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Injured in an Uber or Lyft? What Georgia Riders Should Know
Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes
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Injured in an Uber or Lyft? What Georgia Riders Should Know
In this episode of Peachtree Injury Talk, attorney Jordan Jewkes discusses the legal complexities surrounding accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. He explains that liability typically depends on who is at fault and that rideshare companies provide substantial insurance coverage—usually around $1 million—when their drivers are operating with the app active. Jordan emphasizes the importance of immediately calling 911, seeking medical care, documenting the accident scene, and avoiding private settlements with drivers. He also highlights challenges in suing Uber or Lyft directly due to the independent contractor status of drivers and the prevalence of mandatory arbitration clauses. For passengers, drivers, or pedestrians involved in rideshare accidents, Jordan advises caution and thorough documentation to ensure proper insurance claims and compensation.
| 00:00 | Narrator: Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk with attorney Jordan Jewkes. |
| 00:04 | Mike Leon: Hey everyone, welcome back to a brand new episode of Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes. I’m your host, Mike Leon. Jordan is the founder of the Jewkes Firm here in Georgia, a personal injury law firm known for helping accident victims fight back against what can be an unfair system. Today’s topic is very relevant — what happens if you’re riding in a Lyft, Uber, or any other rideshare app and get into an accident? Who’s responsible? What kind of insurance is involved? What should passengers, drivers, or even pedestrians know? Jordan, let’s jump right in. These rideshare services are so common now — taxis, Uber, Lyft — so if someone is injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, who is legally responsible? |
| 00:46 | Jordan Jewkes: Great question, Mike. I really like this topic because it’s becoming more and more common every day as rideshare usage increases. So, who is responsible if you’re in an Uber or Lyft accident? It’s not necessarily the rideshare company that’s responsible. Usually, liability depends on which driver was at fault. If you’re in a rideshare and get hit by another driver, normally the at-fault driver’s insurance pays. However, if both drivers share fault — for example, the rideshare driver and the other driver — then both insurance companies may be involved. Uber and Lyft carry substantial insurance coverage when their drivers are operating. So if you’re a passenger at the time of a crash, their insurance typically applies as well. |
| 02:00 | Mike Leon: Can you explain more about the kind of insurance Uber and Lyft provide for passengers, specifically in Georgia? |
| 02:06 | Jordan Jewkes: Sure. Policies can vary, but traditionally, Uber and Lyft provide at least $1 million in coverage if their driver is at fault in a crash. Also, if you are a registered passenger with the app active and connected to your driver, they usually provide uninsured motorist coverage, often around $1 million too — in case the other driver lacks sufficient insurance. Of course, it’s always smart to check current terms or consult an attorney because policies can change. |
| 02:48 | Mike Leon: So, is filing a claim against a rideshare driver any different from a normal car accident? |
| 02:56 | Jordan Jewkes: If you’re hit by a rideshare driver who has the app activated and a passenger, the driver’s personal insurance might cover part of it, but usually Uber or Lyft’s insurance acts as excess coverage. Coverage requirements differ from state to state, but commonly the driver must have a minimum amount of coverage (sometimes $50,000), with Uber or Lyft’s policy providing additional coverage on top. |
| 03:50 | Mike Leon: What should someone do immediately after being injured in a rideshare accident? This could be if they’re a passenger or the driver themselves. |
| 04:02 | Jordan Jewkes: First and foremost, call 911 or the police to report the accident. Get any medical treatment you need right away. If serious injuries occur, you may need ambulance transport. If you can, take photos to document the scene — photos of the vehicles, damages, and driver information. Try to collect contact details from everyone involved, especially the rideshare driver. |
| 04:31 | Mike Leon: How about pedestrians or bicyclists who get hit by a rideshare vehicle? What’s your advice for them? |
| 04:40 | Jordan Jewkes: If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist injured by a rideshare car, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention — these injuries could be very serious. Take photos at the scene if possible, gather contact details of any witnesses, and give a statement to the police. If you suspect the driver might leave the scene, try to memorize or photograph their license plate. This info can be critical for linking the driver to Uber or Lyft later. |
| 05:37 | Mike Leon: What are some common mistakes people make after rideshare crashes? |
