If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Lawrenceville, you need a lawyer who truly understands the challenges you’re facing. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we offer compassionate and expert support to help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
Schedule a free consultation with us to explore your options and receive tailored legal advice.
Do You Have a Potential Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Lawrenceville, these key factors need to be present:
- Duty of Care: All Uber drivers owe a duty of care to other drivers and pedestrians. This duty requires them to operate their vehicles safely, follow traffic laws, and avoid distractions. In the context of Uber, this includes obeying all Georgia traffic regulations and operating the vehicle prudently while driving passengers.
- Breach of Duty: A breach of duty occurs when an Uber driver fails to act reasonably under the circumstances, violating traffic laws or engaging in reckless behavior such as speeding, fatigued driving, or distracted driving. When an Uber driver breaches this duty, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
- Causation: For an Uber accident victim to recover damages, they must prove that the Uber driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and their injuries. This involves demonstrating a clear link between the driver’s negligent actions and the harm suffered by the traffic accident victim.
How Much is Your Case Worth?
When evaluating the value of your rideshare accident case, several types of damages may be considered:
- Economic Damages: These cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. They reflect the direct financial impact of the accident on your life and are usually supported by bills, receipts, and employment records.
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While harder to quantify, they reflect the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on you.
- Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious. Their purpose is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future, rather than compensate for specific losses.
How to Get in Touch With Us
If you require legal support after a rideshare accident in Lawrenceville, here’s how you can get in touch with us:
- Online: Fill out our contact form
- Phone: Call us at 404.974.3159 for prompt assistance
We offer a free consultation to assess your situation and provide the guidance you need.
What Clients Think of Us
Explore testimonials and see first-hand how our dedication, expertise, and compassionate approach have made a positive impact on their lives.
Communicative, Highly Recommended!
“I had a great experience with Brauns Law. David, Elsa, and Chris were extremely detailed and thorough. Great communication and they kept me updated on every step of my case. You can tell they really have a passion for what they do and for their clients’ best interests. I would highly recommend Brauns Law!”
Amazing! Helpful!
“Brauns Law was very easy to work with and helped me deal with the insurance and medical after being rear ended. They were able to make sure I was fairly compensated for my no-fault accident. Haley and Brittany were amazing! Thanks for the help!”
Brauns Law Firm: Rideshare Accident Law Firm In Lawrenceville
Our team of lawyers is experienced and dedicated to helping those impacted by rideshare accidents. We know these cases can be complicated and work hard to get the best results for our clients. Our history of winning large settlements and positive verdicts shows our commitment and skill.
At the Brauns Law Firm, we offer compassionate and tailored legal support, ensuring that every client feels heard and valued. Our dedication to excellence and community service makes us a trusted choice for those seeking a Lawrenceville rideshare accident lawyer.
Reach out to us today to find out how our Uber accident lawyer can help you with your rideshare accident claim.
Meet Your Lawrenceville Rideshare Accident Attorney
David Brauns, the founding partner, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to advocating for clients. With extensive experience in personal injury law, especially concerning rideshare accidents, David crafts tailored legal strategies that address your specific needs.
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Lawrenceville
Here’s a practical guide on what to do after an accident in Lawrenceville:
- Ensure Safety First: Check that everyone is safe from additional danger. If it’s safe, move to a secure location to prevent further risks.
- Assess Injuries: Look for any signs of injury in yourself and others. Even if injuries seem minor, call emergency services right away to get medical assistance.
- Contact Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the accident. Provide your exact location and a brief overview of the situation so they can dispatch help quickly.
- Exchange Information: Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver. Make sure to collect their full name, phone number, address, vehicle license plate, and insurance policy information.
- Document the Scene: If it’s safe, take photos of the accident scene. Capture images of vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signals or signs.
- Collect Witness Details: Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Their statements can provide valuable clarity on what happened.
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact our experienced rideshare accident lawyers to discuss your case. We can guide you through your rights and help you explore options for pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide them with all the information you’ve gathered, including any police report details.
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms but could lead to serious issues later.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a comprehensive record of all medical treatments and expenses related to the accident. This should include doctor visits, medications, and any other costs resulting from your injuries.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Be cautious with your statements at the scene and in conversations with insurance representatives. Admitting fault, even unintentionally, can complicate your case. Stick to the facts and let the investigation determine liability.
- Follow-up with Medical Care: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to recommended treatments. Ongoing medical care supports your recovery and helps document the full extent of your injuries, which is important for your personal injury claim.
Following these steps will help you effectively handle the aftermath of a rideshare accident and protect your interests as you work toward recovery.
How Our Lawrenceville Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help
Dealing with a rideshare accident case on your own can be daunting, especially while you’re dealing with serious injuries. Handling all the legal matters by yourself not only adds to your stress but can also put your chances of getting the full compensation you deserve at risk.
