Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accidents
Not everybody in Atlanta can rely on public transportation to get where they need to go. People who do not own automobiles are frequently forced to rely on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, along with other commuting options.
Over the last decade, rideshare apps have rapidly outpaced traditional taxi services, offering a convenient way to book and pay for rides directly from a smartphone. But convenience comes with risk. Just like any other vehicle on Georgia roads, Uber and Lyft drivers can be involved in serious crashes, and when they are, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists can suffer life-altering injuries.
When a passenger in one of these types of vehicles suffers injuries because of an accident, he or she can be entitled to compensation. Rideshare services are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, but there are some important differences in the amounts of coverage and which additional parties may be liable.
Atlanta Lawyer for Uber & Lyft Accidents
If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a rideshare crash in Georgia, you could be entitled to compensation for any lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies for these types of vehicles will aggressively try to get you to accept a settlement as quickly as possible, but it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel so you can ensure that you get every dollar you need and deserve.
Atlanta attorney ReShea Balams fights to get justice for people who have been hurt or lost loved ones in rideshare wrecks. She handles cases inside and outside the Perimeter, including communities in Clayton County, Gwinnett County, Fulton County, Cobb County, and DeKalb County.
You do not need to worry about paying The Balams Firm anything up front for legal services, as we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if you obtain a financial award, and we also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case as soon as you call (404) 445-2005.
Georgia Rideshare Accidents Information Center
Who Can Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Uber and Lyft may try to avoid responsibility by calling their drivers independent contractors. But they can still be held liable when they ignore safety concerns or fail to properly screen drivers.
After a rideshare accident, it’s not always clear who’s responsible or what coverage applies. These situations can be complicated, especially when injuries are serious or multiple parties are involved. Learn more about how coverage works when a crash happens in our rideshare insurance blog.
Rideshare Providers in Atlanta, GA
Uber and Lyft are now a regular part of Atlanta traffic, but accidents involving these vehicles can raise complicated legal questions. Insurance coverage often depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Under Georgia law, including coverage rules first established by House Bill 225, rideshare companies must provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when a driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger. If the app is on but no ride has been accepted, a lower level of coverage may apply. When the app is off, only the driver’s personal insurance is in effect.
Even with this coverage, companies like Uber and Lyft often argue their drivers are independent contractors. Whether they can be held responsible usually depends on whether the driver was actively working at the time of the crash.
Drivers are also more likely to be distracted by their phones and apps while working, which increases the risk of collisions.
Proving Liability After a Rideshare Accident
Even though Uber and Lyft drivers have access to more insurance coverage than most private drivers, that doesn’t mean the company’s insurer will willingly pay what you’re owed.
Rideshare companies work hard to avoid being held responsible for accidents. They often argue that the driver was acting independently, and Georgia courts sometimes accept that defense. That’s why it’s so important to work with a personal injury lawyer who understands how to investigate rideshare crashes and build strong cases against negligent drivers and companies.
Insurance companies may contact victims quickly after a crash and offer fast settlements. These offers are usually far below what your case is worth and often come with paperwork that waives your right to take legal action later. Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Resources for Rideshare Accidents in Georgia
House Bill 339 (2025) – This law clarified that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are not considered “motor carriers” under Georgia law. It impacts how and when these companies can be held directly liable for driver-related accidents.
While it doesn’t change insurance requirements, it affects legal strategy in liability claims.
House Bill 529 (2023) – This bill reduced the minimum amounts of uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage that rideshare companies must provide. The new minimums are $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, which can affect how much compensation is available in certain crash cases.
House Bill 225 (2015) – This law created the core insurance framework for rideshare services in Georgia. It requires companies like Uber and Lyft to carry $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is transporting a passenger, and contingent coverage during other active periods. It also set rules for driver background checks.
Find a Rideshare Accidents Lawyer in the Atlanta Area
Did you suffer severe injuries or was your loved one killed in a rideshare crash in Georgia? Whether you were a passenger in one of these vehicles or you were in another automobile that was struck by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you could be entitled to compensation.
Atlanta personal injury attorney ReShea Balams helps these types of accident victims from communities such as Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Decatur, College Park, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, East Point, Marietta, Duluth, Forest Park, Roswell, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Milton, Riverdale, and Norcross.
The Balams Firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis, which means our firm charges you nothing if we do not get you a financial award. ReShea Balams will provide a thorough evaluation of your case during a free, no obligation consultation as soon as you call (404) 445-2005.
