In today’s fast-paced world, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we travel. With just a few taps on a smartphone, we can summon a ride to our doorstep, making transportation more convenient than ever. However, as the popularity of ride-sharing has surged, so has the number of ride-sharing accidents involving these services.
When accidents happen, it’s essential to understand your rights and options. In this blog post, the auto accident law team of Akin & Tate explores ride-sharing accidents and the lawsuits that can arise from them, shedding light on the path to justice.
The Rise of Ride-Sharing
Ride-sharing platforms have grown exponentially, becoming integral to our daily lives. Whether it’s commuting to work, getting to a night out, or simply avoiding the hassle of parking, millions of people rely on these services. Uber, Lyft, and similar companies have made transportation more convenient, but they’ve also brought new challenges and legal complexities.
Common Causes of Ride-Sharing Accidents
Accidents involving ride-sharing vehicles can happen for various reasons, just like any other car accident. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Error: Distracted driving, speeding, and other forms of negligence can lead to accidents.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Ride-sharing drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. If they neglect this duty, mechanical failures can lead to accidents.
- Inadequate Background Checks: Ride-sharing companies have faced criticism for their screening processes. In some cases, drivers with a history of reckless driving or criminal activity have been behind the wheel.
- Third-Party Negligence: Accidents can also occur due to the negligence of other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.
Understanding Your Rights as a Passenger
If you’ve been injured in a ride-sharing accident as a passenger, it’s crucial to understand your rights. You have the right to:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Don’t delay seeking medical care, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Report the Accident: Notify the ride-sharing company of the accident as soon as possible.
- Gather Evidence: If you can do so safely, gather information at the scene. Take photos, get witness statements, and record details about the accident.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact the Metro Atlanta car accident lawyers at Akin & Tate. The team has extensive experience in ride-sharing accident cases. They can help you navigate the legal process.
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Lawsuits and Liability
Determining liability in ride-sharing accidents can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, various parties may be held responsible, including:
- The Driver: If the accident resulted from the driver’s negligence, they may be liable.
- The Ride-Sharing Company: Ride-sharing companies may be liable if they fail to adequately screen drivers, provide proper training, or address known safety issues.
- Third Parties: Other drivers, pedestrians, or entities, such as maintenance contractors, may also share liability.
Compensation for Victims
Injured in a ride-sharing accident? You may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to damages for physical and emotional suffering.
- Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be compensated for repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party for particularly egregious behavior.
Ride-sharing car crash injuries can include, for example, neck and back injuries, whiplash, soft tissue injuries, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or broken bones. It’s essential to contact us as soon as possible following the accident to begin the review process
Conclusion
Ride-sharing accidents can be complex and challenging to navigate. Lyft, Didi, Grab, and Ola ride-sharing accidents happen regularly throughout the country. However, as a victim, you have rights and options for seeking justice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a ride-sharing accident, contact a member of the personal injury team at Akin & Tate. Their initial case review is free, and they can guide you through the legal process. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone—justice is attainable, and you deserve compensation for your injuries and losses.
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Akin & Tate is one of the oldest law firms in the country. Warren Akin, a former Georgia Speaker of the House, founded Akin & Tate in 1836. The law firm has been assisting Georgia plaintiffs for over 187 years. We offer legal support for cases involving personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, product liability, and criminal defense.
Akin & Tate’s team of personal injury attorneys understand that motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, leaving riders and passengers in need of medical attention, rehabilitation, and financial support.
In such situations, Atlanta’s personal injury law firm, Akin & Tate, plays a crucial role in ensuring justice is served. Motorcycle accidents have common causes. It is important to contact the personal injury team at Akin & Tate if you are a victim. They can assist in pursuing maximum compensation and recovery.
1. Understanding the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. It is important to be aware of these dangers to reduce the risks. Taking precautions can help keep you safe on the road. Some common causes include:
A) Distracted Driving is a serious hazard. Drivers who are focusing on their phones, navigation systems, or other activities may not be aware of motorcyclists on the road. This can lead to collisions.
B) Negligent Drivers exhibit reckless behavior, such as speeding, changing lanes without caution, failing to yield, and running red lights. These actions can have catastrophic results for motorcyclists.
C) Road Hazards such as uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, and oil spills are more dangerous for motorcycles than four-wheeled vehicles. This is because motorcycles have less stability.
D) Intoxicated Driving is dangerous. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction times, and coordination, making it extremely dangerous for both motorcyclists and other road users.
