How Uber, Lyft and Atlanta Rideshare Companies Handle Car Accidents

By Grant Law Office on May 18, 2016

Rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber have rapidly grown in popularity here in Atlanta. More and more people are choosing to use an app on their phone to use a rideshare app over calling a traditional cab. This means that residents of Atlanta are being driven around by strangers, in vehicles they’ve never been in before, under the assumption that they are protected in the event of an accident.

It is important to remember that rideshare companies are different from taxi service companies in a number of ways. Taxi service companies are often more expensive than Uber and Lyft because there is more overhead. Taxi and limousine companies typically own their vehicles, they regularly inspect the vehicles to make sure they are in proper working order, and they review the history of their drivers to ensure that passengers are safe. They do all this because when an accident happens, it is the taxi company that is liable for the injuries suffered by passengers. That is not always the case with regard to rideshare companies.

Uber and Lyft only serve as a connection between the drivers and the passengers. They are not directly involved in the actual transportation of the passengers and the drivers are not even technically employees. However, these companies are required to purchase insurance that covers drivers using their service. Therefore, if you are injured while using a ridesharing company, your claim may go through the driver’s insurance, or it may go through the ridesharing company.

If you are hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you will hopefully receive fair compensation for all your current and future losses through the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. However, if your Lyft or Uber driver was at fault and has inadequate insurance, you may be able to seek additional support from the ridesharing company. Lyft, for example, has a contingent liability insurance policy that covers $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for personal injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

If you have been injured in an Atlanta ridesharing accident, contact an Atlanta rideshare car accident attorney who can help you get the support and compensation you need.

Grant Law Office can be reached at (404) 995-3955.