Hiring a skilled rideshare accident attorney can greatly benefit your case. We can help you by:
- Identifying who is legally at fault for the accident
- Collecting and documenting evidence related to your injuries and financial losses
- Make sure your claim is filed accurately and within the required deadlines
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court if necessary, to advocate for your rights when insurers are unwilling to negotiate fairly
With a dedicated attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complexities of your case.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Lawrenceville
Various factors can contribute to accidents, and identifying these can help build a stronger case. Here’s a closer look at common causes:
- Distracted Driving: Distractions like using a cell phone or engaging with passengers can divert a driver’s attention away from the road, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglected vehicle upkeep, such as faulty brakes or worn-out tires, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
- Inadequate Driver Training: Insufficient training can result in unskilled drivers who are ill-prepared to handle complex driving situations, contributing to accidents.
- External Factors like Road Conditions: Hazardous road conditions, including potholes or poorly marked intersections, can cause accidents if drivers are unable to navigate them safely.
Types of Rideshare Accident Claims
Here’s a brief overview of the main claim types in an Uber or Lyft accident:
- Passenger Injuries: Injured passengers can file claims against the responsible party or the rideshare company’s insurance. This involves seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering and often requires navigating complex insurance processes.
- Pedestrian Injuries: If a rideshare vehicle hits you while walking, you can claim damages from the driver and potentially the rideshare company. This involves proving the driver’s fault and the impact of the accident on your life.
- Vehicle Injuries: Liability can involve the driver, their company, and others in collisions with rideshare vehicles. You can pursue compensation from these parties for injuries and damages, requiring thorough documentation and legal guidance.
For expert legal support, contact our Uber and Lyft accident attorney today for a free consultation.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents
The more widespread and frequent consumer use of Uber is, the higher the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents involving Uber drivers. Unfortunately, when it comes to Uber accidents, the amount of case law or statutory law available for reference is lacking.
Regulations concerning the nascent rideshare industry continue to develop year by year, however.
Due to the newness of companies like Uber, questions remain as to whether or not an insurance company should be liable in the event of a motor vehicle collision involving a ridesharing vehicle.
In some instances, the Uber driver’s insurance policy may come into play; at other times, another motor vehicle operator may be responsible, but Uber may need to provide insurance coverage to compensate an injured victim using Uber at the time of the accident.
Determining liability in a rideshare accident in Lawrenceville can involve several parties:
- The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was negligent—such as by speeding, distracted driving, or breaking traffic laws—they can be held accountable for the accident. Their adherence to road rules plays a key role in establishing fault.
- The Rideshare Company: Companies like Uber or Lyft may be liable, especially if their operational practices contributed to the accident. This could involve inadequate driver screening, poor vehicle maintenance, or a failure to uphold safety standards.
- Other Drivers: If another vehicle caused the crash, the driver of that vehicle might be liable. Their actions, like reckless driving or failure to yield, will be assessed in the context of traditional car accident liability.
- Local Traffic Conditions: Traffic patterns in Lawrenceville, such as congestion or poorly maintained roads, can affect accident outcomes. These factors are considered when determining fault.
- Rideshare Passengers: If a passenger’s behavior contributed to the accident, their actions might influence liability. However, this is less common and typically secondary to the driver’s and company’s responsibility.
Uber’s Insurance Policies
- Period 1: Waiting for a Ride Request
- Uber provides minimal coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage if the driver is logged in but not actively driving.
- Periods 2 and 3: Passenger Pickup and Transport
- Period 2: Once a ride request is accepted, Uber’s coverage increases to $1 million for liability and includes uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Period 3: While transporting a passenger, Uber maintains $1 million in liability coverage and provides comprehensive uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Lyft Corporate Insurance Policies
- Period 1: Waiting for a Ride Request
- Lyft offers coverage similar to Uber’s, with $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage while the driver waits for a ride request.
- Periods 2 and 3: Passenger Pickup and Transport
- Period 2: Coverage increases to $1 million for liability and includes uninsured/underinsured motorist protection once a ride request is accepted.
- Period 3: While transporting a passenger, Lyft’s coverage remains at $1 million for liability and includes protection for uninsured/underinsured motorists.
UM/UIM Coverage
Both Uber and Lyft offer UM/UIM coverage during Periods 2 and 3. This coverage helps if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
Other Motor Vehicle Operators Who Negligently Bring About a Collision With a Ridesharing Vehicle
All motor vehicle operators on the road at a given time owe a duty of care to other motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Specifically, these drivers owe a duty of reasonable care to operate their vehicles in a safe, careful, and prudent manner at all times, to obey the applicable Georgia Rules of the Road, and to refrain from distractions (such as cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices) while driving.
