Columbus Rideshare Accident Lawyers

How Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Columbus Georgia Can Help

Rideshare accidents aren’t as straightforward as regular car accidents because they involve multiple parties, from the driver of the car to big transport network vehicle services, like Uber and Lyft.

At Thompson Law, we know the ins and outs of the laws surrounding these rideshare companies, and we’ll use that knowledge to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free for you as possible. Here are just some of the services we provide to strengthen your case:

• Investigating the car accident thoroughly
• Gathering evidence like police reports, photos of the crash, rideshare app data, witness statements, surveillance footage, and so on
• Determine who is truly liable for the accident based on key pieces of evidence
• Talk to Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you’re not getting lowballed
• Calculate the full value of your claim based on the damages you’ve incurred
• Aggressively negotiate to get you the maximum compensation possible
• Hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions through litigation in court

Our Columbus rideshare accident lawyers will give you the legal support you need from the moment you call us to when we can get you a fair settlement or win your case in court. We’ll give you the peace of mind you need during this dark, stressful time. Understand more about what we do to get justice on your behalf by booking a FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Damages Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Recover for You

If you pursue legal action against the rideshare driver, you may be entitled to a range of economic and non-economic court-awarded compensatory damages. These include:

• Medical expenses covering hospital bills, medicine, surgical treatments, rehabilitation, and more
• Lost wages if you’ve missed days at work due to your injuries
• Loss of earning capacity, if severe injuries or disabilities will now get in the way of you working
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering, which accounts for physical and emotional pain due to the accident
• Property damage if your vehicle or other personal belongings were damaged in the accident
• Wrongful death damages, like funeral expenses and loss of companionship, if you lost a loved one in a rideshare accident

Our Columbus rideshare accident lawyers can help you estimate the value of your case, ensuring that it reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses. Then, we’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure you get it.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

We believe that rideshare companies and drivers should be held accountable when passengers or other motorists get hurt because of their negligence. Our lawyers make it their mission to hold these parties accountable for your injuries and losses. We’ll protect your rights in and outside of court and hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions to ensure that you get the compensation you need to heal, not just physically, but financially, too.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Columbus, GA

Rideshare drivers face all sorts of unique challenges on the job on a daily basis, from constantly having to manage navigation apps on their phones to dealing with heavy traffic on major roads. And while these are valid struggles for any driver to have, they can sometimes lead to serious road collisions. Here are just some of the other common causes of rideshare accidents:

• Distracted driving when a rideshare driver checks his phone too often while on the road
• Fatigue and exhaustion due to working long hours behind the wheel
• Speeding in a rush to complete more rides and make more money
• Not following traffic signs and regulations
• Poorly trained rideshare drivers with no experience driving in high-pressure road situations
• Picking up and dropping off passengers in unsafe areas
• Poor road conditions, especially when it’s raining

Do Uber and Lyft Have Insurance Policies to Shoulder Injury Costs?

Yes, Uber and Lyft both have comprehensive insurance policies to help cover accidents, especially injuries to the driver and passengers. The coverage of their policies depends on three specific situations where the rideshare driver might find themselves:

1. Driver is offline and not working:  When the rideshare driver isn’t working and online on the app when the accident occurs, there’s no coverage by Uber or Lyft. Damages and injuries sustained during this period should be covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance.
2. Driver is online and waiting for a booking:  If the driver is online on the app and is waiting for a booking, the liability insurance applies. Uber and Lyft will cover up to $50,000 per person and a limit of $100,000 per car accident for injuries. They also cover up to $25,000 in property damage for each collision.
3. During a ride:  If an accident occurs in the middle of a ride with a passenger in the car, Uber and Lyft can cover up to $1,000,000 in damages if the driver is at fault. If not, the negligent party is liable for damages. Uber and Lyft can also provide additional amounts to help injured parties when an uninsured third-party motorist is at fault for the crash.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for a Road Accident in Columbus?

Suing Uber or Lyft directly can be difficult because their rideshare drivers aren’t technically company employees but independent contractors. That means these companies aren’t liable for their drivers’ actions. So, in most cases, you would pursue legal action against the driver.

But because these transport network vehicle services have insurance coverage for their rides, you typically won’t have to sue the driver. Our lawyers can talk to these adjusters on your behalf and make sure you get the payout you deserve from your injuries and losses.

