Lawrenceville Car Accident Attorneys
Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients
In Georgia, hundreds of people are killed in car accidents and thousands more suffer serious, life-altering injuries every year. All too often, these accidents are caused by the careless, reckless, and negligent actions of other motorists. When this is the case, innocent victims can seek justice and financial compensation in the form of personal injury claims.
At Kalka & Baer LLC, we represent injured motorists throughout the state of Georgia and are experts in cases involving Uber & Lyft accidents. Our Lawrenceville Uber accident lawyers have a history of helping in these types of complex cases.
We Can Handle the Complicated Claims Process for You
Our Lawrenceville car accident lawyers have more than 30 years of combined experience, including past experience in insurance defense. We use this to our clients’ advantage, skillfully navigating the legal system and fighting for the full, fair compensation they are owed. Our highly awarded attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for their clients; we are prepared to fight for you, too.
Call (404) 907-1594 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation regarding your case.
Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys in Lawrenceville
Just like victims of other types of car accidents, those involved in collisions with Ubers and Lyfts (either as passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles) have the right to seek compensation for their damages. These are complex claims, and it is wise to contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can help you navigate the personal injury process.
Who Is Liable for Your Damages?
Determining liability for your damages following an Uber or Lyft accident is complex and depends greatly on the specific circumstances involved. Both Uber and Lyft offer third-party insurance coverage that is contingent upon whether the Uber/Lyft driver had the app turned on, had accepted a ride, or was transporting a passenger at the time of the collision. This coverage typically kicks in only when the rideshare driver’s own auto insurance policy fails to cover the cost of your damages.
Uber and Lyft offer the following coverage:
- Up to $1 million in bodily injury and property damage per accident when the Uber/Lyft driver had the app turned on and had accepted a ride/was transporting a passenger at the time of the accident.
- Up to $50,000 per injury/$100,000 per accident in bodily injury and up to $25,000 in property damage when the Uber/Lyft driver has the app turned on but has not yet accepted a ride.
This coverage applies in situations where the Uber/Lyft driver is at fault for the accident or when a third party is at fault for the accident but lacks sufficient insurance to pay for damages (uninsured motorist coverage).
It is important to note that both Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as “contractors,” not employees. Because of this, they are generally not considered liable for the actions of their drivers, meaning you will likely not be able to pursue litigation against Uber or Lyft directly if you are hit by one of their drivers.
It is incredibly important that you speak to a knowledgeable Lawrenceville Uber accident attorney who can help you clearly understand your options and your right to a fair recovery.
What to Do After an Accident in Georgia?
The first few hours after your accident can make all the difference in how you are able to recover. You will especially need to be aware of how your actions can affect any personal injury claims that you may want to file. This is especially true in Uber & Lyft accident cases, which can be much more complex than a typical auto accident case.
To ensure that you do not undercut your own interests, you should consult with an attorney each step of the way. Even now, our car accident lawyers can equip you with the knowledge you need for how to respond to a crash.
One of the first things you should do is call the police.
Even if there appear to be no injuries, they will need to file a report. You may want to ask for a copy of the report later.
In addition, you should collect a great deal of information yourself.
Take photos of the scene as a whole, get pictures of each car, and be sure to clearly photograph any damage. You may also want to take a picture of the intersection, road conditions, etc.
You should write down the full name and contact information of any other drivers and passengers in their cars.
You will also need the name and number of their insurance companies as well. If there are any witnesses to the accident, then you will want their full names and contact information, in case you need their testimony. Before you call your insurance provider, contact your lawyer. You will need to be prompt when you report an accident to your insurance company, so call your lawyer as soon as possible so that you can relate the facts of the crash to your insurance company.
Depending on the nature of your injuries, you will want to go to the hospital or to your doctor soon after the incident.
Getting immediate treatment can be vital to your health. Insurance adjusters or others who look at your claim may not take your injuries seriously if you don't seek medical help. Medical records are invaluable to a personal injury claim.
Report anything that feels wrong with you to your doctor, and in the coming weeks document any symptoms or issues you have. Even if you do not feel any injuries, you should still visit your doctor as soon as possible. Many serious conditions, such as internal bleeding or spinal cord damage, may not make themselves known for at least 24 hours.
Symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, neck or arm pain, feeble legs, or exhaustion can all point to serious conditions that may need immediate medical treatment.
What Not To Do After a Car Accident
When you are involved in a car accident in Georgia, there are certain things you are required by law to do, such as exchanging insurance information if possible with the other driver(s). There are also things you should NOT do following an accident. Violating them could make a difference in whether any claim you may make for injuries or damages is honored. The personal injury attorneys at Kalka & Baer LLC can answer all your questions and help you get the compensation you deserve when the other driver is at fault.
Below are some main actions you should NOT do after an accident:
- You cannot leave the scene of the accident. That would be considered a hit-and-run, which is a very serious criminal offense.
- Don't admit fault to anyone. Your attorney, if you have one, and the insurance companies will sort it out. Any insurance company is sure to use this admission against you. If you are partially at fault, admitting to anything can be interpreted to make you fully responsible for the crash. Even a well-meant apology to the other driver can be twisted to mean that you accepted blame.
- Don't delay in seeking medical attention. If the accident is relatively minor, you may think you are not hurt. But some soft tissue injuries don't show up until hours, even days, after the impact. If you delay seeking medical help, the opposing side can question the severity of your injuries because you did not seek medical attention right away.
- Don't fail to make a police report. A police report officially documents the facts of the accident.
- Don't talk with or give a statement to the other driver's insurance company without first consulting with a personal injury attorney. Likewise, don't sign any paperwork, releases or accept settlement checks from the other party's insurance company without consulting with a personal injury attorney first. You do not want to give more information than is necessary. It is in your best interest to consult with an attorney before you contact an insurance company. Never deal with insurance without legal advice.
Understanding Georgia’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
The state of Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, you are able to recover compensation following a car collision even if you were negligent—as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
In other words, in order to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages, you do not need to prove that the other driver was entirely at fault for the accident; you only need to show that another party was more at fault than you.
Compensation in Car Accident Claims
Whether you were involved in a relatively minor “fender bender” or were severely injured in a major collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation for damages you suffered as a result of the accident.
In legal terms, “damages” may refer to any of the following:
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All medical bills and expenses, including:
- Medications and pain management programs
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, ramps, etc.)
- Ongoing physical/cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- Treatment for emotional/mental health issues (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.)
- Lost income/wages, including potential future earnings
- Pain and suffering (both physical and emotional/mental)
- Temporary and/or permanent disability
- Lost or reduced quality of life
- Property damage/cost of vehicle repairs
Note that this list is neither comprehensive nor guaranteed; the specific damages you have suffered, as well as the compensation you may be entitled to receive, will vary depending on the circumstances involved in your case.
Reach Out to Our Team for a Free Consultation
Car accident claims tend to be complex, as you must prove that another person or party is liable for your damages. This typically involves gathering various evidence and negotiating with insurance adjusters who will do everything they can to devalue or deny your claim. This can be especially complicated when dealing with trucking companies or in the case of accidents involving motorcyclists. It is crucial that you speak to an experienced car accident attorney in Lawrenceville who can help you navigate this process.
Kalka & Baer LLC is prepared to serve as your legal advocate throughout the entire process. Our attorneys are passionate about helping innocent injury victims secure the justice and fair recoveries they are owed. We provide compassionate, client-focused representation with an emphasis on achieving results. Our firm offers contingency fees, meaning there are no upfront costs for you and we only collect attorneys’ fees if and when we secure compensation on your behalf.
To learn more, call (404) 907-1594 for a free consultation.
