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Introducing Attorney Ren
ée Morgan:
This month, The Gore Law Firm welcomes o
ur new Associate Attorney, Ren
ée Morgan!
Ren
ée has litigated hundreds of personal injury cases against individuals, corporations and government organizations across Georgia. She brings a personal perspective to this field of law, having survived a severe automobile collision herself, which was followed by multiple surgeries.
Ms. Morgan's goal is to serve each client to the best of her ability, regardless of the size of their case. You can contact her at:
678-399-6161 ext. 102.
Visit Our New Website:
The Gore Law Firm recently launched our new company website! You can click here to visit the new page, read about the firm, browse through personal injury law resources, and learn more about how The Gore Law Firm helps empower the injured by providing peace of mind through the personal injury process. Thanks to Ken Lopez of Nearshore Interactive for his work on this project.
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Driver Services and Insurance: What to Know Before You Order a Ride
Part of The Gore Law Firm's Series on Driver Service Companies
December is a busy month for travel, with people preparing for the holidays, attending festive events, and spending extra time with friends and loved ones. As the streets become more crowded, you might consider taking a driver service like Lyft or Uber. But before you sit in the passenger seat, you should be aware of the company's insurance coverage.
Last year, the State of Georgia passed new regulations related to ride-hailing companies (see
HB 190
and
HB 225
). The bills were designed to fill so-called "gaps" in insurance coverage, and provide further assurances to both drivers and passengers. Under HB190 and HB 225, driver service companies such as Lyft and Uber must register with the Georgia Department of Public Safety. The companies must also provide $100,000 in bodily injury, $50,000 in property damage, and $1M in liability insurance coverage - effective from when the driver accepts a ride request, to when that ride or transaction is complete. However, what these new laws do not cover is the Lyft or Uber driver's personal insurance policies. It is likely that the driver's personal policy excludes insurance coverage if they get into a collision while working for Lyft or Uber. Also, the new legislation does not provide any guidance if the driver themselves are at fault for any property damage.
So, what does this mean for passengers?
If a collision happens while you are riding in the car with the Lyft or Uber driver, both you and the driver are supposedly covered under the company's one-million-dollar liability coverage policy. But collecting under that policy can be a challenge. To begin, Lyft and Uber are technology providers, connecting people who need transportation with independent contractors who can provide that transportation. Drivers are not considered employees, and therefore, the ride-hailing companies may claim they are not responsible for the individual driver's actions or behaviors. So, for example, the companies may deny liability if the driver was drunk, reckless or otherwise negligent, because that driver is an "independent contractor" and not a "full-time company employee". Also, if these driver service companies deny liability, the passenger may be forced to file a claim with the Lyft or Uber driver's personal insurance company - in which case, the driver's level of coverage may be unclear.
If you are considering ordering a ride with a company like Lyft or Uber, it is important to consider what type of insurance coverage these drivers carry, whether personal or through the driver service company. For additional information about vehicle insurance, or, if you need help with a personal injury claim, give The Gore Law Firm a call today at (404) 436-1529.
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Attorney Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert Recognized as "Legal Elite in Personal Injury Law" by
Georgia Trend, a statewide monthly business magazine, named Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert to its prestigious 2016 Legal Elite List. Earlier this year, the publication invited all Georgia lawyers to submit online nominations and ballots in 14 different categories of law
.
Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for Jennifer for this year's
"Legal Elite in Personal Injury Law" award
. We strive to provide our clients with an excellent legal experience, and are so thankful for those who place their trust in our firm!
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Administrative Announcements
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Speaking Engagements:
The Gore Law Firm is currently filling our calendar for our 2016-2017 presentations. To schedule attorney Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert to speak to your organization or audience, please contact our offices at
(678) 399-6161.
Jennifer speaks about personal injury law, DUI and hit-and-run collisions, dealing with insurance companies, business marketing, practice management technology, and mentoring.
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Holiday Hours:
Our office will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2016 in continued observation of the holidays. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, December 27.
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We want to stay in touch with you more often than just through our newsletter.
Like our Facebook page
and be kept up to date on everything from what is happening at The Gore Law Firm office, to the most current Personal Injury information.
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Last month I enjoyed a very special day when I had the privilege of having both of my grandmothers come to Alpharetta for the first time to visit me at the firm. Throughout my life, they have both supported me. Many opportunities I enjoy today were not available to them, and I am grateful for their encouragement.
As 2016 comes to a close, I want to th
ank you for your loyalty and trust. Thank you for referring your family and friends, and trusting us to fight for injured victims throughout Georgia. We wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and hope that 2017 brings you and your loved ones happiness, prosperity, and good health.
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The Gore Law Firm, LLC
5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 251
Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
New Clients: (404) 436-1529
Main: (678) 399-6161
Admin: (678) 399- 6172
Fax: (678) 399-6166
Follow Me on
Facebook! &
Twitter!
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