Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

As rideshare platforms continue to gain popularity in Atlanta, rideshare accidents have become more and more commonplace within the city. Georgia’s commuters, tourists, partiers, and more depend on Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services to safely travel within the state. 

Today’s ridesharing platforms have surpassed taxis and black car limousines in Atlanta. Even as these app-based technologies have made it easier for people to get around, they have also led to a new type of personal injury case: the rideshare accident claim. 

Rideshare accident cases are often clouded by confusing employment and liability law issues. 

However, taxi and rideshare drivers are responsible for the safety of the passengers in their vehicles. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, a Georgia Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation. 

The Scott Pryor Law Firm offers knowledgeable, empathetic advocacy for victims of rideshare accidents in Atlanta.

Table of Contents

• Who is responsible for damages in an Uber or Lyft accident? 
• Determining fault after a rideshare accident 
• What to do after a rideshare accident 
• Types of compensation after a rideshare accident
  • Common injuries from rideshare accidents
• How to find a rideshare accident lawyer in Atlanta 
• Choose The Scott Pryor Law Firm to represent your needs in Atlanta 

Who is responsible for damages in an Uber or Lyft accident? 

After any accident, fault may be determined by lawyers, insurance adjusters, judges, and law enforcement. Sometimes, it is very easy to determine who was responsible for a crash, but that’s not usually the case. If you don’t have someone on your side who can prove who was at fault, it is much more difficult to get appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Determining liability is crucial for any accident claim. When it comes to a rideshare accident, there may be multiple responsible parties. 

Here are some facts that inform who can be held liable for an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident: 

• Uber and Lyft drivers are not employees of their companies. They are independent contractors. 
• Every rideshare driver is required by their platform to hold appropriate insurance in case of an accident. 
• Rideshare drivers must have a special rideshare policy, either via their car insurance provider or the platform itself.
• It is very rare for Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing app to be held responsible for damages after an accident involving one of their drivers.
  

This means that in any accident, the individual(s) who caused the accident are the ones responsible for damages. 

If the rideshare driver was responsible, claims will start by going through their insurance policy. If another driver was responsible, claims will be processed through that driver’s insurer. If other parties played a part in causing the accident, or if multiple parties share responsibility, Georgia law allows for shared liability. 

Determining fault after a rideshare accident 

After an accident, fault can be determined through a number of means. Hiring a rideshare accident attorney means that you have someone on your side who can go through the evidence on your behalf and determine exactly what happened. 

Evidence may include: 

• Police records
• Video and photos from the accident scene
• Surveillance video or dashcam footage
• Eyewitness testimony
• Expert witness testimony
• Medical records

As a passenger in a rideshare accident who shares no fault in the crash, you likely need a car accident attorney to protect your rights. That way, you don’t get overlooked as the drivers’ insurance companies sort out who was responsible. 

What to do after a rideshare accident 

After a rideshare accident, there are steps you can take to protect your rights. Even if you were unable to follow all of these steps, an attorney can help you determine what you should do next. 

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, you should: 

1. Seek medical attention for your injuries
2. Stay on the scene until police arrive and say you can go
3. Take photos and videos of the accident scene
4. Make sure that the driver notifies the rideshare app of the accident
5. Submit a third-party accident report to the app (Here’s the form for Uber, and here’s the form for Lyft)
6. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your rights after a rideshare crash 

Types of compensation after a rideshare accident

The types of compensation that you are eligible for after an accident depend on the severity of your injuries. If you suffered severe injuries, you will more than likely be eligible for a larger amount of compensation. 

Compensation after an accident typically includes: 

• Medical costs (current and future)
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages from missed work
• Lost earning capacity if you are unable to return to work
• Permanent disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Note that some of these areas of compensation are based on financial damages, but others are emotional, psychological, or physical. A good attorney will understand the full picture of your injuries and make a strong argument regarding the severity of damages caused by the accident. 

In severe accidents that cause a fatality, the deceased’s family may also be able to file a claim for wrongful death. 