Local Laws Rideshare Companies Must Adhere to in Georgia

In the last decade, rideshare apps have gotten so popular that now, Georgia has strict laws in place for rideshare companies that want to operate within the state. These guidelines are enumerated in Georgia Code § 40-1-193, and include mandates like:

• All rideshare companies must register for a state-issued license with the Georgia Department of Public Safety, which they must renew every year for a fee
• Companies must maintain a current list of all their drivers operating in Georgia and be willing to show it to law enforcement upon request
• Rideshare companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers have a for-hire license endorsement or at least passed a state-certified background check
• Companies must have a strict zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Companies must have insurance that covers injuries and property damage for rides that end up in accidents
• While on duty, drivers should have digital identification prearranged through the app showing their name, photo, car details, and proof of insurance, in case law enforcement needs it

Busy, Accident-Prone Roads and Landmarks in Columbus, GA

While rideshare accidents can happen on any street in Columbus, it’s important to be aware of the most accident-prone roads in the city. These include high-traffic roads such as:

• Macon Road
• Manchester Expressway
• Woodruff Farm Road
• Veterans Parkway
• U.S. Route 80
• U.S. Route 280
• U.S. Route 27
• Georgia State Route 22
• Georgia State Route 520
• Georgia State Route 85

It’s also important to be extra vigilant in high-traffic landmarks in the city that people flock to. These include the Columbus State University campus, the Columbus Airport, museums, malls, and retail centers in the city. Rideshare drivers often pick up and drop off passengers in these areas, making them potential hotspots for rideshare accidents.

What to Do After a Lyft or Uber Crash in Columbus, GA

After getting into an accident while riding an Uber or Lyft, immediately check for injuries on your body and seek medical attention. Call 911 if your driver hasn’t already and ask for the police and medics to come. Get checked by the first responders even if you don’t feel any pain or major injuries.

Don’t give recorded statements to anyone without a lawyer. This can be used against you in the future to shift the blame onto you and minimize your payout. It’s best to reach out to a Columbus-based rideshare accident lawyer to learn about your next steps if you want to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Critical Evidence to Preserve After a Rideshare Accident

If you want to get full, fair compensation for the accident, it’s important to have the right pieces of evidence. This helps your lawyers build the best strategy for your case to get you the maximum compensation you can receive. Critical evidence you need to preserve and obtain from the rideshare accident includes:

• Photos and videos of the crash, including road conditions, damage to the vehicles involved, and your injuries
• Police reports
• Witness statements, or at least their names and contact information
• Screenshots of the rideshare app data related to your ride
• Medical records and bills, if you were transferred to a hospital

Hospitals That Treat Rideshare Accident Victims in Columbus

Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s best to get high-quality emergency and follow-up care after being hurt in a rideshare accident. Here are some of the hospitals you can go to in Columbus, GA for treatment of your injuries:

• St. Francis-Emory Healthcare:  This hospital has 300 physicians and 2,500 associates attending to patients in the emergency room or doing inpatient and outpatient treatments for orthopedics, surgery, and more. It has a total of 376 beds.
• Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Midtown Campus:  This is the flagship facility of Piedmont Columbus Regional and is the largest hospital in West Georgia with 583 beds. It’s also a Regional Level II Emergency Trauma Center.
• Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Northside Campus:  This facility specializes in orthopedics and rehabilitation, so it’s a great choice for those getting back into shape during their physical healing process. It also has emergency services for more urgent treatment following an accident.

Take the First Step Toward Justice and Book a Free Consultation Today

Rideshare accidents are more complex than typical road crashes. Navigating the legal process alone can be tough. But when you have Thompson Law’s Columbus rideshare accident lawyers in your corner, you won’t have to worry about aggressive insurance companies, deadlines for legal paperwork, or negotiating your compensation. We’ll do all that for you so that you can focus on what matters most: physical and emotional healing from your injuries.

If you want justice, don’t wait any longer. Early legal guidance is the best way to strengthen your case and maximize the compensation you receive. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with our team and learn how we can bring your rideshare accident case to victory.

FAQs About Rideshare Accidents in Columbus, GA

When is the deadline for filing a rideshare accident claim in Columbus, GA?

You have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a claim against Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance or pursue legal action against the negligent party, typically the rideshare driver. If your claim is solely for property damage, the deadline is four years after the road collision. If you miss any of these legal deadlines, you could lose your right to receive compensation.

How much does it cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer in Columbus, GA?

Most rideshare accident attorneys in Columbus charge clients a contingency fee instead of upfront hourly or retainer fees. That means instead of paying them as they do their legal services, you pay them with a percentage of the final settlement or compensatory damages you receive if they win your case.

This makes getting legal help more financially feasible, especially as you’re probably dealing with medical bills and other financial obligations due to the accident.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, you can. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence law that allows victims to pursue a claim as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. The total payout they receive is also reduced by the percentage of their fault.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in court damages but were found to be 10% at fault for the accident, you can recover a final amount of $90,000.