What to Do After a Car Accident Involving a Rideshare Driver in Georgia
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Georgia, please contact Joshi & Patel, LLC at (404) 969-1212 or fill out our free case evaluation form. You may also Follow Us on Instagram to stay up to date with our most recent informaton.
A car accident is stressful under any circumstances. When a rideshare vehicle such as an Uber or Lyft is involved, however, determining what happens next can be more complicated. Multiple insurance policies may apply depending on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash. Knowing which steps to take immediately afterward can help you protect your rights and your ability to pursue compensation.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority should always be safety. If anyone is injured, call 911 and request medical assistance. Georgia law also requires drivers involved in certain crashes to stop and provide information, and a police report can become an important record of what happened.
If you are able, move to a safe location out of the way of traffic while waiting for emergency responders. Even if your injuries seem minor, consider getting medical attention. Some accident-related injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days later.
2. Gather Information at the Scene
Exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved. If the vehicle is being operated for Uber or Lyft, make note of which company the driver works for.
Take photographs of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and surrounding area. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. You should also save any information visible in the rideshare app, including the driver’s name, vehicle information, and trip details, if available.
3. Be Careful When Discussing the Accident
It is appropriate to cooperate with police and offer factual information about what occurred. Be cautious about making statements that could later be interpreted as admitting fault.
You may also be contacted by an insurance company after the crash. Avoid giving any recorded statements or agreeing to a settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries and what insurance coverage may be available.
4. Determine Which Insurance Coverage Applies
Rideshare accidents can involve more than one source of insurance coverage. Coverage may depend on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger at the time of the collision.
Because the applicable coverage may vary based on the circumstances, identifying the responsible insurer is not always straightforward. An attorney can review the accident details, available insurance policies, and evidence to determine what claims may be available.
5. Document Your Injuries and Losses
Keep records of medical appointments, treatment, prescriptions, repair estimates, missed work, and other expenses directly related to the accident. Continue following your doctor’s recommendations and keep copies of all medical records and bills.
If your injuries affect your ability to work, to care for your family, or participate in normal activities, document those limitations as well.
6. Speak With a Georgia Car Accident Attorney
Rideshare accident claims can raise insurance and liability issues that are different from an ordinary two-car collision. If you were injured, speaking with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney from Joshi & Patel can help you understand your options before dealing with insurers or accepting an offer.
Legal Disclaimer: Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.
If you or a loved one has been in a rideshare accident in Georgia, call Joshi & Patel, LLC at (404) 969-1212 today!
