Athens Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents often result from a confluence of factors, such as:

• Driver inattention: Distractions, such as cell phone use or attending to passengers, can lead to devastating accidents.
• Fatigue: Drivers working long hours, especially at night, may become drowsy and less alert, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Speeding: In a rush to pick up or drop off passengers, drivers may exceed speed limits, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on the road.
• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and other reckless behaviors can create dangerous situations.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Issues with brakes, tires, or other critical systems can contribute to accidents.
• Adverse weather conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads can increase the likelihood of an accident, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed and caution.
• Inexperience with local traffic laws: Unfamiliarity with local traffic patterns and regulations can lead to confusion and errors.

Each of these factors necessitates a careful investigation to determine liability and identify all potential sources of compensation.

Possible Liable Parties in a Rideshare Accident

• Rideshare drivers: Often, drivers are responsible due to negligent behavior such as distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue. Evaluating their actions during the accident is a primary step in establishing liability. 
• Rideshare companies: Companies like Uber and Lyft can be held accountable depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident. If the driver was logged into the app or carrying passengers, the rideshare company's insurance policies may be applicable. 
• Third-party drivers: Other motorists involved in the collision can also share responsibility. This includes cases where another driver's reckless or illegal actions contributed to the incident.
• Vehicle manufacturers: In cases where a defect in a rideshare vehicle or third-party car contributed to the accident, pursuing liability against the manufacturer or maintenance provider is a consideration. 
• Municipal entities: Poorly maintained roads or traffic signal failures attributable to municipal negligence can also be factors in certain accidents.

Determining Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. The rideshare driver’s activity will determine which insurance policy—personal or company-backed—applies.

Driver is Logged Off the App

If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app, they are considered to be using their vehicle for personal use. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the only coverage available.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do not provide any insurance coverage when the driver is not using the app, even if they drive for the platform regularly.

Driver is Logged On But Has Not Accepted a Ride Request

When the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage:

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

This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim or is insufficient. It's considered secondary coverage.

Driver Has Accepted a Ride or is Transporting a Passenger

Once the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting them, the rideshare company provides primary insurance coverage, which includes:

• $1 million in liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has such coverage on their personal policy)

This phase offers the highest level of protection for injured parties and is most favorable for pursuing compensation.