Augusta Rideshare Accident Lawyer

As your local Augusta rideshare accident attorney, we go the extra mile so you can put your accident behind you. With compassion and dedication, M. Austin Jackson will fight for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages: physical, mental, and emotional.

Schedule your free consultation today. Fill out the form, or call 706-981-9286 to share your story and explore your legal options.

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When you place your trust in your rideshare driver and end up injured in an accident, or when you’re caught in the path of a careless rideshare driver, the impact can be devastating. M. Austin Jackson will ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected as you reclaim your sense of security.

Our local Augusta firm is committed to providing support with personalization and kindness. As your advocate, we’ll guide you through the legal process, ensuring you’re compensated fairly for your damages so you can focus on your recovery.

Read on to learn more about navigating the nuances of a rideshare accident in Augusta — or reach out today to get started on the road to compensation.

Experienced Team

We understand the challenges our clients are facing, and we know how to secure results on their behalf.

We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win

We charge our clients nothing until we secure them a financial recovery.

Augusta Local

Not only is our practice based in Augusta, GA, but so are we. We live right where our clients are.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a rideshare accident, reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident in Augusta

The hours and days following your accident may seem like a blur. Knowing your rights can help provide clarity.

If you were injured due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. Compensation can be divided into three main categories:

  • Economic: Damages that are quantifiable (for example, lost wages or medical bills)
  • Non-economic: Damages that are intangible, but still crucial for a full recovery (for example, pain and suffering)
  • Punitive: Damages intended to punish the at-fault party for their conduct

Remember: Regardless of the circumstances, you have no obligation to admit fault for the accident and should avoid speaking with the rideshare company’s insurance carrier until you’ve consulted with an experienced rideshare accident attorney. Your attorney can help you understand the complexities of your accident and determine liability.

The rideshare attorneys at M. Austin Jackson are knowledgeable about local rideshare laws and regulations. We’ll listen closely to your story, then break down your options in plain language so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Do You Have a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Whether you’re an Uber or Lyft passenger or the driver of another motor vehicle, you may have a claim if you can prove the rideshare driver was at fault. Here are some steps that will help you determine if you have a claim:

  • Identify the parties involved in the accident (the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, other drivers, passengers, etc.). This can provide clues into who may be liable.
  • Assess the driver’s status. Was the driver logged into the app? Were they picking up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger when the accident occurred? This can also impact the rideshare company’s liability.
  • Review the accident details. Was the rideshare driver or another driver at fault? Were you at fault as a passenger or a third party? Georgia and South Carolina are both at-fault states, which means the at-fault party in an accident is responsible for the other parties’ damages.
  • Report the accident to the rideshare company. Avoid providing any statements without legal counsel.

As your rideshare accident attorney, M. Austin Jackson and his team will evaluate your case and identify which parties may have been negligent, then build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

When M. Austin Jackson calls his clients his neighbors, he means it in the truest sense of the word. Austin is an Augusta native who’s been a practicing personal injury attorney for more than a decade. He takes great pride in his hometown and in helping those who’ve been injured get back on their feet.

While representing his clients, Austin is a persistent and compassionate advocate. His client-focused approach and deep understanding of rideshare accidents have enabled him to recover significant damages for his clients, and he looks forward to working with you.

Learn more about us

Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Rideshare Accident?

In many cases, rideshare accidents are more complicated than typical car accidents. They may involve multiple parties and hinge on the rideshare driver’s status. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have intricate insurance policies and high-powered legal teams that fight to protect the companies’ interests.

Without legal representation, you risk undervaluing your claim and receiving less compensation for your damages. An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to build a strong case, gathering evidence of negligence to help maximize your compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Why Choose M. Austin Jackson?

While representing your case, M. Austin Jackson works tirelessly to give you the attention and advocacy you need to secure the best possible outcome and move on with your life.

  • Our experienced attorneys have successfully represented rideshare accident victims in Georgia and South Carolina.
  • We have recovered millions for our clients, including several multi-million dollar cases.
  • We have decades of experience focused primarily on personal injury law.
  • Our roots run deep throughout Augusta, and we’re passionate about caring for our injured neighbors.
  • We offer a free consultation, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Learn more about us

Simplifying the Legal Process After a Rideshare Accident

M. Austin Jackson takes a collaborative approach after a rideshare accident. As you lean on us for guidance while navigating your case, we’ll keep you informed and clarify the legal process so you never have to question where your case stands.

Generally, the legal process after a rideshare accident involves:

Step 1
Investigating the accident.

Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis will help determine fault and negligence.

Step 2
Researching the rideshare driver.

Our team will analyze the rideshare driver’s traffic history and employment status with the company to strengthen your case with the relevant facts.

Step 3
Negotiating with insurance.

M. Austin Jackson handles all communication and negotiations with insurance adjusters to ensure your claim isn’t undervalued or denied.

Step 4
Identifying and quantifying damages.

We’ll work to understand the full picture of how the accident has impacted your life and pursue the right avenues to maximize compensation.

Step 5
Building a negligence case.

To do this, we’ll need to demonstrate the rideshare driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the accident and your damages. Other parties can also be held liable via the doctrine of negligence.

Understanding Your Rideshare Accident Claim in Augusta

No two cases are alike. When a person is injured in a car accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver, the trajectory of cases can vary significantly.

