The Athens Rideshare Accident Attorney

As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft continue to surge in popularity across Athens and Atlanta, Georgia, the number of accidents involving these ridesharing platforms is also on the rise. Whether as a passenger or driver, it's crucial to understand that you have rights if you're involved in a rideshare accident. From seeking compensation for injuries to dealing with insurance claims, your rights extend beyond the immediate aftermath of the incident.

The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch LLC is here to help you make sense of your situation and legal options after a rideshare accident in Athens. With extensive legal experience and a constant commitment to fighting for justice, our team is ready to provide the guidance and representation you need. By entrusting your case to us, you can focus on recovery while we handle all legal aspects of your claim, even if that means going to court on your behalf.

Put legal fights in your corner today. Dial (706) 760-9220 and ask for a free case consultation from our rideshare accident attorney in Athens.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Athens

Rideshare accidents, like most traffic incidents, are often the result of negligence that could and should have been prevented. When such negligence leads to an accident, injured parties may have the right to file a claim for compensation. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident, and it is meant to make the injured party “whole again” after the accident caused them to suffer harm and losses.

If your rideshare accident was caused by negligence, you can demand compensation from the negligent party or parties. Let the attorneys at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch evaluate your accident to determine how to provide you the justice you deserve.

Three common causes of rideshare accidents in Athens, GA, are:

• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers can be distracted by various factors while on the road, such as using the GPS or accepting new ride requests on the rideshare app.
• Fatigued driving: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive late into the night to maximize their earnings. Long hours of driving can lead to fatigue, which impairs the driver's ability to focus and react quickly to changing road conditions or unexpected events, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Speeding or reckless driving: Some rideshare drivers may feel pressured to complete rides quickly to increase their earnings or maintain high ratings. This pressure can sometimes lead to speeding or reckless driving behaviors.

How to Establish Liability in Rideshare Accidents

Establishing liability in a rideshare accident can be quite complex due to the unique nature of the rideshare business model. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, which often allows companies like Uber and Lyft to attempt to avoid direct liability for accidents caused by their drivers. This structure can make it challenging to determine who is responsible for compensating victims in the event of an accident: the driver, the rideshare company, or perhaps another party.

Rideshare companies do provide insurance coverage, but its applicability varies based on the driver's status at the time of the accident. If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app or did not have a passenger in the vehicle, their personal auto insurance usually applies. However, if the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or completing a trip, the rideshare company's insurance may apply.

It's important to note that even with rideshare insurance, there might be instances where the coverage is inadequate for the damages sustained. In such cases, or in situations where a third party caused the accident, it might be possible to file an injury claim against the responsible parties.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you’re in a rideshare accident, you should follow these steps:

• Ensure safety: First and foremost, check on your safety and the safety of any other passengers or drivers involved. If anyone is injured, call for medical help immediately.
• Call law enforcement: Contact the police to report the accident. They will document the scene, control incoming traffic, and create an official accident report, which can be crucial evidence for your claim.
• Document the scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and any other relevant details.
• Collect information: Gather information from all parties involved in the accident, including names, contact information, insurance information, and vehicle details. Also, get the information of any witnesses present at the scene.
• Report to rideshare company: Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app or website. Be sure to note any IDs or numbers assigned to the ride and rideshare driver.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the accident, it's essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and seeking immediate medical care helps link your injuries to the accident.
• Contact a lawyer: Reach out to our firm to tell us about what happened and to learn about the process of filing a claim and dealing with insurance companies.
• Keep records: Keep a record of any medical treatments, expenses related to the accident, communications with the rideshare company or insurance companies, and any changes in your health or lifestyle due to the accident. Such records can be valuable evidence when pursuing a claim.

Get Help for YOUR Rideshare Accident 

If you have been injured after a rideshare accident you will need The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch to provide the utmost in legal representation because it can be a complicated process. It involves gathering evidence, calculating damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially filing a lawsuit and going to court. The process can become even more complex due to the unique legal issues surrounding rideshare companies and their drivers. Known as The Athens Rideshare Accident Attorneys, our team can guide you through this process with confidence and experience.  We have successfully handled a number of these types of cases.

Our law firm can assist with everything involved in your rideshare accident claim, such as:

• Evaluating the case: Our lawyers can assess the specifics of your case, determine potential sources of liability, and estimate a fair compensation amount for your injuries and damages.
• Collecting evidence: We have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather necessary evidence, and build a solid case to support your claim.
• Handling insurance companies: Let us take on the task of dealing with insurance companies, who often aim to minimize payouts. We can attempt to negotiate a settlement offer with the insurer and defendant, too.
• Filing lawsuits: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf and prepare your case for trial.
• Representing you at trial: If your case goes to trial, our experienced rideshare accident attorneys can compellingly present your case, fight for your full compensation, and make sure you don’t miss any important legal deadlines or expectations set by the court.

Contact Our The Athens Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

At The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, we're proud to be known as "The Athens Rideshare Accident Attorneys." Our reputation has been built on our impressive understanding of the unique legal challenges that come with rideshare accident cases and our unwavering commitment to our clients. We believe in standing by your side every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the resolution of your case. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident, don't hesitate to reach out for the experienced legal help you deserve.

Our The Athens rideshare accident lawyer is always ready to fight for your rights and guide you through this complex legal journey. Contact us today by dialing (706) 760-9220.