| 05:53 | Jordan Jewkes: One big mistake is not reporting the accident to the police. Another is accepting money or offers directly from the driver without involving insurance or authorities. Uber and Lyft don’t always know about an accident unless the driver reports it, so you want an official record. If the driver offers to handle things privately or asks you to call them later, don’t do it. Instead, stay where you are, call the police, and insist the driver reports the crash to Uber or Lyft so their insurance can be activated. Always call the police even for minor collisions. It’s better to have a proper record than to risk a driver not reporting the crash. |
| 07:07 | Mike Leon: Can you sue Uber or Lyft directly in Georgia? |
| 07:13 | Jordan Jewkes: Yes, but it can be complicated. Uber and Lyft generally argue that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which makes it harder to hold the company liable in court. Usually, their insurance will cover the claim, but suing Uber or Lyft directly as a company in Georgia is difficult because of this contractor relationship. This is a constantly evolving legal issue and has been a hot topic in recent years. |
| 08:18 | Mike Leon: Jordan, you’ve handled cases like these before. What makes rideshare accident cases especially complex? |
| 08:28 | Jordan Jewkes: Absolutely, I’ve handled many. One complexity is that Uber and Lyft hire large insurance companies and experienced attorneys to defend these cases. They often want to control the narrative and use various defenses to avoid liability. Though they often admit their insurance applies, expect a legal fight. Another wrinkle is mandatory arbitration — many users agree (often unknowingly) that if they have a dispute with Uber or Lyft, they must resolve it in private arbitration instead of going to court with a jury. This can limit options for injured parties. |
| 09:52 | Mike Leon: Before someone gets into an Uber or Lyft in Georgia, what advice would you give? |
| 10:04 | Jordan Jewkes: Unless you completely avoid rideshares, just be cautious. Always verify your driver and car details match what the app shows. Use a highly-rated driver if possible. Most of the time, rideshares are safe, but keep your phone handy to document anything if it happens. And if you’re worried about your safety or something odd occurs, don’t hesitate to call the police. |
| 10:56 | Mike Leon: Thanks so much, Jordan, for your insights. |
| 11:00 | Jordan Jewkes: Thanks, Mike. Always a pleasure. |
| 11:02 | Mike Leon: And thank you all for tuning in to Peachtree Injury Talk. If you’ve been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, Jordan and his team can help navigate the insurance maze and get you the compensation you deserve. Visit jewkesfirm.com to schedule a consultation. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review! I’m Mike Leon — see you next time. |
| 11:31 | Narrator: Thanks for watching. Be sure to hit that like and subscribe button and leave us a review in the comments. |
Podcast Topics
- Determining Legal Responsibility and Insurance Liability
- Insurance Coverage for Passengers in Georgia
- Filing Claims and Insurance Layers for Ride Share Accidents
- Advice for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Hit by Ride Share Vehicles
Peachtree Injury Talk
Peachtree Injury Talk is a podcast by Kevin Rosenquist featuring legal insights and practical advice from Georgia-based attorney Jordan Jewkes. The show focuses on personal injury law, offering listeners expert guidance on navigating insurance claims, understanding legal processes, and protecting their rights after an accident. Each episode dives into real-life case examples, common challenges injured individuals face, and actionable tips for dealing with insurance companies and legal hurdles.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft? What Georgia Riders Should Know
Episode Summary
In this episode of Peachtree Injury Talk, attorney Jordan Jewkes discusses the legal complexities surrounding accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. He explains that liability typically depends on who is at fault and that rideshare companies provide substantial insurance coverage—usually around $1 million—when their drivers are operating with the app active. Jordan emphasizes the importance of immediately calling 911, seeking medical care, documenting the accident scene, and avoiding private settlements with drivers. He also highlights challenges in suing Uber or Lyft directly due to the independent contractor status of drivers and the prevalence of mandatory arbitration clauses. For passengers, drivers, or pedestrians involved in rideshare accidents, Jordan advises caution and thorough documentation to ensure proper insurance claims and compensation.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Peachtree Injury Talk
00:10 – Overview: Ride Share Accident Liability
00:39 – Determining Legal Responsibility and Insurance Liability
01:49 – Insurance Coverage for Passengers in Georgia
02:47 – Filing Claims and Insurance Layers for Ride Share Accidents
03:52 – Steps to Take Immediately After a Ride Share Accident
04:35 – Advice for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Hit by Ride Share Vehicles
05:39 – Common Mistakes After Ride Share Crashes
06:50 – Can Uber or Lyft be Sued Directly in Georgia?
