ATHENS RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYERS

ATHENS RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER

Rideshare accidents have become a common cause of personal injuries impacting Athens residents. Even the most cautious passengers and drivers can suffer severe, life-altering injuries when rideshare drivers or other negligent parties act recklessly or carelessly on the road.

Those responsible for causing these accidents can be held accountable, and injured victims have the right to seek compensation to help restore their well-being. This compensation may cover property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.

An Athens rideshare accident lawyer can guide you in pursuing the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can assist by gathering vital evidence, establishing the rideshare driver’s or other party’s negligence, and advocating for full compensation in both settlement negotiations and, if needed, in court.

ATHENS RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS AND THE LAW

In Athens, rideshare drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely, protecting their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians from unnecessary harm. This duty of care applies anytime a rideshare driver is on the road, whether they are actively transporting passengers or waiting for a ride request.

If a rideshare driver fails to meet this standard of care and someone is injured as a result, they can be found legally negligent—or “at fault” for the accident. In other situations, another driver who may have caused the accident could be liable, or even companies such as Uber/Lyft themselves. Common ways rideshare drivers may be at fault in these accidents include:

A Georgia rideshare accident lawyer can assist injured passengers and other victims in collecting the evidence needed to prove that the rideshare driver or another party was responsible for the accident. This evidence can be essential in establishing negligence and seeking fair compensation for the victim’s losses.

Additionally, an experienced lawyer can help ensure that the case moves forward within the required timeframe. Georgia law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, as outlined in Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33. This law mandates that a case must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, or it risks dismissal.

WHAT IS COMPARATIVE FAULT?

While Georgia does not recognize “no-fault” accidents, it’s also not always guaranteed that one party will bear full responsibility for a collision. Although a rideshare accident victim typically aims to prove that the rideshare driver or another party was solely at fault, state law allows defendants to argue that the injured plaintiff shares some or all of the responsibility.

Under the Official Code of Georgia §51-12-33, courts apply a rule called modified comparative negligence when assigning fault. If a jury finds that a plaintiff is partially at fault for an accident, it must reduce the plaintiff’s award accordingly. If the plaintiff is found to be 50 percent or more at fault, they cannot receive any compensation. A Georgia rideshare accident lawyer can help counter allegations of comparative negligence to protect the plaintiff’s right to compensation.

HOW COULD A TRAFFIC TICKET IMPACT A CLAIM?

As mentioned, rideshare drivers may be liable for accidents if they violate traffic laws, or “rules of the road.” Determining whether a police officer issued a ticket to the rideshare driver can be critical to building a strong claim.

This relates to a legal concept called negligence per se. In essence, this allows a civil court in a negligence case to presume a defendant’s liability if they were breaking a law at the time of the crash. Common violations such as speeding, tailgating, or failing to yield may strengthen a civil claim under this doctrine. An Athens rideshare accident lawyer can help track the status of any traffic ticket to determine if a conviction could support a claim for damages.

POTENTIALLY COMPENSABLE EFFECTS OF A CRASH

Even a seemingly minor rideshare accident can significantly impact a person’s health. The immediate concern is often the physical injuries sustained, as even a low-speed collision can strain the ligaments in a person’s neck or back and may even cause joint dislocations. More severe rideshare accidents can result in broken bones, concussions, or even fatalities.

A rideshare accident claim can seek compensation to cover the costs of both past and future medical treatment. However, a well-rounded claim should also address the full extent of the incident’s impact on the victim’s life.

Many rideshare accident victims miss substantial time at work as they recover. Whether due to time off for medical appointments or a lasting disability caused by the accident, a civil claim may seek compensation for these financial losses.

Additionally, a comprehensive claim should consider the emotional toll of the incident, which might include demands for compensation for physical pain, reduced quality of life, or even a loss of companionship with family members. An Athens rideshare accident lawyer can assist in evaluating the scope of a case and making thorough demands for appropriate compensation.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN PURSUING A CLAIM

Pursuing fair compensation after a rideshare accident can be a complex and time-consuming process. Along with handling their own insurance to cover medical bills, victims must also guard their legal interests against the rideshare company and the defendant’s insurance provider.

The process begins with critical steps for protecting both health and rights. Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, as some can develop later. Reporting the accident to the rideshare company, whether Uber or Lyft, is also essential, as they will typically conduct their own investigation. Additionally, document the scene: call the police, take photos of the accident, any injuries, and property damage, and gather contact information from witnesses.

To strengthen their case, plaintiffs must gather and preserve evidence, refrain from making statements that could be used against them, and stay consistent in recounting the accident’s impact on their daily lives. Engaging with the defendant’s insurance adjusters requires caution; it’s best to consult an attorney before signing any agreements or speaking extensively with adjusters.

Approaching settlement negotiations with a strong position is essential for securing fair compensation. An Athens rideshare accident lawyer can take the lead on these aspects, allowing injured individuals to focus on recovery while their attorney advocates for full compensation on their behalf.

A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER MAY BE ABLE TO HELP

Distracted, impaired, or aggressive driving can all too easily result in a devastating rideshare accident. When a rideshare driver’s negligence or another motorist’s reckless behavior causes you harm, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, consider contacting an Athens rideshare accident lawyer for support. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can focus on recovery while they advocate for your rights. To schedule a consultation and discuss your claim, call today.