Uber Accident Lawyer Winder, GAIf you were recently in an Uber accident, you may want to consult an Uber accident lawyer in Winder, GA. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses. A skilled lawyer can help you pursue a timely claim against the negligent party.

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Common Causes of Uber Accidents

More and more people use rideshare services like Uber as a mode of transportation. The rideshare app offers convenience and reliability. Unfortunately, however, the increased number of Uber vehicles on the road have increased the number of car accidents. Here are the most common causes of Uber accidents.

  • Distracted driving. Distractions are a problem for many motorists, and Uber drivers are no different. From frequently checking their GPS to chatting with their customers, Uber drivers face many distractions. When Uber drivers are distracted, they take their eyes and attention off the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Inexperience. While Uber drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, they still might not have the proper experience to navigate through bad weather and traffic conditions. Inexperienced Uber drivers are more likely to cause accidents.
  • Speeding. The more rides an Uber driver collects, the more money they ultimately make. As such, some drivers may drive above the speed limit to transport more passengers. Speeding, however, can lower a driver’s reaction times and increase the risk of a collision.
  • Fatigue. As an Uber accident lawyer in Winder, GA can confirm, some Uber drivers work long hours to make ends meet. They may also pick up passengers at odd hours of the night. This can lead to fatigue over time. Uber drivers who are running on little sleep may have trouble focusing on the road and may even fall asleep behind the wheel.
  • Driving on unfamiliar roads. Many Uber drivers take routes they’re unfamiliar with to pick up and drop off passengers. These drivers might make unexpected stops and sudden turns, which can increase the risk of an accident.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance. Uber drivers are expected to keep their vehicle in good working condition. However, that does not mean all of them do this. Neglecting vehicle maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions and other issues that can cause accidents.

One moment you may have been happily riding in an Uber with your friends on your way to your desired destination. But then within a split second, everything changed. Suddenly you may be in pain, confused, and the scene of an accident is all that you see before you. Maybe your Uber driver had run a red light, sped through a stop sign, or otherwise done something that caused the accident to happen. As you get out of the Uber vehicle, you may start to notice that you have aches and pains, visibly broken bones, or there are other signs that you need medical attention right away. 

As the victim of an Uber accident, your situation is going to be more complicated compared to other types of vehicle collisions. There are so many more variables at play since you were in an Uber as a paying passenger when the accident happened. What makes an Uber accident more complex is that there are more parties that could be involved and partially at-fault. As your uber accident lawyer Winder GA residents trust can explain, the crash could have been the fault of your Uber driver, another car driver on the road, or perhaps a car manufacturer who released a defective part that led to a vehicle on the road malfunctioning. Before making assumptions about who is at-fault, consider that it is entirely possible that more than one party is responsible. 

As someone who just got hurt in an Uber accident, the last thing you should be worried about is trying to take on a legal issue while recovering from injury. Not only may you be in physical pain, but you may be suffering financially as well, especially if you had to miss out on work and spend money on treatment. Victims of an Uber accident are likely to suffer the very worst of the consequences, when it probably was not them that caused the accident to happen in the first place. People who hop into an Uber are usually excited about where they are going, and the last thing they want is to not get there safely.

Any kind of automobile accident is going to interrupt a person’s life and health. Uber victims in particular are strongly advised to visit with a legal team that understands the nuances of rideshare accidents. By meeting with a member of our Winder lawyer Uber team, we can perform a case evaluation, investigate the accident further, and potentially uncover factors of the accident that you may not have been privy to before. Unfortunately, companies like Uber take certain measures to deflect liability when serious crashes happen. And on top of that, the Uber driver themselves may have insurance coverage, but not enough to compensate victims for their injuries too.

For these reasons and more, it is not uncommon for people to talk with the lawyer so they have someone to educate them about their options and also advocate for their recovery. Don’t hesitate to speak with a Winder uber accident lawyer from Norris Injury Law today for a consultation.

Schedule a consultation with an Uber accident lawyer in Winder, GA today to discuss your case in detail.

4 Ways You Can Stay Safe While Using Uber 

Using Uber is more convenient for many people instead of using the bus or train to get to their destination, as an Uber accident lawyer in Winder, GA knows. However, there have been many incidents involving Uber vehicles that have resulted in victims suffering terrible injuries. If you are using Uber or other rideshare services, know these important steps so that you can protect yourself and have the ability to navigate a risky or dangerous situation.

