Savannah Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

Uber and Lyft are incredibly popular modes of transportation for individuals who need to get from place to place around Savannah. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles do occur. At Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers, our team is standing by to help if you need a Savannah Uber and Lyft accident attorney by your side. We understand the laws surrounding these claims, and we know how insurance works when it comes to rideshare accidents. Let us get to work securing the compensation you need today.

Screening Process for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Before an individual can become an Uber or a Lyft driver, they must go through and pass a screening process. The purpose of this process is to prevent individuals with an unsafe driving history or those with certain criminal histories from being able to drive for these companies.  

Drivers are required to provide the necessary information, which includes the following:

  • Name 
  • Birth date
  • Social Security number
  • Driver’s license number
  • A copy of their driver’s license
  • Vehicle registration
  • Vehicle proof of insurance
  • Proof of inspection

Uber and Lyft also utilize third-party inspectors to conduct background checks on prospective drivers. 

Georgia Insurance Requirements For Uber and Lyft Drivers

Public transport, such as buses and taxis, are all expected to purchase full insurance coverage and follow their state-specific regulations. Uber and Lyft drivers are not considered public transportation, but they are also required to have insurance coverage, just as any driver is. The rideshare companies also provide supplemental coverage to comply with state regulations. 

In 2016, the Governor of Georgia implemented new regulations on Uber and Lyft. The law requires rideshare drivers to have insurance coverage of $1 million from the time the driver confirms a ride until the time the passenger has been delivered to the desired destination. 

Additionally, if an Uber or Lyft driver is inactive but still identified as a member of the company, there are still insurance coverage requirements. The law requires these individuals to have insurance coverage of at least $300,000 for bodily injury or death and $50,000 for property damage.

Why Turn to Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers for Help

  • At Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers, our team provides the coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida with experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys.
  • We have a deep understanding of car accident insurance laws, as well as how Uber and Lyft accidents affect our clients.
  • We handle Savannah Uber and Lyft cases on a contingency fee basis. This means clients pay no legal fees until we recover compensation for their losses.

How a Lawyer can Help an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim

Handling an Uber or Lyft claim can be challenging because aggressive insurance carriers step in and do everything in their power to limit how much money they pay out or even deny the claim altogether. A Savannah car accident attorney can fully investigate every aspect of the case in order to gather evidence proving liability. Importantly, a lawyer will make sure that they are the point of contact for every insurance carrier involved, including the insurance carrier for Uber or Lyft.

Who Pays for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Precisely who pays for an Uber or Lyft accident depends on which driver was at fault for the incident. If a driver other than the rideshare driver was at fault, then their personal insurance carrier will be responsible for compensating injury and property damage victims. If the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault for the incident, then you need to be aware that these companies operate on different “periods” or tiers when it comes to insurance coverage.

  • If a driver is not signed into the app to work, then their personal insurance coverage will handle the expenses if they cause an accident.
  • If a driver is signed into the app to work but has no ride request, then their personal insurance coverage will still be the primary go-to. However, both Uber and Lyft do provide some coverage at this point, but usually only to supplement the driver’s personal insurance carrier.
  • If a driver is on duty and has a ride request or currently has a passenger, then both Uber and Lyft have $1 million insurance policies designed to cover personal injuries or damages caused by the rideshare driver’s actions.

Compensation Available After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident in Savannah

The compensation available after an Uber or Lyft car accident can sometimes be a complicated issue. Liability is dependent on the specific circumstances of your accident and will depend on insurance coverage. The insurance policy held by Uber and Lyft drivers is quite similar. They each provide the passenger with different levels of coverage.

Level 1 

The driver was not officially working and the ridesharing app is off when the accident happened. In this case, the passenger is covered only by their personal car insurance and policy limits.

Level 2

This level is applicable when the driver has turned on the rideshare app but has not officially accepted the ride request on the app when the accident occurred. In this case, the passenger is covered by the Uber or Lyft’s liability insurance policy in the following amounts: 

 

  • $25,000 for property damage per accident
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 for bodily injury per accident

Level 3 

This level covers any accident that occurs from the time the driver has accepted the ride request until the time the driver delivers the passenger to their requested destination. The company’s supplemental liability policy and underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage include the following:

  • For property damage, the lesser of the cash value of the vehicle or repair cost with contingent collision and comprehensive coverage
  • Injuries – a maximum of $1 million per accident

As you can see, it is important to only get in the car with an Uber or Lyft driver after your ride has officially been accepted. This will give you the best chance of being able to recover compensation through the driver’s and the company’s insurance policies.

In many cases, recovering this compensation can be quite difficult, and it may not fully cover the expenses for your injuries. It’s always smart to consult with an attorney before attempting to deal with the company and their insurance company. In some cases, you may have to initiate a personal injury lawsuit to try to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

Call a Savannah Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Today

If you or somebody you love has sustained an injury involving an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Savannah, reach out to the team at Bowen Painter Trial Lawyers for help today. Our Savannah personal injury attorneys have the resources necessary to fully investigate your case, and we will stand up to the insurance carriers involved to recover the compensation you need. When you need a Savannah Uber and Lyft accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by filling out our form or calling us at (912) 355-1909.