2. The Role of Akin & Tate – Personal Injury Attorneys
When a motorcycle accident occurs, victims often face physical, emotional, and financial challenges. This is where the law firm of Akin & Tate steps in to provide invaluable assistance. Here’s how they can help:
A) Legal Expertise: the motorcycle injury attorneys at Akin & Tate specialize in navigating the complex legal system. They have an in-depth understanding of personal injury laws, insurance policies, and regulations pertaining to motorcycle accidents. This knowledge enables them to build strong cases on behalf of their clients.
B) Investigation and Gathering Evidence: Akin & Tate’s team of motorcycle accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to determine liability and gather evidence to support their client’s claim. This may involve analyzing accident reports, obtaining witness statements, examining medical records, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary.
C) Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when they attempt to minimize compensation or wrongfully deny claims. The Akin & Tate team of attorneys are skilled negotiators who aggressively advocate for their client’s rights and ensure fair settlements are reached.
D) Litigation and Trial Representation: In cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, Akin & Tate attorneys are prepared to take the case to court. They possess the courtroom experience necessary to present compelling arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for their client’s best interests.
3. Seeking Compensation and Recovery
The motorcycle accident experts at Akin & Tate strive to secure compensation that covers various aspects of the victim’s losses, including:
A) Medical Expenses: include a wide range of costs related to the victim’s recovery. These include medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy. These expenses may include both present and future costs.
B) Lost Wages: If the injuries result in the victim being unable to work temporarily or permanently, compensation may cover lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and vocational rehabilitation.
C) Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible damages resulting from the accident.
D) Property Damage: If the motorcycle was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
Motorcycle accidents can have life-altering consequences, and victims deserve dedicated legal representation to ensure their rights are protected. Akin & Tate are motorcycle accident attorneys – they have the expertise, experience, and resources to guide victims through the legal process for a motorcycle injury claim. Call today for a FREE – NO OBLIGATION review of your case.
Our driving habits have changed as we continue to become more reliant on technology. The rise of smartphones and other devices has led to a significant increase in distracted driving. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for 2,841 deaths in 2018 alone. Nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured daily in accidents reported as distraction-related accidents in America. The Atlanta area auto accident attorneys of Akin & Tate have handled numerous cases involving distracted drivers, helping injured victims of auto accidents get the justice they deserve.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. Three types of driver distractions are visual, manual, and cognitive. These distractions can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, and even talking to passengers in your car. Distracted driving is hazardous because it not only takes your attention away from the road but also takes your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road, impairing your reaction time.
Reaction Time is Critical.
Reaction time is a critical aspect of safe driving. Making split-second decisions can mean the difference between avoiding an accident or being a part of one. Reacting swiftly and appropriately to dangerous actions or events on the road is essential to driving safety.
Why is Distracted Driving Dangerous?
When you are distracted while driving, your reaction time is slower. You may not see a pedestrian stepping into the crosswalk or a car stopping suddenly in front of you. A lack of focus can lead to accidents that result in severe injury or death. In addition, distracted driving is often accompanied by speeding or other reckless driving behaviors, which further increase the risk of accidents.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving – Stay Focused!
The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent distracted driving. First, make a conscious effort to stay focused. Put away any devices or other distractions that may take your attention away before you start driving. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location first. You should also avoid eating and drinking while driving and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Additionally, take advantage of new technology that helps you stay focused. Many new cars come equipped with features like voice-activated controls and Blue Tooth connectivity, allowing you to make phone calls or send texts without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Even better, commit to waiting to make that phone call or sending a text until you can pull over and stop before making a call or sending a text.
No fee unless you win!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of a distracted driver, call the experienced car accident lawyers at Akin and Tate. We have helped accident victims throughout Georgia get the justice they deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis – you owe nothing unless we obtain a favorable settlement or judgment on your behalf.
Questions? We have answers.
How much is your auto accident case worth? Call Akin & Tate for a free, no-obligation review of your case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation: 770-382-0780.
About Akin & Tate
Founded in 1836, Akin and Tate is Georgia’s oldest continuing-operating law firm. We have helped numerous accident victims and their families throughout Georgia secure maximum compensation for their personal injury cases.
