As more and more people take advantage of the convenience offered by Uber and other ride-sharing services, the likelihood of being in an accident with an Uber driver is going to rise. While passengers’ fees fund the public’s safety, accidents can and will still happen. And unfortunately, no one thinks about what will happen if they are in an accident until it’s too late. If you are involved in an accident with an Uber driver, it’s important that you understand your rights and contact a Gwinnett County Uber accident attorney.

Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC is here to help you with your claim involving Uber. Call our personal injury law firm or send us an email via our online contact form for a free consultation.

Car Accidents in an Uber Are Traumatic

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, you know how stressful and confusing it can be. Not only are you in pain, but you are worried about how you are going to pay your medical bills, how you’re going to get to work, and how you are going to be able to afford to repair your car. You may be entitled to compensation, but you’re not sure what to do. You might be wondering what records you need, how to contact witnesses, and how to determine who is at fault.

Gwinnett County Uber Accident Claims Are Unique

All car accidents are different and can give rise to a wide variety of claims, but claims that arise from Uber accidents present unique challenges. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an Uber driver, either as a passenger or as another motorist or pedestrian, you need an experienced attorney who can help you navigate your options.

Uber accidents occur just like any other car accident, with the same risk of serious injury. Car accidents are typically the result of someone’s negligence. They may have been driving too fast in unsafe conditions or failed to see an obvious road hazard. Uber drivers, however, may be even more likely to cause accidents. This could be due to distractions from their passengers, or fatigue caused by long hours behind the wheel in order to make ends meet. Uber drivers also drive a lot of miles compared to a private motorist, and the amount of driving they do may have led to an unexpected mechanical failure that caused the accident. The time and financial pressures that are part of being an Uber driver may also lead to reckless driving that could cause an accident.

In any car accident, it is important that you handle your claim correctly if you need to be compensated for your injuries or other damages. This is as important in Uber cases, but the way your claim is handled may be very different. Uber drivers are considered common carriers, and the insurance requirements are somewhat different. The facts will be critical in determining which insurance policy will pay the claim, and as you can guess, insurance companies try to avoid paying out on claims whenever possible. As a result, the claims process can be very complicated if you are injured or have suffered some other loss involving an Uber driver.

In addition, Uber drivers are considered independent contractors. This means that Uber may not be held liable for their drivers’ negligence. This further complicates who is at fault and who you may have a claim against.

Accidents involving Uber are therefore not as straightforward as they appear. If you’ve been the victim of a car accident involving Uber, you should consult an experienced attorney to understand your rights. Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can evaluate your case and help you bring your claim.

Types of Injuries and Losses That May Entitle You to Compensation from an Uber Accident

When you are in any car accident, the forces involved can cause serious injuries to your body and cause significant damage to your property. It is critical that you keep clear, detailed records of your injuries and losses and that you seek immediate medical attention. Injuries and losses can range from minor inconveniences to significant, life-changing problems. Because cases involving Uber can be complicated, it is especially important that you do not delay in documenting your claim.

Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can help you request compensation for the following injuries and losses arising from your Uber accident:

Injuries and Medical Issues

  • Lingering pain or severe stiffness
  • Loss of mobility
  • PTSD

Economic Losses

  • Lost wages due to doctor’s appointments or disability (both permanent and temporary)
  • Repair costs for your car or other property
  • Out-of-pocket medical expenses
  • Transportation expenses due to loss of your vehicle or additional travel required for medical treatment

The lists above are just some examples of the injuries and other losses you may experience. It’s important to note that some of these may not be immediately apparent, but become known over time. As a result, consulting with an experienced Gwinnett County personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights both now and in the future.

How a Gwinnett County Uber Accident Attorney Can Help

Navigating the claims process can be a challenge, especially when you are in pain or under financial stress. Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC will work with you every step of the way from your first consultation until we resolve your case as favorably as possible. We know the law, and we know how to protect your rights. Our skilled legal team will help you manage the process and can help you determine who was at fault, whether you have a legal case for damages, and which damages you can recover.