When an Uber driver breaks the law or engages in distracted driving, and that behavior causes the Uber vehicle to collide with another motor vehicle, several insurance policies might come into play to provide the necessary coverage for the accident.
In some instances, the driver’s own policy of motor vehicle insurance coverage may be primary. Depending upon the time when the accident occurs, the Uber corporate policy may be secondary.
The experienced Lawrenceville Uber accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC will help you pursue all available avenues of recovery when you pursue damages in your Uber accident case.
Steps in Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim
Taking prompt and organized steps after a rideshare accident is highly important for securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s a guide to navigating the claim process:
- Document the Accident: Immediately gather evidence by taking photos of the scene, damages, and injuries. Collect witness statements and ensure you have a copy of the police report. This documentation is vital for supporting your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Prompt medical records help establish the extent of your injuries and are essential for your claim.
- Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal advice from an experienced attorney specializing in rideshare accidents. A lawyer can guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed.
- Report the Accident to the Rideshare: Provide detailed information about the incident, including the time, location, and circumstances. The rideshare will then initiate their claims process.
- Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your auto insurance provider. They can help with coverage for damages and injuries not covered by Uber’s insurance.
- File a Claim with the Rideshare’s Insurance: Insurance will cover different periods of the ride. Submit your claim to the relevant insurance, including all necessary documentation and medical records.
- Consider Legal Action: If negotiations with the rideshare insurance or other parties don’t lead to a fair settlement, you may need to pursue legal action. Your personal injury lawyer will help prepare your case for court if necessary.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
We prioritize fairness and transparency in our approach to handling rideshare accident cases in Lawrenceville. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs. We only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you.
If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This straightforward fee structure eliminates hidden costs and allows you to concentrate on your recovery while we manage the legal process. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind as we work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Other Locations We Serve
Our Lawrenceville Uber accident lawyer, David Brauns, is dedicated to offering outstanding legal support throughout neighboring communities:
- Atlanta
- Cumming
- Decatur
- Duluth
- Gwinnett County
- Lawrenceville
- Peachtree Corners
- Stone Mountain
- Suwanee
Lawrenceville Uber Accident FAQs
As previously mentioned, motor vehicle accidents that involve ridesharing vehicles, including Uber vehicles, create many legal questions concerning the appropriate insurance coverage. To complicate matters, in some accident cases, more than one driver is involved in the accident, or several motor vehicle operators may have caused or contributed to the collision.
To drive for Uber, drivers do not need to take an Uber training course or submit a record of their fingerprints. In addition, they do not need to undergo a physical or psychological evaluation before driving for Uber as an independent contractor. An Uber driver must be at least 21 years of age, pass a background check that Uber administers, and own a qualifying motor vehicle. A driver must maintain their own motor vehicle policy of insurance when they decide to drive for Uber.
In addition to an Uber driver’s personal motor vehicle insurance policy coverage, Uber’s corporate insurance policy also covers Uber drivers, as noted on the company’s website. There are several instances when this corporate insurance policy may come into play.
There are certain circumstances when Uber’s corporate insurance coverage will come into play. For starters, the Uber coverage begins as soon as an Uber driver accepts a fare through the app on their phone; the Uber coverage ends when the fare’s last passenger exits the vehicle (such as when the trip is over and the Uber rider has reached their final destination). In addition to regular Uber rides, insurance coverage that is available through Uber corporate also applies to Uber affiliates, including UberSUV, UberBlack, and UberTaxi.
In addition to the circumstances previously referenced, the state of Georgia requires ridesharing companies like Uber to provide insurance coverage when an Uber driver is operating their vehicle on the road but is not yet transporting a passenger (but when the Uber driver has already accepted the fare). Under these circumstances, Uber’s corporate coverage may come into play, and it may be responsible for providing insurance coverage for the accident.
When Uber coverage is in effect at the time of the accident, the insurance company may be responsible for paying for all of the accident victim’s injuries and damages that are causally related to the accident. Uber coverage policy limits are $50,000 for bodily injuries that an accident victim suffers in the accident; $100,000 for bodily injuries when multiple individuals (including vehicle passengers) sustain injuries in the accident; and $25,000 for property damage caused by the accident.
The knowledgeable team of Lawrenceville Uber accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can investigate the circumstances of your accident and determine which insurance company is primary. Your lawyer can then help you recover the compensation you need for the injuries you suffered in your Uber accident.
