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by The Stoddard Firm - May 20th, 2019
As of 2015, the state of Georgia requires Uber to provide its local drivers with $1 million in insurance, in case of on-the-job accidents. The ridesharing giant has since adopted this basic safety measure across the board, but it barely scratches the surface of the company’s safety issues.
Even the improved insurance has problematic loopholes. For example, a driver en route to pick up a passenger is theoretically covered, but if that upcoming ride is cancelled, as would generally happen following an accident, Uber’s coverage no longer applies.
More concerning yet is the inadequate driver screening process that allows for so many accidents and other problems to occur in the first place.
In April 2018, an Uber driver on her way from Marietta to Atlanta suffered an unspecified medical episode and swerved into a pole, killing one passenger and severely injuring another. In spite of family members’ questions, no further information was ever released on what happened to the driver, or whether her episode could have been predicted.
Just a month later, an Uber driver in Charleston hit a parked car and started to drive away. The car’s owner chased after the Uber driver, who stopped, kicked his passengers out, and then fled the scene. The passengers were then assaulted by the car owner and his friends. Uber denied all responsibility.
Accidents Aren’t the Only Danger Uber Passengers Face
One of Uber’s main selling points is its image as a safe alternative to walking, driving, or accepting a ride from an untrusted acquaintance, especially for young women and anyone who’s been drinking. Yet it has failed to live up to this image time and again.
A 2018 investigation by CNN found over a hundred sexual assault accusations against Uber drivers over the previous four years. By contrast, the same study found only 18 such accusations against drivers for Uber’s primary competition, Lyft, in spite of Lyft’s own hiring controversies.
As with most statistics on sexual assault, the real numbers are likely much higher. Underreporting of sex crimes is common, and the police departments contacted by CNN provided records of many more complaints that were not included due to the absence of a full incident report.
Uber Routinely Opposes Safety Improvements
Uber uses tactics one legal expert describes as “lobbying on steroids” to write its own laws and avoid regulations, including fingerprinting requirements for its drivers.
Instead of taking the time to find quality drivers and fairly incentivize them, the company instead compensates for its high driver turnover rate by skipping fingerprinting and using background check services that allow near-instant hiring. It wasn’t until 2018 that annual background checks even became a company standard.
In addition to its own poorly screened drivers, Uber also makes it dangerously easy for anyone to print out an Uber logo for their car, allowing criminals falsely posing as Uber drivers to prey on unsuspecting passengers. When alerted to this problem, Uber rejected a proposed requirement for a lighted display on every car, and silenced survivors with forced arbitration.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a violent or negligent Uber driver or been involved in a car accident during an Uber ride, contact The Stoddard Firm to learn about your options.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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