Gwinnett County Uber Accident FAQs

Uber is a convenient ride-share service that allows users to request a ride to nearly anywhere at a moment’s notice. With approximately 75 million riders, three million drivers in 65 countries and 600 cities globally, and 15 million Uber rides taking place every day, accidents are bound to happen. Uber’s users experience many benefits, but they are no less at risk of experiencing accidents than other drivers or passengers.

Some argue that they may be even more at risk of crashing in an Uber due to factors such as driver distraction or the lack of employment status with Uber. Suppose you’ve recently experienced an accident as an Uber passenger or as another driver. In that case, you might be starting to realize the obstacles you face. A Gwinnett County Uber accident attorney from Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can help. Here you can find answers to questions you might have right now.

Uber has specific requirements for anyone wanting to offer rides on their platform. However, sometimes they aren’t strictly enforced.

According to Uber, the requirements are as follows:

  • Meet the minimum legal driving age
  • Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. (three years is required if you are under 23 years old)
  • Have a valid U.S. driver’s license
  • Use an eligible four-door vehicle
  • Submit to and pass a background check
  • Submit to and pass a driving records check

While these requirements aim to keep passengers and other drivers on the road safe, they are not foolproof. Even drivers with perfect backgrounds and driving records can cause serious accidents.

If you suffered injuries in an accident as a passenger in an Uber vehicle or another vehicle, you might file a claim against Uber’s insurance policy. Keep in mind that their insurance company, just like most other insurance companies, will likely try to circumvent their liability. Having an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in rideshare claims can significantly increase the success of your claim.

Uber’s insurance coverage depends on the driving status of the driver. If the driver is not transporting any passengers or their app is off, the driver’s insurance coverage applies.

If the driver is using the app and waiting for ride requests, Uber has the following coverage for them:

  • $50,000 in bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident

Drivers who are going to pick up passengers or currently transporting passengers are covered based on:

  • $1 million third-party liability
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision
  • Up to actual cash value of the car ($1,000 deductible)

When you have legal representation, be assured that your lawyer is investigating all insurance coverage sources and compensation to the fullest extent. This way, you receive the maximum recovery possible.

If you sustain injuries in an Uber driver’s vehicle, insurance can cover them. The only dilemma is, which policy applies; is it Uber’s insurance policy or the at-fault driver’s policy?

After suffering injuries in an Uber affiliated vehicle, you can be compensated by either the:

  • The at-fault driver’s insurance company, which might be Uber’s driver or another driver involved in the crash
  • Uber car insurance coverage

Suppose the Uber driver has a commercial insurance policy or personal car insurance that has particular coverage applying to accidents occurring while working as an Uber driver. In that case, their insurance coverage should compensate you.

Unfortunately, many Uber drivers don’t carry commercial or personal insurance coverage that will cover your injuries. If they have personal insurance coverage, the coverage will often have a business use exception that won’t provide for any damages or injuries that may occur when the insured driver works for profit.

At Braun’s Injury Law Firm, we see more cases where the Uber driver is at fault than a non-Uber driver. No matter how the driver contributed to the accident, they were always negligent. Their negligence makes them liable for your injuries.

Common causes of Uber accidents include:

  • Speed. High speed is a top factor in Gwinnett County car accidents and is the number one cause of death on U.S. roads. Rideshare drivers have a financial incentive to move as quickly as possible. The more passengers they serve, the more money they make.
  • Failure to stop. Uber drivers sometimes come to a rolling stop instead of a complete stop at stop signs. They often whip around corners to avoid making full stops to decrease their travel time. These driving behaviors substantially increase the risk of an accident.
  • Distracted driving. Uber drivers are regularly looking down at their Uber app. An app-focused mindset leads to Uber distracted driving accidents. Whether they are looking at their digital map, accepting another passenger in the app, or texting a friend, distracted driving can cause serious injuries.
  • Unfamiliar roads. If you had an Uber ride before, you know that these drivers don’t always know the area well and drive erratically because they’re unfamiliar with the roads.
  • Driver fatigue. Anyone behind the wheel of a vehicle needs to be alert, awake, and ready to respond to changing driving conditions in the blink of an eye. If an Uber driver is sleepy or overworked, they’re a danger on the road to those around them and any passengers that ride with them. In fact, Uber drivers commonly work while tired, as, for many of them, rideshare driving is a second job.

