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Who’s Liable If Injured In a Rideshare Accident?

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Who’s Liable If Injured In a Rideshare Accident?

The popularity of ridesharing services has skyrocketed worldwide. Uber has the largest share of the market (approximately 75%), with Statista reporting that in just the fourth quarter of 2024, 171 million people used the Uber app at least once per month.

It is no surprise that with so many millions of rides and bookings, car accidents have been on the rise. Pritchard Injury Firm has noted an increase in rideshare accident claims near our offices in Woodstock and Cartersville, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Let’s discuss who is liable if you are injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident and steps you can take to protect your rights.

Ridesharing Rules on North Georgia and TN Roads

In Georgia and Tennessee, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are recognized as motor carriers and transportation network companies (TNCs). TNCs must comply with their respective state’s regulations, such as Georgia’s TNC Act (O.C.G.A. § 40-1-190 et seq.), Tennessee’s (T.C.A.) § 55-12-140 and other related statutes. These regulations cover various aspects of their operations, including driver qualifications, insurance requirements, and liability in case of accidents.

All auto accidents will vary slightly, and so much depends on who’s at fault. But if you are a passenger and injured during a rideshare accident in North Georgia or Tennessee, the states’ laws provide the following:

  • If a driver is logged into the app but without a passenger, the TNC must provide contingent liability coverage:
    • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
    • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
    • $25,000 for property damage
  • If a driver has accepted a ride or transporting a passenger, the TNC must provide:
  • o $1 million in liability coverage.
  • o Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply.

Below are a few scenarios and variables that help provide guidance on filing a claim for rideshare auto accident in North Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee:

  • Driver’s Negligence: If a rideshare driver causes an accident, liability follows the insurance coverage limits above.
  • Third-Party Negligence: If another driver is at fault, their insurance is primarily responsible. This could include vehicle malfunction or distracted driving.
  • Rideshare Company Liability: Companies like Uber and Lyft often deny direct liability, but plaintiffs may argue negligence in hiring, training, or supervising drivers.
  • Passenger Rights: Injured passengers can file claims against the at-fault party’s insurance or seek compensation from the rideshare company’s policy.

Additionally, the motor carrier’s insurer can be joined in a lawsuit if the driver cannot be located or served.

Following a ridesharing accident in North Georgia or Chattanooga, Tennessee, your auto accident and catastrophic injury lawyer should be consulted to assess the extent of your injuries and use their knowledge of local and state regulations to determine liability and maximize compensation for your pain and suffering.

What To Do If Injured in a Rideshare Accident in North Georgia or Chattanooga, TN

Your phone and camera will be huge assets if you are injured during an accident because you may need to document lots of critical information. Hopefully you have not sustained a catastrophic injury, and if not, follow these three critical tips to assemble information for a claim.

Step 1: Gather Contact and Insurance Information

The first step is to gather information from all parties involved in the accident. This includes:

  • Driver’s licenses
  • Insurance cards
  • Contact information

Ensure you get accurate phone numbers so you can discuss any issues or questions with them later. It’s also vital to gather contact information of witnesses who may have seen the crash occur.

Lyft and Uber typically have driver names in your rideshare receipt, but as previously noted, the driver might not always be so easy to find later, especially if you are a pedestrian, bicyclist or the victim in another vehicle. Be sure to take a picture of your car’s license plate as well, in case that information is delayed later.

Step 2: Take Pictures and Collect Evidence

Take pictures of all cars involved in the accident immediately, and make sure they include license plates. Ensure to have multiple angles of the accident so they give a clear picture of what happened during the collision and the damage resulting from it.

It’s also important to document any visible wounds or injuries caused or worsened by this car accident. All photos will help support your case when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

You should visit a hospital following any auto accident. Even if you look and feel unharmed, remember that everyone experiences shock and pain differently and you might have suffered internal injuries. A physician’s report will also be critical for your auto accident lawyer when filing a lawsuit.

Zach Pritchard: Your Personal Injury Attorney in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident or trucking accident, experienced attorneys at Pritchard Injury Firm can help. Contact us online for compassionate legal guidance that establishes liability and helps you get the compensation needed to recover and move forward.