevard and Mill Store Road
Uber and Lyft drivers should exercise extra caution at these intersections and any others they are crossing in Valdosta. Our Valdosta Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help you regardless of where in Valdosta your accident occurred.
How Compensation Works After an Uber and Lyft Accident in Valdosta, GA
Recovering compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident can be a confusing process for victims. Which parties you can recover damages from will depend on whether the Uber or Lyft driver was on duty at the time of the accident. A rideshare driver is typically considered on duty when logged on to the Uber or Lyft app.
When a Rideshare Driver is on Duty with a Passenger or En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
If an accident occurs when an Uber or Lyft driver currently has a passenger or is on their way to pick up one, the victim can file a claim against Uber or Lyft for damages for their injuries. Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage up to $1,000,000 for bodily injuries in accidents where the rideshare driver is on active duty.
When a Rideshare Driver is on Duty and Waiting for a Customer Request
You can still file an insurance claim against Uber or Lyft if their driver was on duty and waiting for a fare when the accident occurred. Many Uber and Lyft drivers move around while waiting for a customer request, and accidents can occur during this period. Uber and Lyft provide coverage of up to $100,000 for damages for these types of accidents involving their drivers.
When a Rideshare Driver is Not on Duty
If a rideshare driver is not logged on to the Uber or Lyft app and is simply using their car for personal reasons, you will not be able to file a claim against Uber or Lyft for damages. However, you will still be able to file an insurance claim against the negligent rideshare driver’s private car insurance to recover compensation for your injuries.
When Another Driver Causes the Uber or Lyft Accident
If you were the passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident caused by another driver, you could seek compensation by filing an insurance claim against the negligent third-party driver’s car insurance. If the other driver’s policy limits are not enough to cover your damages, or they do not have car insurance, Uber and Lyft each offer $1,000,000 in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for situations where another driver’s insurance is insufficient to compensate you fully.
Filing a Lawsuit Directly Against Uber or Lyft in Valdosta, GA
Uber and Lyft are not like typical companies and cannot be held directly liable for the negligent acts of their rideshare drivers. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors and technically not employees of Uber or Lyft, which is why most states, including Georgia, require Uber and Lyft to offer insurance coverage for accidents in which their drivers are involved. The trade-off, though, is that Uber and Lyft cannot be sued in court in most cases.
There are some rare circumstances where you can file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft directly. For instance, if Uber or Lyft were negligent in their hiring practices, they could be held accountable for putting a dangerous driver on the road. Uber and Lyft are expected to conduct background and driving records checks for prospective drivers to ensure that the ones potentially dangerous to their customers are blocked from employment. Our Valdosta Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help assess whether a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft is appropriate for your case.
Statute of Limitations to File an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Valdosta, GA
The statute of limitations sets the time limit to file an Uber and Lyft accident lawsuit in Valdosta. Victims of an Uber or Lyft accident will have two years from the date of their injuries to file a lawsuit. There are few exceptions to the deadline, so starting litigation immediately after the accident can be crucial to your case. Unless you meet one of the exceptions, your case will be dismissed if it is not filed within the two-year time limit. Our Valdosta Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help ensure that you can help ensure that important dates are not missed.
Our Valdosta, GA Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, our experienced Valdosta Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help by providing you with a free case review. Call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