Yes, a passenger can file a lawsuit against an Uber driver. However, you probably won’t have to.

An insurance claim can be all it takes to get fair compensation an injured passenger needs for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement

In only a small percentage of claims, a lawsuit might be necessary to get the victim the financial recovery they are entitled to. If an Uber accident passenger and their lawyer decide that the insurance company isn’t providing a full and fair settlement offer, they may get a better financial award for the injuries by suing. However, this may mean facing the insurance company in court. It may take time for your case to finish. Still, the vast majority of Uber claims settle before going to court, especially with the right legal team on your side.

There’s always the potential for the passenger to lose if the case goes to trial. Unfortunately, if this happens, the injured person may walk away with nothing but legal expenses for their effort. You need an attorney who is skilled at negotiating far settlements for injured Uber passengers.

Since its inception, Uber has attempted to shield itself from being sued for accidents that its drivers may cause by designating its drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. Taking this action has many benefits for them, but it creates problems for Uber passengers and drivers. However, there are some situations in which a lawsuit might be successful against the company itself.

For example, if the company doesn’t enforce its driver qualification requirements, they could be a negligent party in your accident. Suppose the Uber driver causes an accident that Uber could have avoided if they performed the proper checks. In that case, you could argue that Uber was negligent in allowing the driver to provide rides through their app. A prime example of this is if an Uber driver is impaired during an accident and has a previous DUI on their driving record.

Generally, accident victims should file insurance claims as soon as possible. Many policies have limits as to how long after an accident you can report a claim. If you intend to or find yourself needing to file a lawsuit to get fair compensation, Georgia law dictates that you must file your legal case within two years of the date of your accident. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.

Two years might seem like plenty of time. When dealing with a Gwinnett County Uber accident claim, it really isn’t. Insurance claims and lawsuits follow a particular process, and you can’t skip steps. If you hire an attorney, they need time to prepare your case. The sooner you call one, the sooner they can start collecting and preserving evidence in your accident. If you wait too long, evidence that supports your claim could get destroyed, or you could miss filing your claim before the statute of limitations.





After any auto collision, see a doctor. Even if you feel fine and aren’t exhibiting any symptoms, you could still have hidden injuries. Documenting your injuries in a medical record as soon as possible is critical to your case’s success. If you don’t see a doctor and begin having neck pain two weeks after your accident, the attorneys for the other side could argue that your neck pain arose from something that happened after the accident.

Your health insurance should cover your medical care to start. If needed, our attorneys may negotiate a medical lien that allows you to get the medical care you need now and the medical facility to be paid after you receive compensation. Never let financial constraints keep you from getting the medical care you need and deserve after an Uber accident.

If you delay getting medical treatment and it causes your condition to worsen, the insurance company might argue against paying for some of it. Getting early treatment is something you must do to mitigate your damages after an accident.

There’s no law against handling your own Uber accident claim. However, the real question is, Should you handle your claim independently?

Generally, and especially for rideshare accidents, the answer is a firm no. Even the simplest of auto accident claims can be perplexing and take up a lot of time. If you’re trying to heal from injuries, handling your claim could make your life more stressful. Rideshare accidents are higher up on the list of challenging claims. With many parties involved and often more than two insurance companies, these claims are inherently complex.

By hiring an experienced Gwinnett County Uber accident attorney, you don’t have to deal with these issues. Your lawyer handles them for you. Lawyers also know what your case is likely worth and will fight to get that amount. If you handle your own claim, you might think the settlement offer you receive is fair, but it might not be in reality. You could be leaving money that you desperately need on the table and walking away. By meeting with an attorney, you can find out if you have a valid case and how much it might be worth.

An Uber accident can overwhelm you, either as a passenger or as another driver. You probably have many other questions that we didn’t discuss here. Call the Gwinnett County Uber accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC to schedule your free consultation. We can address your questions and concerns and get your claim started.

We know that most people don’t have much money to hire legal help after suffering injuries in a car crash. That’s why we serve our clients on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing until we garner compensation for your injuries.

Call a Gwinnett County Uber Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can help you protect your rights. We have a solid record of helping our clients get favorable settlements and verdicts. If you would like a free consultation, call us at 404-418-8244 or email us via our online contact form.