08:11 – Complexities in Handling Ride Share Accident Cases
09:55 – Safety Tips for Ride Share Users in Georgia
10:58 – Closing and Contact Information
About the Show
Peachtree Injury Talk is hosted by attorney Jordan Jewkes, who is dedicated to giving injury victims a voice and fighting for their rights against an often unfair system. Each episode provides valuable legal insights and practical advice for those navigating personal injury claims.
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Rideshare Accident Legal Complexities
Injured in an Uber or Lyft? What Georgia Riders Should Know covers the legal complexities surrounding rideshare accidents, offering insights on responsibility, insurance, and necessary steps for those involved in such incidents.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents
The conversation begins with host Mike Leon introducing the topic: what happens if you’re injured in an accident while using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Jordan Jewkes explains that determining liability isn’t straightforward, as it’s typically the at-fault driver’s insurance that pays for the damages. In cases where both drivers are responsible, the insurance of both parties might be involved. While Uber and Lyft are not usually directly responsible, they carry substantial insurance coverage for passengers, often providing up to $1 million in coverage if their driver is at fault. Additionally, they often provide uninsured motorist coverage for situations where the other driver has insufficient insurance.
Insurance Coverage Offered by Uber and Lyft in Georgia
Jordan also clarifies the types of insurance Uber and Lyft offer to passengers in Georgia. Uber and Lyft usually offer $1 million in coverage when the driver is at fault, and the passenger is registered on the app during the ride. This policy can include uninsured motorist coverage as well, which is crucial when the other driver lacks sufficient coverage. However, Jordan emphasizes that policies can vary, so it’s always wise to review the terms or consult an attorney.
Filing a Claim After a Rideshare Accident
When it comes to filing a claim after an accident, the process isn’t drastically different from a typical car accident, but there are some unique aspects. For example, if the rideshare driver’s app was active, their insurance typically acts as excess coverage, with the driver’s personal insurance potentially covering part of the damage. Coverage requirements can vary depending on the state.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Jordan advises that in the event of an accident, whether as a passenger or a driver, the first priority is to call 911, report the incident, and seek immediate medical care. It’s also important to document the scene with photos, collect contact details from everyone involved, and ensure the driver reports the accident to Uber or Lyft to activate their insurance.
Advice for Pedestrians and Cyclists Injured by Rideshares
For pedestrians or cyclists injured by a rideshare vehicle, Jordan stresses the importance of calling 911 and seeking medical attention, as these injuries can be severe. He also advises collecting witness contact information and memorizing the license plate of the vehicle in case the driver attempts to leave the scene.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Rideshare Accident
The conversation also highlights common mistakes people make, such as not reporting the accident to the police or accepting private offers from the driver to resolve the matter outside of insurance. Jordan says that Uber and Lyft might not know about the accident unless the driver tells them. That’s why it’s really important to have an official record of what happened.
Challenges in Suing Uber or Lyft Directly in Georgia
Regarding suing Uber or Lyft directly in Georgia, Jordan explains that it’s difficult because these companies argue their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. Although their insurance may cover the claim, pursuing a lawsuit against the company is more complicated. Additionally, Uber and Lyft often use mandatory arbitration clauses in their contracts, which can limit the ability of injured parties to seek redress through the court system.
Rideshare Safety Tips for Georgia Users
Lastly, Jordan offers some safety advice for those using rideshare services in Georgia. He recommends verifying the driver’s identity and vehicle details before getting in, using highly-rated drivers when possible, and keeping a phone handy for documentation in case of an incident.
In conclusion, Jordan and Mike encourage listeners to contact the Jewkes Firm for legal assistance if they’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, and they emphasize the importance of understanding the insurance complexities in such cases. For more information, reach out to The Jewkes Law Firm at (770) 771-5130.
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This show is designed to deliver general information regarding the law. Our guests will not provide tailored legal advice. If you have a personal issue and need legal support, get in touch with us for a free consultation with a Jewkes Firm attorney.
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