Planning a night on the town and don’t want the hassle of taking your own car? Or perhaps you’re out of town on business and don’t want to rent a car and deal with GPS. Then these new ride-sharing options are for you. Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar can be found in most major metropolitan cities, college towns and are even beginning to take root in smaller communities. But unlike driving your own car or hailing a cab, what happens if you’re involved in an automobile accident with one of these ride-sharing services? When this happens, you will likely need the help of an Augusta Uber accident attorney at Ted A. Greve & Associates.
Obtaining compensation from Uber for your injuries is often quite difficult and complicated. People who attempt to do so without the help of an Augusta personal injury lawyer run the risk of being offered significantly less than they deserve, or nothing at all. Uber’s insurance coverage is designed to limit their exposure to claims, making it very hard for those who are not versed in the law to get the fair compensation they deserve. If you have suffered an injury in an Uber accident, call Ted A. Greve & Associates today at (844)387-8677 for a free case review. We will provide expert advice on your case, letting you to know what to expect as you pursue a claim and how best to proceed.
What is Ride-Sharing?
Depending on where you live you’ve possibly spent countless hours standing on the curb with your arm raised trying to hail a cab. Or maybe you live in a small town where traditional taxi service is limited. Unlike hailing a regular taxi, when using Uber or one of these other services, you simply download their app to your smartphone. This app allows you to locate the nearest driver, hire them to take you to your destination and then easily and conveniently pay for your ride. Your phone’s GPS even permits you to track your driver as he or she heads to your location.
While Uber and other ride-sharing services have changed the face of transportation nationwide, they are also creating uncertainty in city and county governments as well as the legal community. Currently, the biggest concerns facing ride-sharing services are: complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, complying with local regulations and adhering to airport regulations and insurance requirements. A car accident lawyer in Augusta will be well versed in all of the relevant laws and regulations, giving them the ability to hold Uber’s feet to the proverbial fire.
If You’re Injured an Uber Accident Attorney can Help You Determine who is Responsible
The majority of taxi drivers lease their vehicles through the company. The taxi company pays all fees associated with owning a vehicle, including insurance. This is different from ride-sharing services where a driver is using his personal car to transport passengers. While a portion of each fare goes to Uber, each driver is considered an independent contractor and is responsible for vehicle fees, maintenance, and insurance.
Uber does provide a certain level of insurance to its drivers but expects the vehicle owner to have adequate insurance in place. While personal auto insurance does cover passengers, most policies have a “driving for profit” exclusion clause. If the insurance company can prove you paid the driver for services, then you may be denied compensation for any injuries sustained.
What if the Accident Occurred When the Driver Was Waiting on a Ride Request?
It was the Uber driver’s fault but he has only the minimum coverage required by law, he wasn’t “on the clock for Uber”, and his coverage isn’t sufficient to cover your car repairs or medical bills. In most cases your insurance policy will take over where his left off. But it could be that you also only have minimum coverage and need legal assistance in getting the compensation you need and deserve. An Augusta Uber accident attorney with Ted A. Greve & Associates can help you with this.
What Happens if a Pedestrian is Injured by a Ride-Sharing Driver?
Several years ago an Uber driver hit a 6-year-old child who was in a crosswalk with her family. The family’s attorney proved the driver had been searching the Uber app at the time of the accident. Uber claimed since he was passenger-free when the accident occurred; he was not in service. While this event caused Uber to change their policy, they now cover drivers whose app is activated but have yet to pick up a passenger; other ride-sharing companies have not. This means if you are accidentally hit by a ride-sharing vehicle, you may not be covered if the driver doesn’t have an actual passenger in the car.
Hospitals and Medical Centers in Augusta, Georgia
If you have serious injuries from a car accident in Augusta, it is best to consult with a doctor or medical professional right away. Among the major medical centers and hospitals in the Augusta area are:
- Children’s Medical Center – 1446 Harper Street, Augusta, GA 30912 / (706) 721-4262
- East Central Regional Hospital – 3405 Mike Padgett Hwy, Augusta GA 30906 / (706) 790-2011
- Medical Center – 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912-5536 / (706) 721-2273
- Select Specialty Hospital – The Partridge Inn, 2110 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904 / (706) 737-8888
- Trinity Hospital of Augusta – 2260 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta GA 30904 / (706) 481-7000
- University Hospital – 1350 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901 / (706) 722-9011
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer at Ted A. Greve & Associates Today!
Have you been involved in an accident with Uber, Lyft, Sidecar or some other ride-sharing service? If you or someone in your family has been injured as a passenger or pedestrian we are here to help. Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in complicated motor vehicle accidents and will work hard to make sure you are fairly compensated. Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Call Ted A. Greve & Associates today with your questions and get a FREE consultation with an experienced Augusta Uber accident attorney. We are available 24/7 to speak with you about your claim, so don’t wait, contact us today.