Confirm Driver Information 

After you select an Uber ride, review the driver information. Read their reviews, know their name and get a general idea of what they look like. You want to make sure that you are getting into a car with the right driver in it, so it helps to be familiar with the driver before you get inside so that you know who to look out for. If an incident happens where you have to give a description of the Uber driver, such as to the police, you will be ready to provide detailed information about them. 

Check the Vehicle Details 

In addition to getting basic information about the rideshare driver, you should also be familiar with the vehicle you will be getting into. Vehicles that are more popular colors like silver and white can be easy to confuse, while darker-colored vehicles are more difficult to see at night. Unlike taxis, the Uber and other rideshare apps provide you with the information about your ride beforehand, so be sure you know the basic vehicle information, such as the color, make, model, vehicle type (sedan, SUV, etc.) and license plate number. 

Inform Someone You Trust 

To add another layer of protection, you should always tell someone you trust, like a family member or friend, that you are planning to use a rideshare service. Let them know where you are, how long your trip is, and what your destination will be. It helps if someone is aware that you are traveling, especially if you are traveling alone. As a Winder Uber accident lawyer is familiar with, Uber allows users to share a link of their ride route and information, so send the link to someone you trust. They will be able to see your route and can even see your vehicle on a map in real-time. 

Pick a Safe Pick-Up or Drop-Off Area

When you are using Uber or other rideshare, select a pick-up or drop-off location that is safe and visible. Pick a location that is near the public and where people can easily see you. Do not choose an obscure location like a dimly lit street, alleyway, or the back of a building. You should also not choose a spot that is too close to busy traffic or an area that is too congested. When you are booking a ride, see if there are designated rideshare vehicle areas in your location or destination that are specifically for rideshare apps. 

If you get into an accident that involves an Uber vehicle, there are options available for you. 

As an experienced Winder Uber accident lawyer knows, there are options for those who have been in Uber accidents and require legal assistance, so contact one if you need help. 

Winder Uber Accident Infographic

4 Ways You Can Stay Safe While Using Uber

Suing Uber

An Uber accident lawyer Winder GA residents trusts knows that in the past few years, rideshare apps have become immensely popular. These apps, like Uber and Lyft, are transforming the way people commute. However, they have seen no small amount of controversy. The taxicab industry often complains that these drivers are not well-regulated and pose a danger to consumers. While that complaint is understandably self-motivated, the cab drivers make a valid point. What happens if there is a rideshare accident? Is the company responsible? Will insurance cover it? Courts across the country are only now starting to sort out these problems since these accidents are only just starting to happen.

Is the Company Responsible?

One of the big questions about rideshare accidents is whether the injured party can sue the company. Many courts have yet to issue a ruling on the subject, and there are strong arguments both ways. One of the key legal doctrines that will play into the answer is the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor.

What is the Difference Between an Employee and an Independent Contractor?

Employees are people over whom a business exercises a large amount of control, while independent contractors are people whom the company hires to do work, but who exercise more freedom in how they work. Unlike traditional transportation providers, rideshare companies claim that they do not employ their drivers. This may make it more difficult to sue them because businesses are responsible for the acts of their employees, but not their independent contractors. However, it is not up to the company to decide whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor. The courts make that decision, though the freedom the rideshare drivers exercise means that this characterization is probably correct.

Does This Mean the Rideshare Company Holds no Responsibility?

As a Winder Uber accident lawyer can explain, another possible route to sue a rideshare company is through their vetting process. It may be possible to argue that the rideshare company was negligent in the screening for their drivers and as such bears responsibility for the accident. Regardless of whether the company is liable, injured parties can still pursue claims against the driver, though this may also pose some problems.

Whose Insurance Company Covers the Victim’s Damages?

Holding the rideshare driver responsible for a crash that they cause would be an uncontroversial point, but actually collecting in the case may be more difficult. The rideshare companies require drivers to carry insurance, but most people’s insurance policies are personal insurance. The companies are likely to refuse to cover rideshare accidents since they are commercial rather than personal. The rideshare companies also carry insurance in the case of accidents, but those policies may not help either based on a variety of factors such as whether the driver’s insurance applies and whether the driver is actively carrying passengers.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Although the law does not require a victim to retain the services of an injury attorney to pursue a car accident claim or lawsuit against the liable party, these cases can be complex, and having a dedicated Winder uber accident lawyer increases your chances of a successful claim. Call Norris Injury Law to schedule a free consultation.