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Ridesharing has gained popularity over the last decade in Acworth and all across Georgia. Whether heading to work or going out for the night, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft offer a quick and affordable way to get to your next destination.
However, while ridesharing can be a convenient way to travel, it is not without its challenges, especially when determining liability in an accident. Large ridesharing companies are quick to deflect blame onto others, including their passengers, hoping to reduce their exposure to liability.
Do not let large ridesharing companies leave you injured and handle large medical bills and other damages on your own. With the help of the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, you will find guidance, care, and legal strategy aimed at recovering the compensation you deserve.
You can reach us at (833) 254-2923 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation today.
Acworth Rideshare Accident Attorney Understand Ridesharing Law
When you work with a ridesharing accident attorney, you will gain an ally to guide you throughout every step of the injury claims process. Your attorney will work towards gathering and reviewing evidence, documents, medical diagnostics, and anything else relevant to build a case showing where your ridesharing driver or company was in the wrong.
One of the main goals is to show how the victim was not responsible for any part of the accident, including contributions to distractions, respect for traffic laws, and rideshare rules. They will also assist in determining the full extent of liability, including what was contributed by the negligent rideshare driver, the company itself, or others on the road who may have been involved in the accident.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our sole goal is to use every bit of knowledge, experience, and legal resources we have to maximize your case’s chances of success. We also strive to record every bit of losses you have suffered and will suffer, reducing the chances that you are left on the hook for the costs of an accident.
Who Can Be Considered Liable After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Liability in any given accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the situation. For example, in cases where poorly maintained roads contribute to accidents, such as poorly marked roads, potholes, and faulty street lights, it is important to consider additional liable parties.
These factors may find that more than the negligent party is liable for the accident. Especially in cases of a poorly maintained right of way, a government agency may be held responsible for road maintenance and liable for contributing to the accident.
Other potential parties who may hold liability after the accident can include:
- Rideshare companies
- Rideshare drivers
- Passengers using rideshare services
- Another driver was involved in the car accident
Since each case is unique and may involve more than two parties, seeking counsel from an experienced rideshare accident attorney will help determine who is at fault.
Passenger Responsibilities in a Rideshare
You will find two major ridesharing services local to Acworth: Uber and Lyft. These companies operate on digital platforms that connect passengers with drivers to complete transportation services.
While ridesharing comes with convenience, passengers should be aware of their responsibilities once they enter the vehicle.
Georgia law requires all rideshare services to restrain all front-seat riders aged 18 and older to ensure safety and protect passengers during rides. Front-seat passengers must always wear their seat belts.
Apart from wearing a seatbelt if in the front seat, passengers must follow rules to ensure a safe arrival to their destination. Passengers must also refrain from engaging with the driver and potentially creating a hazardous situation that may contribute to distraction from the road.
Even when such actions allegedly contributed to an accident or an injury, the fault may not truly lie with the passenger. It is vital to protect your own legal interests after an accident by working with an experienced attorney who can investigate the cause and come to an accurate determination of how and why the accident occurred.
Types of Compensation in Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing accidents are unique in that, many times, the victims were not driving at the time of a collision. When one least expects it, an accident happens, and people are hurt.
Rideshare accidents can result in considerable damage, and passengers are possibly entitled to compensation for various losses, including the following.
Medical Bills
Even in cases where there is a minor accident, passengers may experience a jolt that results in minor injuries, like whiplash and muscle soreness, which can still significantly disrupt their comfort and well-being. Injuries — even when considered minor — can be costly to treat.
Even if a case is ongoing, it is crucial for the injured party not to delay seeking necessary medical care. Medical expenses accumulate quickly and include various charges accrued beyond their initial trip to the ER.
These charges include ambulance rides, medications, physical therapy sessions, hospital bills, and more.
It is not long before collection agencies start seeking compensation for these medical bills, and these expenses can pile up quickly. The injured party should seek legal counsel before initiating a claim with their insurance or making any out-of-pocket payments because those agencies can be made aware of a personal injury claim.
Future Medical Expenses
The recovery process for specific injuries can take many months, particularly in cases involving broken bones or disabilities. To return to how they were before the accident, individuals may need multiple surgeries and physical therapy sessions.
Accident victims should be diligent in estimating these future expenses based on the extent of their condition and the likely long-term prognosis. Consulting with an attorney and medical experts can ensure that these costs aren’t left behind on the negotiation table once a settlement is signed.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Sometimes, passengers may find themselves responsible for covering medical expenses and other post-accident costs right from their own pocket. These expenses can cover items such as over-the-counter pain medication, copayments, car rentals, and other transportation or parking costs incurred.
Passengers must ensure they retain proper receipts, as these expenses can be included in their claim.
Lost Wages
Passengers who have sustained injuries often need to take time off from work to attend their medical appointments. However, not everyone can afford additional time off and continue receiving their usual pay.
In these cases, individuals may have few options through their employer outside of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), resulting in substantial financial burdens.
Serious injuries are known to have lifestyle-changing consequences. In fact, outside of scarring and disfigurement, injuries sustained in car accidents can limit one’s ability to do their job, costing them future raises, promotions, and, in some cases, their profession altogether.
Property Damage
Accidents can also result in damage to personal property. Consider items like clothing that tears or needs to be altered for medical care provided by EMTs.
In addition, cell phone screens can crack or completely break due to the impact of the accident. Modern-day technology, like smartphones, watches, and laptops, is expensive and may possibly be listed in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Car accidents can have a significant emotional toll on their victims. In many cases, individuals require therapy sessions to work through post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other forms of trauma resulting from the accident.
However, even minor accidents, such as fender benders, cause psychological problems that last a long time, potentially affecting the victim’s quality of life. These emotional and psychological issues result in multiple therapy sessions that become costly quickly.
What to Do in a Rideshare Accident
Accidents can happen, even when drivers enter the roadway with the utmost care. Car accidents, in particular, can be a frightening and confusing situation and are the second most common cause of personal injury in Georgia.
If you find yourself involved in a rideshare accident, it is essential to know what steps to take:
- Do Not Admit Fault — It is critical not to admit fault for the accident, as this can impact your ability to receive compensation and will relieve other parties of liability.
- Document the Scene —Take photos and video recordings of the accident, including any visible injuries, property damage, and the behavior of the involved parties, including your driver.
- Talk to the Police — Speak with the police and provide detailed information about the accident as a witness. State the facts, but nothing more.
- File a Claim — Passengers must file a claim through the ridesharing company. CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can assist in collecting the necessary documents to formalize your claim.
Work With a Proven Acworth Rideshare Law Firm
Ridesharing services transformed transportation across the US, offering ease and convenience for all to get from one place to another. However, despite this, it still carries its challenges, especially when serious car accidents happen as a result of rideshare driver negligence.
With the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm by your side, you can confidently focus on your recovery as our legal team works to secure fair compensation that reflects the damages in your case. Don’t navigate these legal challenges alone; let the experts at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm guide you and represent you while processing your claim.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is ready to listen to see if you have a case. Reach out today for an initial consultation at (833) 254-2923 or contact us online and take the first step toward reaching the settlement you need.