Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers in Alpharetta

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are everywhere in Alpharetta, from the busy shopping districts along Windward Parkway to the highway ramps of GA-400. But when a rideshare driver causes a crash, recovering compensation becomes incredibly complicated. Rideshare accidents involve complex, multi-tiered insurance policies that change depending on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. At Howe.Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know how to navigate these policies and hold the right parties accountable.

Understanding rideshare insurance tiers

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which means the company is not always liable for their actions. The insurance coverage available depends on the driver's status. If the app is off, only the driver's personal auto policy applies. If the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft provides a lower level of contingency coverage. However, if the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or currently has a passenger in the vehicle, the rideshare company's $1 million commercial liability policy kicks in. We investigate the digital logs to prove exactly which tier applies to your case.

Georgia statute of limitations for rideshare claims

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Rideshare companies and their insurers will use this time to build a defense or delay your claim. It is critical to start the legal process immediately to secure digital evidence, GPS data, and witness statements before they are lost.

Comparative fault in rideshare collisions

If you were driving another vehicle or crossing the street when a rideshare driver hit you, Uber and Lyft's insurers will look for ways to say you caused the crash. Georgia operates under a modified comparative fault system with a 50 percent bar (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). This means you lose your right to sue if you are 50 percent or more to blame, and any lesser percentage reduces your payout proportionally. We anticipate these corporate defense strategies and build your case to prove the rideshare driver was the primary cause.

Serving rideshare accident victims across the metro area

Based at 4385 Kimball Bridge Road, Unit 100, we assist rideshare passengers and other motorists injured throughout Alpharetta and neighboring communities. Our practice covers Fulton, Forsyth, Cherokee, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Dawson counties. Whether your crash happened during a ride in Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, Cumming, Canton, Woodstock, Duluth, or Buford, we are here to help.

Talk to an Alpharetta Uber and Lyft accident lawyer today

Taking on Uber, Lyft, and their corporate insurers requires aggressive legal strategy. Call (404) 383-6204 today for a free consultation or fill out our contact form. We advance all costs and only collect an attorney fee if we recover money on your behalf.

Common questions

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly if their driver hits me?

Generally, no. Because Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, you typically cannot sue the corporate entity directly for the driver's negligence. Instead, you pursue compensation through the driver's personal insurance or the commercial liability policy provided by the rideshare company for the duration of the trip.

What if I was a passenger in the Uber or Lyft when it crashed?

As a paying passenger, you are covered by the rideshare company's $1 million commercial liability policy. Whether your driver caused the crash or another motorist was at fault, there is substantial coverage available to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Will the rideshare company's insurance cover my damages if the driver was just waiting for a ride request?

If the driver had the app on but had not yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide a lower tier of contingency coverage (usually $50,000 per person for bodily injury). However, this coverage only applies if the driver's personal auto insurance denies the claim, which they often do since the driver was operating the vehicle for commercial purposes.