UBER OR LYFT? Injured in an RIDESHARING PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, have become extremely popular in recent years. There’s good reason for their rise to prominence, as calling an Uber or Lyft is a great alternative to driving yourself or struggling with Atlanta public transit. Unlike with traditional cabs, you also don’t have to battle other people to hail a ride or stand out in the rain with your thumb out. The convenience and ease-of-use are great, but what happens when you’re injured while using one of these services? Under Georgia law, traditional taxi companies are not obligated to maintain a level of insurance beyond the standard requirements for any vehicle. This is not true of ride-sharing vehicles. A bill passed in 2015 mandates all ride-sharing drivers to have insurance of at least $300,000 between fares, rising to a minimum of $1 million when a passenger is in the vehicle. While those increased levels of coverage are a great start, they don’t guarantee that you’ll have an easy time getting the compensation you deserve. One unique consideration in ride-share cases is the way fault is determined. Many people assume that if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft, you’ll be filing a claim against the actual ride-share companies. While that may be true in a number of cases, in some instances you’ll be dealing with the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal insurance company. You’d also be surprised to know how many ride-share drivers are not properly insured. When you are injured in a ride-share accident, you’re entitled to the same forms of compensation as with any other accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. The Georgia Supreme Court has removed all limits regarding the amount a claimant can receive in these cases, but insurance companies Because ride-sharing is still a relatively new industry, the rules surrounding these cases are still being developed. That’s why it’s especially important to work with attorneys who have experience handling such claims. The team at Council & Associates can handle your ride-share claim so you can worry about what’s really important: getting better. will always try to pay out as little as possible.
Parents often feel pretty antsy when their teens want to date. It’s fun and exciting for the teen, but there are plenty of reasons for parents to worry. But don’t feel hopeless in this situation. Take the initiative to let your child know you’re there for them. Below are a few tips that can help keep your teen safe while respecting their individuality. Communication Open communication between you and your teen can help immensely. When your teen expresses an interest in dating, sit down and talk with them about it in a comfortable environment. It may be a little awkward, but letting your child know they can talk to you about dating will help them feel more at ease. Let your teen know they can always come to you, even if they have something unpleasant or uncomfortable to share. Rules on Dating When your teen starts to date, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a few rules. Putting an age restriction and a curfew in place is a good start. Come up with a time that both you and your teen can agree on. Deciding when your teen should date is a bit more complicated. If you believe your teen shows signs of maturity and you’re comfortable letting them date, now is a good time to start a conversation about it. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teens should be allowed to have one-on-one dates sometime after the age of 16. Dr. Ron Eager, a pediatrician at Denver Health Medical Center, points out that there is an enormous difference between a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old in terms of life experience and maturity levels. Appropriate Date Spots If your teen seems unsure of where to go on a date, suggest some places you feel comfortable with. This is a good way to encourage safe and age-appropriate activities that both individuals can enjoy. Some possibilities include the zoo, a movie, dinner, bowling, ice skating, go-karting, or an amusement park. These kinds of activities encourage a comfortable, fun environment that may help ease nerves for both you and your teen. Creating a comfortable parent-child relationship that encourages a teen to turn to you for help and guidance is the first step toward keeping them as safe as you can. WHEN YOUR TEEN WANTS TO START DATING
2
OUR FIRM CARES
404.526.8857
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs