Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a common way to get around Savannah, but accidents involving rideshare vehicles can cause serious injuries. When a rideshare driver’s negligence causes an accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Cornwell Firm represents injured passengers and other parties harmed in rideshare accidents throughout Savannah and Georgia. The firm understands the unique insurance and liability issues that arise in rideshare accident cases and works to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why Choose The Cornwell Firm for Your Rideshare Accident Case
The Cornwell Firm has served Savannah since 2003 as a locally owned and family‑operated law firm with over 20 years of experience handling motor vehicle accident cases. The attorneys understand how rideshare companies operate and the insurance coverage available in these situations. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees upfront, and legal fees are collected only if compensation is obtained for you.
The Cornwell Firm offers free case evaluations so you can learn about your legal options without financial pressure. The firm is available for consultations outside regular business hours because accidents do not always occur during daytime. Bilingual support in Spanish is available. Rather than making promises about specific outcomes, The Cornwell Firm focuses on building strong cases and providing attentive service to injured clients.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents and Liability
What Constitutes a Rideshare Accident
A rideshare accident occurs when a vehicle operated by an Uber, Lyft, or similar service driver is involved in a collision. These accidents can involve the rideshare vehicle striking another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist. They can also involve another vehicle striking the rideshare vehicle. Rideshare accidents may occur while the driver is transporting a passenger, waiting for a passenger, or driving to pick up a passenger.
The circumstances of the accident matter because they affect which insurance coverage applies. When a rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance typically covers injuries. When a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, or is between passengers, different coverage may apply. Understanding these distinctions is important for determining who is responsible for paying damages.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers often use their phones to navigate, accept rides, and communicate with passengers. This phone use can distract drivers from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers who are focused on their app rather than traffic conditions may fail to notice other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists until it is too late.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Some rideshare drivers speed to complete more trips and earn more money. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop quickly and increases the severity of accidents. Aggressive driving, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes are also common causes of rideshare accidents.
Driver Fatigue
Rideshare drivers often work long hours to maximize earnings. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, similar to drivers under the influence of alcohol. Drowsy driving can lead to accidents that could have been prevented by a well‑rested driver.
Impaired Driving
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not be operating vehicles. Impaired rideshare drivers pose serious risks to passengers and other road users. If you were injured by an impaired rideshare driver, you may have a strong claim for damages.
Mechanical Failures
In some cases, rideshare accidents result from vehicle maintenance failures. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical problems can cause accidents. The rideshare company may share liability if it failed to maintain the vehicle properly or failed to ensure the driver’s vehicle met safety standards.
Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for accidents, but the coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Understanding these coverage levels is important for pursuing your claim.
When a driver is actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance typically provides coverage with higher liability limits. This coverage is designed to protect passengers and third parties injured in accidents. When a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, or is between passengers, the rideshare company may provide limited coverage or no coverage. In these situations, the driver’s personal auto insurance may apply, though many personal policies exclude rideshare activities.
The Cornwell Firm investigates the circumstances of your accident to determine which insurance coverage applies and pursues claims against the appropriate insurer. In some cases, multiple insurance policies may be involved, and the firm works to ensure you receive full compensation from all available sources.
Types of Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma can occur even in moderate-speed collisions, particularly if passengers are not wearing seatbelts or are thrown around the vehicle. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis. Broken bones and fractures often require surgery and extended recovery periods. Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life‑threatening.
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are common in rear‑end collisions. These injuries may cause chronic pain and require ongoing treatment. Psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from the trauma of an accident. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, seeking prompt medical attention is important both for your health and for documenting your injuries for your claim.
How The Cornwell Firm Handles Your Rideshare Accident Claim
The Cornwell Firm begins with a free case evaluation, listening to your account of the accident and assessing the potential strength of your claim. The firm’s investigation may include gathering evidence from the accident scene, obtaining police reports, reviewing medical records, and collecting witness statements. The attorneys work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
The firm handles communication with the rideshare company and insurance carriers on your behalf. Attorneys negotiate for settlement offers that fairly reflect your injuries and losses. If an insurance company does not make a reasonable offer, The Cornwell Firm can prepare the case for trial and present it in court. Throughout the process, the firm keeps you informed and answers your questions so you understand each step in your case.
Damages Available in Rideshare Accident Cases
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages for time away from work during recovery are recoverable, as is reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your prior job. You may also pursue compensation for pain and suffering—the physical pain and emotional distress associated with the accident and injuries.
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available. These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. If a rideshare accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Claims
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and witness testimony while memories are fresh. The Cornwell Firm can help ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe and that your legal rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel relatively well—some injuries appear later. Call police to report the accident and obtain a report number. Collect contact information for witnesses and, if possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. As soon as you are able, contact The Cornwell Firm for a free consultation.
Can I sue the rideshare company directly?
You may be able to pursue a claim against the rideshare company in certain circumstances, such as if the company failed to properly vet the driver or failed to maintain the vehicle. The Cornwell Firm investigates the facts of your accident to determine whether the rideshare company bears any responsibility and pursues claims accordingly.
What if I were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle?
As a passenger, you may have a claim against the rideshare driver and the rideshare company’s insurance. You may also have a claim against a third party if another vehicle caused the accident. The Cornwell Firm can evaluate your situation and explain your options.
What if I were injured by a rideshare vehicle while driving my own car?
If another vehicle struck your car and that vehicle was a rideshare vehicle, you may pursue a claim against the rideshare driver and the rideshare company’s insurance. The Cornwell Firm can help you navigate the claims process and pursue fair compensation.
How much does it cost to hire The Cornwell Firm?
The Cornwell Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained in your case. There are no upfront attorney’s fees, and fee arrangements are discussed with you before representation begins.
How long does a rideshare accident case take?
The timeline varies based on factors such as injury severity, the complexity of liability issues, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within several months, while others may take one to two years or longer if litigation is required. The Cornwell Firm will provide a more specific estimate after reviewing the facts of your case.
Contact The Cornwell Firm for Your Free Rideshare Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Savannah, you do not have to handle the process alone. Call 912-349-7028 today for a free case evaluation. The Cornwell Firm is available for consultations when you need help most and serves clients in Savannah and the surrounding Georgia communities. There is no obligation and no upfront attorney’s fees—the firm only collects legal fees if compensation is obtained for you. Bilingual support is available in Spanish. The Cornwell Firm can review your case, explain your options, and work to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
