Savannah Uber Accident Lawyer

Uber makes getting around Savannah easier for residents and visitors alike. Yet the popular rideshare app complicates life for people hurt by an Uber driver’s negligence. Is the company responsible for your injuries and losses, or is the individual Uber driver?

These are complicated questions, but they’re not ones you need to answer alone. A Savannah Uber accident lawyer with the Spiva Law Group can help. We handle all kinds of car accidents, including those involving an Uber or Lyft driver. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist, our experienced car accident lawyers can evaluate your case, assess your losses, and help pursue compensation from the liable party.

Contact the Spiva Law Group for a free consultation with a Savannah Uber accident attorney and learn more about how we can help.

What Are the Common Causes of Accidents Involving Uber Vehicles in Savannah?

Many Uber drivers are careful as they transport passengers throughout Savannah.

However, others are not, and accidents involving Uber drivers are a significant concern due to:

• Distracted drivers – Uber drivers’ earnings depend on completing as many rides as possible. They frequently use their phone to accept rides and for navigation, which can be a significant distraction from driving. Like other motorists, Uber drivers are also subject to other distractions behind the wheel.
• Speeding – Passengers are often eager to reach their destination quickly. Uber drivers might speed to make their passengers happy and receive a larger tip or favorable review or to squeeze in more fares and make more money.
• Drowsy driving – Uber drivers often work long hours to earn more, which leads to decreased attention span and the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
• Inexperience – The Uber website requires drivers to have only one year of licensed driving or three years if they are under 25. In both cases, some Uber drivers need more experience in challenging traffic situations before they can be trusted to make safe decisions.
• Poor vehicle maintenance – Not all Uber drivers regularly service their cars or check for potential safety issues, which increases the risk of mechanical failure. They might not follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules, either.

What Injuries Can Occur in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

The severity and extent of injuries in an Uber accident depend on factors like the vehicle’s speed, whether the person was a passenger or another motorist, and whether they wore a seat belt.

Some of the most common Uber accident injuries include:

• Neck injuries, including whiplash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
• Spinal cord and back injuries, including paralysis
• Soft tissue injuries
• Bruises, cuts, burns, and abrasions
• Joint damage
• Broken teeth and other dental injuries

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability for accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers is more complex than in typical traffic collisions because of the involvement of the rideshare platform and its unique business model. Our Savannah Uber accident lawyers can identify who could be liable depending on when and where the crash occurred.

Uber Driver

Like any other motorist, Uber drivers can be liable if their negligence – that is, their failure to act with appropriate care – leads to an accident. That can be due to distracted driving, speeding, disobeying traffic laws, fatigue, or other reasons. Uber drivers must carry the same minimum auto insurance as other Georgia drivers.

Uber’s Insurance

Coverage under Uber’s insurance depends on the rideshare driver’s status during the crash. If the Uber app was off or the driver was not accepting rides, the driver’s personal insurance is the primary coverage. Uber’s insurance coverage applies if the crash occurred when the driver was available, waiting for a ride request, heading to pick up a rideshare passenger, or transporting a passenger.

Other Motorists

If another driver (someone other than the Uber driver) caused the accident, that driver and their insurance would typically be the primary entity responsible for damages.

Do Uber Drivers Have to Carry Insurance?

Uber drivers must carry insurance but have different coverage depending on the phase of the rideshare journey: waiting for a ride request, picking up a rider, and during the trip. Some auto insurance carriers require Uber drivers to carry an additional rideshare provision. If the Uber driver was on duty, they should be covered by up to $1 million in liability insurance provided by Uber. Contact our Savannah Uber accident lawyer today.

What Should I Do If I Have Been in an Uber Accident?

You should always seek medical treatment after any car accident. Injured passengers or others should notify Uber about the accident through the Uber app. Our Savannah Uber accident lawyers can notify Uber and other parties on your behalf. It might not be wise to speak to an Uber representative or their insurance carrier without a lawyer.

While our Uber accident lawyer takes care of the legal details, you should:

• Follow your medical provider’s instructions.
• Keep track of your pain levels and recovery in a written journal.
• Avoid posting anything on social media about the car accident.
• Refer any communication from Uber or the other party to your attorney.

What Compensation Is Available in an Uber Accident Claim?

Depending on what happened, you could recover compensation for your car accident-related losses, such as:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life

Is There a Time Limit for Filing an Uber Accident Claim in Georgia?

Georgia has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from Uber accidents. You generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, you do not want to shortchange yourself by waiting until the last minute. It is best to speak to our Savannah Uber accident lawyers immediately.

Contact a Savannah Uber Accident Lawyer

For over three decades, Spiva Law Group has helped injured people in Georgia pursue the compensation they need for accidents that weren’t their fault. We understand how disruptive a crash involving an Uber or Lyft driver can be for your life, from the pain of your injuries to the anxiety of mounting medical bills.

We are ready to fight for your rights and help you demand the maximum compensation you deserve. Our personal injury law firm has the experience and resources to navigate a complex Uber accident so you can focus on getting well.

Contact a Savannah rideshare accident lawyer at our law firm now for a free legal consultation. The sooner you call, the faster the Spiva Law Group can get to work for you.