The moments after a car accident can be very disorienting and filled with a rush of emotions. Be prepared. Following these suggested steps could be critical to protecting yourself.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
If you or someone else is injured, call 911, or ask a bystander at the scene to do so. - Get to safety
If you are not injured, and your car is safe to drive, move it to the side of the road. Otherwise, turn on hazard lights, turn off the engine, and make sure you and your passengers move to a safe area away from the accident. If possible, do not leave the general site of the accident unless your physical safety is at risk. - Call the police (911)
Whether the car accident is a minor “fender-bender” or a serious collision, call the police. If they can respond they will fill out an accident report and document the facts of the accident at the scene. Try not to leave the location of the accident. If you leave before the police permit you to do so, you can be charged with hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident. If the police are not able to respond to the scene, go to the nearest police station and fill out an accident report after completing the following steps. - Exchange important information
Calmly exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. The most important information includes:- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy numbers
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Vehicle type, model, VIN number, and color
- Accident location information
- Do not discuss who is at fault with the other driver when going over accident details.
- Document the accident – get the essential details
Protect yourself by taking the following steps:- Identify the police officers, including names and badge numbers.
- Get a copy of the accident report.
- Take pictures or video of both cars from different angles, and skid marks and
- nearby security cameras. Your cell phone can be very helpful during this step!
- Record the names of all parties involved – use your cell phone recorder if necessary to make a recording – speak slowly and clearly.
- Talk to the witnesses – take down their names and contact information.
- Notify your insurance company
Notify them that you have been in an accident - Contact Akin & Tate – Atlanta’s auto accident attorneys
Protect yourself. We can help you navigate your post-accident legal process, including:- Communicating with the insurance companies.
- Collecting your medical records.
- If necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.
- Trying your case if the insurance company refuses to provide you with a fair settlement.
No fee unless you win.
The experienced car accident lawyers of Akin & Tate work on a contingency fee basis. You owe nothing unless we obtain a favorable settlement or judgment on your behalf.
Auto accident questions?
Our auto accident legal team has answers.
During a car crash, a buckled seat belt keeps you safe and secure inside your vehicle. Seat belts are the best defense against drivers that may be distracted or impaired. In 2017, seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved 14,955 lives according to The US Department of Transportation. Seat belt use by adult front-seat passengers in 2021 was 90.4%. That’s up from 70.7% in 2000.
Safety belt use – talk it up, Atlanta!
It’s hard to believe that almost 10% of adults in our community today still don’t use their seat belts. However, many of us who remember when seat belts were the exception and not the rule, understand that it’s a work in progress. Communicating, advocating, and reminding our friends and family members in our local communities around the Metro Atlanta area, and throughout Georgia, is essential to closing the knowledge gap and saving more lives.
Why doesn’t everyone use a seat belt?
One of the most popular reasons a usage gap still exists today – many people believe it’s just a short-distance ride and elect not to put on their seat belts. Car accident injuries do not discriminate by location, too often ending in fatal crash accidents! The other factor is age. More than half of teens (13-19 years) who died in crashes in 2018 were not buckled up at the time of the crash. Don’t be fooled or over-confident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 52% of accidents occur within five miles of a driver’s home and 69% within ten miles.
One of the most important steps we can take as drivers and passengers are to buckle up! The consequences of not buckling up are clear: 51% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020 were unrestrained.
Akin & Tate is on a mission to keep Georgia safe!
We encourage all drivers and passengers to always buckle up. Statistics show that Georgia residents using seat belts lags behind the national average slightly. Working together in our community, communicating this message on a regular basis, we can help make people safer on our roads.
A few quick seat belt reminders from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
1. Buckle up – it is the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in an auto accident.
2. Air bags do not replace seat belts – they complement one another.
3. Study the CDC guidelines for buckling up safely, including NEVER putting your shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
4. Seat belt fit matters.
Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney – Call Akin & Tate
If you have suffered a personal injury in Georgia caused by another person’s negligence – contact the auto accident attorneys at Akin & Tate immediately. The moments after a car accident are critical, starting with the police report and gathering information. Proving the most common car accident injury claims can be complicated. The experienced trial lawyers at Akin & Tate will help you gather evidence for your case and work with you step-by-step to increase your likelihood of settling or winning your case.
The car accident lawyers at Akin & Tate specialize in representing auto accident victims. We’ll fight to prove your claim, and represent you in negotiations with the insurance company representatives and lawyers so you can maximize the amount you are entitled to for your personal injuries.
SOURCES:
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/seatbelts/facts.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813072