Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation. However, in case of accidents, it is often a legal challenge to determine fault. To secure compensation, you need a clear legal strategy. In Georgia, multiple insurance policies and legal factors influence how claims are handled. If you know your rights, you can significantly influence the outcome of your case.

Liability in a Rideshare Accident

Liability in a rideshare accident depends on the circumstances of the crash. The at-fault party could be any of the following:

  • The rideshare driver if reckless driving or negligence caused the accident.
  • Another motorist who made an error or violated traffic laws.
  • The rideshare company if app malfunctions or policies contributed to the crash.

Georgia follows comparative negligence laws. Therefore, courts assign fault based on each party’s role in the accident. If an injured party is 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages​.

How Rideshare Driver Status Affects Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage depends on the rideshare driver’s activity at the time of the accident. The following phases determine which policy applies:

  • Driver Offline: The driver’s personal auto insurance must cover the accident. Many personal policies exclude rideshare-related claims​.
  • Driver Online and Waiting for a Ride: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage of 100,000 per accident and $50,000 per person. However, this is only after the driver’s insurance applies first​.
  • Driver En Route or Transporting a Passenger: The rideshare company’s $1 million policy takes effect. This policy covers passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers​.

Because multiple policies may apply, insurance companies often dispute which provider should pay for damages​.

Why It Is a Challenge to Secure Compensation

Even when coverage exists, rideshare companies and insurance providers often resist paying fair compensation. They may do the following:

  • Deny liability and shift blame to another party.
  • Minimize injuries. They could argue that medical records do not support the damage claimed.
  • Delay settlements and hope victims accept lower offers​.

Victims need strong evidence to support their claims. These could be police reports, witness statements, medical records, and dashcam footage​.

A rideshare accident can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. At The Williams Litigation Group, we fight for injured clients. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the compensation you deserve.