After an accident, you should always call the police to the scene even if the responsible party promises you his or her insurance “will handle everything.” Over time, people’s recollections of events may alter. By involving a professional who witnesses hundreds of accidents, you have a verified witness who will take stock of the evidence and provide an expert opinion. From the accident report, you’ll know what insurance is involved and be able to follow up after retaining a lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while in an Uber or Lyft contact the attorneys at Hammers Law Firm today. You’ll need someone on your side when you go against the insurance company.
The use of rideshare apps has become a part of many people’s everyday experience. People rideshare to the airport and work and now there’s even the opportunity to carpool for a cheaper rate. With all the time we spend in another person’s car do you know what action to take when the unthinkable happens? In 2016, a total of 37,461 people died in motor vehicle accidents. If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence while in a rideshare what are the next steps?
If your Uber or Lyft driver is at fault for an auto accident there will be multiple layers of coverage. First will be the insurance for the company they drive with. Since these are commercial policies the limits are higher than personal auto policies. The driver has a responsibility to report the accident to their company but if they don’t do so you as the passenger can report it as well. Before contacting the insurance company you’ll want to first talk to your legal counsel. Don’t let a kind insurance adjuster lull you into believing you’re dealing with anything other than a multi-billion-dollar company that is only looking to protect their own interests, not your own. The second layer of coverage will be the at-fault driver’s personal insurance policy. It may not be necessary to file with them, but your Atlanta auto accident attorney will be able to advise you further.
While ridesharing services have become a part of the mainstream in the past few years, taxi services are still prevalent. So, what are the first steps to take after you’re in an accident during a taxi ride?
Taxi drivers are technically considered employees of the taxi company unless they are independently contracted. Should you be in an accident while in a taxi you will need the taxi company’s information to follow up on a claim. Take photos of the accident and any damage to the car or surrounding property damage. If there are witnesses present, get their information. This testimony from an unbiased third party can add a lot of credibility to a car accident claim.
In Georgia, taxi drivers are required to have the same minimum amount of insurance like every other driver on the road: $25,000 per person and $50,000 for multiple people per accident. If they are independently contracted there will not be a commercial policy that you have access to.
If you or someone you know has been injured while in a rideshare or a taxi, contact the lawyers at Hammers Law Firm today. You need experience, knowledge, and insight on your side. Never assume that your case is an “open/shut” one. Many victims of automobile accidents have fallen into this trap over the years. They decided to represent themselves in court instead of investing in the retention of an experienced attorney. If your accident was in or around Atlanta, be sure to contact Hammers Law Firm, located in Atlanta, Georgia and to receive a FREE consultation from an experienced car accident lawyer. Hammers Law Firm will handle your case carefully and correctly to get you a top Uber, Lyft, or taxi car accident settlement the first time around.