Common injuries from rideshare accidents

These are all common injuries after a rideshare accident: 

• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Bruises and contusions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Burns
• Herniated discs
• Facial injuries
• Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD, anxiety)

Not all injuries are immediately detectable after an accident. Adrenaline can mask a lot of pain in the aftermath of a crash. Sometimes, you may not develop symptoms for days after the accident. Psychological trauma can manifest months later. When you consider all of this, you begin to realize the importance of seeking immediate medical care following an accident. 

Getting treatment after the accident sets a baseline for your injuries. Be sure to save all documentation of medical treatment, including records and billing statements, and provide those to your rideshare accident attorney. Your lawyer will use the information to make a strong case regarding the compensation that you deserve.

How to find a rideshare accident lawyer in Atlanta 

There are lots of personal injury attorneys in Atlanta, but how do you know that you have found the right one? 

Here are four things to look for in an Atlanta rideshare accident attorney: 

1. They have experience with rideshare accidents

Even though rideshare accidents have a lot in common with other kinds of motor vehicle collisions, the unique nature of these platforms makes the legal aftermath more complicated. You need a lawyer who understands these complications and can advocate for you after a rideshare accident. 

It is crucial to choose a law firm that has experience dealing with these kinds of accidents. A knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with multiple insurance companies, the rideshare company, and other parties who may be liable for the accident. 

To learn about your law firm’s track record, check out their case results. For example, The Scott Pryor Law Firm recently won a $775,000 lawsuit for a rideshare accident victim. 

2. They are full of compassion and empathy

After a rideshare accident, you’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial worries. The last thing you need is an attorney who treats you like just another case number. Look for a lawyer who genuinely cares about your well-being and understands the challenges you’re facing.

A compassionate attorney will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions patiently, and explain complex legal concepts in terms you can understand. They should make you feel comfortable and supported throughout the legal process, providing regular updates and being available when you need them.

Remember, you’re not just hiring a legal representative – you’re choosing a partner to guide you through a difficult time. The right attorney will demonstrate empathy for your situation and show a sincere commitment to helping you recover, both physically and financially.

Scott Pryor has been fighting for accident victims for his entire legal career, and The Scott Pryor Law Firm is built on compassion and empathy. 

3. They offer a free, no-obligation consultation

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident, the last thing you need is another bill to worry about. That’s why reputable rideshare accident attorneys like the Scott Pryor Law Firm offer free initial consultations. 

This no-cost meeting serves several important purposes:

• You can discuss your case and get legal guidance from a professional without any risk
• You can get an expert’s opinion on the strength of your case
• You can learn about potential outcomes
• You can find out if you like the way your attorney makes you feel
• You can learn about the fee structure so there are no surprises

Remember, a free consultation doesn’t mean that you are required to hire the attorney you meet with! Think of the consultation as an opportunity to interview a lawyer and make sure that they are a good match for your needs. 

4. They only accept payments on a contingency basis

A trustworthy rideshare accident attorney in Atlanta should work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case or secure a settlement on your behalf. Here’s why this payment structure is beneficial for you:

• No upfront costs
• A lawyer who is invested in winning your case
• Reduced financial risk
• Access to quality representation

The contingency fee percentage should be clearly explained during your initial consultation. Make sure you understand what expenses, if any, you might be responsible for regardless of the case outcome.

The Scott Pryor Law Firm works on contingency so that you never take on financial risk by pursuing justice! 

Choose The Scott Pryor Law Firm to represent your needs in Atlanta 

An injured driver or passenger should hire a Georgia Uber/Lyft accident lawyer when dealing with a car accident involving a rideshare. These types of accidents add multiple layers of complication to a case that an experienced attorney may be best equipped to deal with. 

An Uber/Lyft accident is not an average car wreck. It needs to be handled with precision with the help of Atlanta rideshare accident lawyers. Otherwise, a plaintiff may not receive the full value of their claim and not be compensated as they should.

Contact The Scott Pryor Law Firm today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case. We are ready to fight for you.