Your rideshare accident claim will depend on various factors including:

  • The extent and severity of your injuries
  • The number of parties liable
  • Your share of the fault
  • Other damages you may be able to claim
  • Insurance policy limits
  • Any statutory caps or limitations
  • All other factors and circumstances surrounding your claim

Our approach to every case is as unique as the circumstances that surround it. By taking the time to listen to your story, empathize with your situation, and pinpoint the factors that influence your case, M. Austin Jackson leaves no avenue unexplored.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

In the aftermath of an accident, following these steps is critical to ensuring a positive outcome in your case.

  1. Contact emergency services and get medical attention for any injuries.
  2. File a police report detailing the accident, including the parties involved, location, and injuries sustained.
  3. Report the incident to the rideshare company’s customer care team.
  4. Document evidence from the accident scene.
  5. Exchange information with the rideshare driver, other drivers, and any witnesses.
  6. Contact an experienced Augusta rideshare accident attorney.
Remember...

An attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and ensure that you receive a fair offer from the other driver’s insurance company. 

Common Injuries from Rideshare Accidents

Some of the most common injuries following a rideshare accident include:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Internal trauma
  • Psychological injuries

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Rideshare Accident

Working with a rideshare company’s insurer following an accident can feel intimidating. You need a trained negotiator on your side who knows the nuances of rideshare accident insurance claims and how rideshare insurance coverage differs from auto insurance coverage.

While the details of the insurance coverage offered by major rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft continue to evolve, you can follow this general guidance:

  • If the rideshare driver was at fault, you’ll want to report the accident to the rideshare company, following all guidelines they provide. You should also contact your own insurance company.
  • If another driver was at fault for the accident, you’ll want to report the accident to your insurance company. The compensation you receive for your damages will often come from the other driver’s personal insurance policy, but this is still an important step.

Once you report the accident, leave the communications and negotiations to your rideshare accident attorney. Your attorney will know how to navigate the insurance company’s specific policies.

Client Story: Maximizing Compensation After a Rideshare Accident

Overcoming an Unjust Insurance Denial

Our client sustained soft tissue injuries when she was involved in a collision as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. The company’s insurance denied her claim because the rideshare driver hadn’t listed the vehicle properly with the insurance company—but our team successfully pushed the claim through to insurance to secure a high-five-figure settlement.

Types of Rideshare Accidents We Help With

Even though rideshare accidents have their own set of unique circumstances, our firm commonly handles claims in which:

  • A rideshare driver hits your car while transporting passengers.
  • You sustained injuries riding in a vehicle as a rideshare passenger.
  • You sustained injuries while the rideshare driver was in transit to pick up a passenger.
  • A rideshare driver was injured picking up or transporting passengers.

M. Austin Jackson has helped clients through complex cases involving multiple parties, as well as rideshare accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. We have recovered millions in damages for our clients.

No matter your circumstance, we’ll listen to your story and help ease your concerns about medical bills and lost wages, building a strong case to ensure your right to compensation is protected.

Begin Your Path to Compensation

When you need a knowledgeable, approachable attorney following a car accident in Georgia or South Carolina, contact M. Austin Jackson. We’ll listen to your needs, advocate for your interests, and keep you informed every step of the way.

FAQs on Rideshare Accidents in Augusta

What should I do if I suspect my Uber or Lyft driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident?

Uber and Lyft both have policies regarding intoxicated driving. According to Uber, drugs and alcohol are not permitted in an Uber vehicle. If the rider suspects their rideshare driver is under the influence, they’re advised to terminate the ride and call 911 immediately.

However, even with these policies in place, rideshare companies can still be held liable for driver accidents. The police report will be a key piece of information in building your case. Law enforcement may ask that the rideshare driver take a field sobriety test or breathalyzer. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you’ll want to get their contact information, then contact a rideshare accident attorney.

How do I obtain a copy of the police report for my Uber or Lyft accident?

Report the accident to Uber or Lyft immediately. Both companies have processes for reporting accidents and obtaining the police report. You’ll also want to contact the local police department that responded to the accident and request a copy of the police report. You can usually do this in person, by mail, or online through the police department’s website. Most departments charge a small fee to obtain the report.

What should I do if the rideshare company or their insurance provider contacts me directly after the accident?

Stick to the basic facts about the accident. Don’t admit fault or provide details about your injuries. You should avoid providing a recorded statement, signing documents, or accepting settlement offers without first consulting with a rideshare accident attorney. It’s okay to politely request that the provider direct future communication to your attorney.

What if the rideshare driver or company denies liability for the accident?

If the rideshare company or their insurance provider denies liability, do not accept their initial statement offer. Consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney like M. Austin Jackson who can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to recover compensation.

How long does the process of filing an Uber or Lyft accident claim typically take?

The process can take up to six months (or longer) to settle. Factors like the extent of injuries and medical treatment, liability and fault, and the actions of the insurance company handling the claim can impact the timeline.

What if I was injured in an accident while working as an Uber or Lyft driver? Can I still file a claim?

Yes, rideshare companies have insurance policies that cover their drivers as long as they are actively transporting passengers when an accident happens. For example, Uber has a $1 million policy covering liability and another $1 million to cover underinsured or uninsured drivers.

If you are working for Uber but you hadn’t picked up any passengers at the time of your accident, you’ll want to file a claim with your own insurance company. Uber’s contingent liability insurance will cover up to a certain dollar amount for property damage and injuries.

Are there any time limits for filing an Uber or Lyft accident claim in Augusta?

As with all auto accidents, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is two years. In South Carolina, it’s three years.