All motor vehicle operators on the road at a given time owe a duty of care to other motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Specifically, these drivers owe a duty of reasonable care to operate their vehicles in a safe, careful, and prudent manner at all times, to obey the applicable Georgia Rules of the Road, and to refrain from distractions (such as cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices) while driving. When an Uber driver breaks the law or engages in distracted driving, and that behavior causes the Uber vehicle to collide with another motor vehicle, several insurance policies might come into play to provide the necessary coverage for the accident.
In some instances, the driver’s own policy of motor vehicle insurance coverage may be primary. Depending upon the time when the accident occurs, the Uber corporate policy may be secondary. The experienced Lawrenceville Uber accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC will help you pursue all available avenues of recovery when you pursue damages in your Uber accident case.
If you have sustained an injury in an Uber motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible to pursue monetary compensation. In personal injury cases that involve a motor vehicle accident, the accident victim is responsible for satisfying the burden of proof. More to the point, the accident victim must demonstrate that a driver was negligent under the circumstances, meaning that the driver acted unreasonably at the time of the accident. In addition, the accident victim must show that, as a result of the collision, they sustained one or more injuries.
If the accident victim can satisfy their legal burden, then monetary compensation may be available by way of a claim or lawsuit. Typically, the process begins with an accident victim filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s personal insurance company.
If the negligent driver was an Uber driver, then Uber corporate may also be on the hook for insurance coverage. In cases where the involved insurance company or insurance companies fail to offer up fair and reasonable monetary compensation for the injuries the victim sustained in the accident, then the accident victim may file a lawsuit against all potentially responsible persons or entities.
When making a claim for monetary compensation following an Uber accident, the accident victim may obtain damages for medical expenses and lost wages, if they had to miss time from work or attend medical or physical therapy appointments. In addition, the accident victim may recover compensation for intangible damages, including pain and suffering, mental distress, inconvenience, or loss of use of a body part that resulted from the accident.
In cases where an Uber driver behaves in a particularly reckless and egregious manner, such as by operating the Uber vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the accident victim may be eligible to pursue compensation in the form of punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault driver and discourage other motor vehicle operators from acting in the same manner in the future.
If you have suffered an injury in an Uber accident, you must have a knowledgeable legal team on your side advocating for your interests. The knowledgeable Lawrenceville Uber accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf and work to recover the damages that you need for the injuries you suffered in your accident.
An experienced Lawrenceville Uber accident lawyer will work to help you pursue a favorable settlement number from the at-fault insurance companies involved in your case. In some instances, insurance coverage may come from the at-fault Uber driver’s insurer, Uber corporate, or some combination of the two. However, if the insurance company refuses to fully and fairly settle your case, you have the option of taking your case to trial. In that instance, a jury will decide what, if any, damages you are entitled to recover in your accident case.
If your case does go to trial, your lawyer can introduce evidence, call witnesses (which could include you) to testify, as well as make an opening statement and a closing argument. After the trial, the jury will consider all of the evidence presented in court to reach a verdict.
Evidence that can be helpful at jury trials arising from an Uber car accident include:
- Direct testimony from the accident victim – If you sustained an injury in an accident that was caused by an Uber driver, you have the opportunity to testify at trial. During this time, you can convey our experience and perspective on the incident, such as how the accident happened, as well as any observations that you might have noted, such as the fact that the Uber driver appeared to be intoxicated.
- Testimony from eyewitnesses – Similarly, an eyewitness to an Uber accident can be very helpful in court. Eyewitnesses can describe the events leading up to the accident from another perspective, including the approximate speeds of the involved vehicles and whether or not the drivers were erratically operating their vehicles.
- Medical records and bills – At trial, medical records and bills may be offered into evidence to support the injuries that the accident victim sustained in their accident, such as a bone fracture, soft tissue injury, back injury, or traumatic head injury. These records (along with the testimony of a healthcare provider) establish the necessary causal connection between the accident and the injuries.
- Photographs – Photographs are important pieces of trial evidence because they depict property damage of the involved vehicles, along with the injuries that the accident victim sustained in the motor vehicle collision. Photographs may also help in representing the scene of the accident and the position of various vehicles just before or after the impact took place.
The aftermath of a car accident caused by a negligent driver that left you injured can be bewildering and exhausting, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced Lawrenceville Uber accident lawyer at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can assist you at trial and will introduce the evidence necessary to prove your case, as well as pursue the economic recovery that you need and deserve. It is also important to keep in mind that not all motor vehicle accident cases go all the way to trial. In fact, very few of these cases go to trial, with the majority settling out of court.
Our Lawrenceville Uber accident lawyers can explain to you all of the pros and cons of taking your case to trial and can help you decide if you should settle your case or take the driver and any other involved entities to court. We lawyer can also assist you with pursuing alternative dispute resolution in your case, such as mediation or arbitration, as a means of recovering the monetary compensation that you need for your injuries.