menu
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation across Georgia. However, with the increase in rideshare traffic, accidents involving these vehicles—especially hit and run accidents—have also become more common. Victims of these incidents face a unique legal landscape that blends Georgia personal injury law, rideshare insurance policies, and uninsured motorist claims.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we are dedicated to helping injury victims navigate these complex cases. Led by Kevin Patrick, a former insurance defense attorney turned advocate for injury victims, our firm is uniquely equipped to handle the legal intricacies of rideshare hit and run accidents in Georgia.
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision fails to stop and provide identification or assistance. Under OCGA § 40-6-270, Georgia law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or vehicle damage to stop at the scene, provide their information, and render aid if necessary. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense and can also carry civil liability.
Unfortunately, many hit and run accidents occur during high-traffic times or in urban centers like Atlanta, where rideshare activity is dense.
Unlike private vehicles, Uber and Lyft drivers operate as independent contractors, which adds a layer of complexity in hit and run situations. If a rideshare driver is the victim or the at-fault party in a hit and run, several legal and insurance factors come into play.
Kevin Patrick notes:
“Rideshare companies have multi-tiered insurance policies that may apply depending on whether the driver is logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one. In hit and run situations, knowing the driver’s status is essential to determining insurance coverage.”
If you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft and another vehicle crashes into you and flees the scene, you may be entitled to compensation under multiple insurance policies, including:
The rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
The driver’s personal auto insurance, if applicable
Your own auto insurance policy, depending on coverage
Under OCGA § 33-7-11, uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia must be offered in auto policies unless explicitly declined in writing. This statute becomes vital in hit and run accidents where the fleeing driver cannot be identified.
Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in UM/UIM coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle. However, securing a payout under these policies can be challenging without skilled legal representation.
Kevin Patrick emphasizes:
“Insurance companies often attempt to deny or limit claims by arguing that the injuries weren’t caused by the hit and run or that the claimant hasn’t met procedural requirements. Having a lawyer experienced with rideshare litigation is critical.”
In some cases, the rideshare driver themselves may flee the scene after causing an accident. This can occur if the driver is uninsured, under the influence, or afraid of the consequences. Victims may include:
The passenger in the rideshare vehicle
Other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians
These cases are especially egregious and may entitle the victim to punitive damages under OCGA § 51-12-5.1. This statute allows punitive damages in tort actions where the defendant’s conduct shows willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, or a conscious indifference to consequences.
Kevin Patrick further explains:
“A hit and run by a rideshare driver could rise to the level of gross negligence or even recklessness, which justifies seeking punitive damages. These damages not only punish the wrongdoer but also send a message to deter future misconduct.”
If you are involved in a hit and run—whether as a passenger, rideshare driver, or another motorist—follow these key steps:
Call 911 immediately. A police report is crucial for documentation and insurance claims.
Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, prompt treatment is important.
Document everything. Take photos, gather witness information, and note the time and location.
Report the incident to the rideshare company. Uber and Lyft both allow passengers to report accidents through their apps.
Contact an experienced attorney. Navigating a rideshare-related hit and run requires specialized knowledge of Georgia laws and insurance.
Here’s how rideshare insurance coverage generally works in Georgia:
Driver offline: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Driver online, no passenger: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident).
Driver with passenger or en route to pick one up: Uber and Lyft provide $1 million liability and UM/UIM coverage.
In hit and run accidents, the UM/UIM portion is usually the most relevant. However, insurance companies often challenge:
Whether the driver was “on the app”
Whether a “phantom vehicle” (unknown at-fault driver) truly existed
Whether there’s enough evidence to prove liability
These challenges underscore the importance of working with attorneys like Kevin Patrick, who understands the nuances of these policies.
Kevin Patrick Law is a boutique personal injury firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin Patrick has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, a Legal Elite Honoree, and frequently appears in Georgia’s legal media for his expertise in personal injury litigation.
Clients trust Kevin Patrick Law because:
We aggressively pursue insurance compensation, even in complex multi-policy cases.
We have a track record of success in hit and run and rideshare-related accidents.
We do not charge fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Kevin Patrick’s background as a former defense attorney for insurers gives him insider knowledge on how these companies evaluate and deny claims—an advantage for injury victims seeking justice.
Hit and run accidents involving rideshare vehicles are among the most legally complex personal injury cases in Georgia. Multiple parties, layered insurance policies, and issues of liability make these cases difficult to navigate without professional guidance.
Whether you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or hit by a fleeing rideshare driver, you deserve compensation. Georgia law supports victims in seeking damages—including punitive damages—when reckless or malicious conduct is involved.
Let Kevin Patrick Law guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
required fields *