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By Joshua Palmer
Managing Partner

With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, transportation has become more accessible and convenient for millions of people, including families with children. In recent developments, Uber has introduced services specifically designed to allow minors to ride without an adult present. While this service offers flexibility for parents and guardians, it also raises unique legal questions when accidents occur with minors as passengers.

In Georgia, understanding the legal landscape surrounding ridesharing accidents involving minors is critical, particularly regarding liability, insurance coverage, and the role of a personal injury attorney in such cases. This blog from Joshua E. Palmer will explore these key considerations to help families navigate the aftermath of a ridesharing accident involving a minor passenger.

Uber’s New Policy on Minors as Passengers

Traditionally, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have prohibited minors from riding without an adult. However, Uber has recently adjusted its policy, allowing minors to use its services under specific conditions. This service comes with several guidelines to protect the safety of minors, including parental consent and specialized training for drivers who transport young passengers.

While this policy expands transportation options for minors, it also introduces new risks. When a minor is involved in a ridesharing accident, the legal responsibilities of the rideshare driver and the company come into sharper focus. Parents must be aware of these legal implications and how to protect their child’s rights in the event of an accident.

Liability in Ridesharing Accidents Involving Minor Passengers

Determining liability is often complex when an accident occurs with a minor as a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle. Several parties may share responsibility for the accident:

  • The rideshare driver: If the accident was caused by the negligence of the driver (e.g., reckless driving, distracted driving), they may be held directly liable for any injuries sustained by the minor.
  • Uber’s responsibility: Uber’s new policy for minors places a higher duty of care on drivers transporting children. Although Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, the company may still share liability, especially since they offer insurance coverage for passengers during trips.
  • A third-party driver: If another driver caused the accident, that driver may be fully or partially responsible for the injuries.

Given the involvement of minors, courts tend to view these cases with added scrutiny. The standard of care expected from drivers is higher when they are transporting children, which can affect the outcome of a personal injury case.

Insurance Coverage for Minors in Ridesharing Accidents

Rideshare companies like Uber provide insurance coverage to protect passengers in the event of an accident. In Georgia, Uber’s insurance policy includes up to one million dollars in liability coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is carrying a passenger. This coverage also extends to uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which applies if the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance.

This insurance policy applies to minors riding in a rideshare vehicle just as it would for any other passenger. However, the process can be more complex when it comes to filing a claim and securing compensation for a minor’s injuries. This is because minors cannot directly file claims; parents or guardians must act on their behalf. Furthermore, in Georgia, settlements for minors often require court approval to ensure the terms are fair and in the best interests of the child.

Filing an Injury Claim for a Minor Passenger

If your child has been injured in a ridesharing accident, it’s essential to take the following steps to ensure their rights are protected:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: After any accident, prioritize your child’s health. Even if injuries appear minor, getting a complete medical evaluation to document any potential harm is crucial, as some injuries may develop over time.
  • Gather Evidence: Collect information at the accident scene, such as photos, witness contact information, and the police report. This documentation will be necessary when filing a claim.
  • Report the Accident to Uber: Uber’s platform allows passengers to report accidents directly through the app. Ensure the accident is reported to Uber, and document the correspondence for your records.
  • Consult an Attorney: Filing an injury claim for a minor is not straightforward. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the complexities of the legal system, ensuring that your child receives proper compensation.
  • Understand Compensation: Minors may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and any long-term impact the accident may have on their well-being. An attorney can help calculate the full scope of damages to secure a fair settlement.

Special Legal Considerations for Parents and Guardians

Parents or guardians must take an active role in the legal process when a minor is involved in a ridesharing accident. In Georgia, injury settlements for minors typically require court approval to ensure the agreement is fair and just. This is particularly important for families, as injuries to minors can have long-lasting effects, both physically and emotionally.

The settlement process may also involve setting up a trust or other financial arrangements to protect the minor’s compensation until they reach the age of majority. An experienced attorney can help with these legal and financial matters to ensure the minor’s interests are fully protected. Additionally, parents should consider the potential long-term impact of the accident on their child’s health, including any future medical care or emotional support the child may need. These factors should be carefully weighed when negotiating a settlement.

Ensuring Fair Compensation for Minor Passengers

Ridesharing accidents involving minors present unique legal challenges, particularly with Uber’s new policy allowing minors to ride without adult supervision. Parents and guardians must be aware of their child’s rights in these situations, from understanding liability to navigating insurance claims and securing fair compensation.
If your child has been injured in a ridesharing accident, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us today for a consultation.

About the Author
Joshua E. Palmer, Managing Partner of Joshua E. Palmer, LLC, hails from Macon, Georgia, and has strong roots in Warner Robins. After graduating from Warner Robins High School, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Valdosta State University before obtaining his law degree from North Carolina Central University. Prior to establishing his own firm, Palmer gained valuable experience at renowned law firms, including the Willie Gary Law Firm in Florida, where he worked on multimillion-dollar cases. He also practiced entertainment law in Atlanta, representing celebrity clients at the Weems Firm, and served at one of Georgia's largest personal injury firms, offering his services across various cities in the state.