Claims involving Uber & Lyft accidents can be hard to navigate without a lawyer
Rideshare services have become a fundamental part of Alabama's transportation landscape in recent years. However, rideshare accidents in Alabama have become more common with their increasing popularity. If you've been injured in a collision with a rideshare vehicle, seeking compensation for your car accident can be a daunting and complex process.
To navigate this often confusing landscape effectively, seeking help from an experienced Alabama rideshare accident lawyer is essential. An attorney can help determine liability and assess the compensation you may be entitled to. Don't let the potential challenges of a rideshare accident claim overwhelm you. Instead, reach out to a verified Alabama attorney today to schedule a free consultation and gain clarity on your situation.
How do rideshare accidents occur?
Rideshare accidents can be more complex than typical car accidents due to the involvement of the rideshare company, its policies, insurance issues, and the multiple parties that can be involved.
Here are some examples of how rideshare accidents can occur:
- Uber driver car accident: If you are an Uber driver involved in a car accident that isn’t your fault, you can seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.
- Uber accident passenger: As a passenger in an Uber accident, you could recover damages from the driver’s private or company insurance, or another driver’s insurance.
- Car accident in an Uber as a third party: If you are a third party (e.g., a pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver of another vehicle) involved in a collision with an Uber, you might be eligible to receive compensation from Uber's insurance or the insurance of the driver at fault.
Most rideshare accidents are caused by:
- Distracted driving, such as using phones for navigation and managing ride requests.
- Fatigued driving, often from working long hours or irregular shifts.
- Speeding when under pressure to meet an estimated arrival time.
- Poor vehicle maintenance.
- Inexperienced driving.
- Pickup and drop-off challenges, especially in busy areas.
How does rideshare insurance work in Alabama?
Rideshare insurance in Alabama provides coverage for drivers who use their personal vehicles for ridesharing services. This type of insurance fills the gap between a driver's personal car insurance policy and the coverage provided by a rideshare company. Here's how it typically works:
Personal auto insurance policy
When not logged into a rideshare app, the driver is covered solely by their personal car insurance. Rideshare companies don’t typically provide any coverage when the driver is not actively using the app for ridesharing purposes.
Rideshare company’s insurance policy
Once the driver logs into the ridesharing app, the rideshare company's insurance policy offers coverage. This coverage is contingent and secondary to the driver’s personal insurance.
Coverage phases
Rideshare insurance coverage in Alabama is divided into three phases based on the driver's status:
- Phase 1: The driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. During this phase, the rideshare company typically provides limited liability coverage. If the driver is at fault in a car accident, the company’s policy may cover damages to others but not to the driver.
- Phase 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger. From this point, the rideshare company's insurance coverage increases. It offers liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and possibly contingent collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Phase 3: A passenger is in the vehicle until the end of the ride. During this time, the rideshare company's insurance provides its highest level of coverage. This typically includes $1 million in liability coverage and additional coverages similar to Phase 2.
How to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Alabama
To seek car accident compensation for a rideshare claim after a rideshare accident involves several steps and depends on your role in the accident (e.g., driver, passenger, or third party).
Whether you’re a rideshare driver, passenger, or a third party, here’s a general guide on how to proceed:
At the crash scene
- Check if anyone requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if there are any injuries.
- Notify the police so there is an official traffic accident report. This can provide unbiased evidence of how the crash occurred.
- Get the contact, insurance, and vehicle information from all parties involved.
- Take photos of the crash scene.
- If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
- Save information about the rideshare vehicle, such as driver details, ride receipts, and any correspondence.
Reporting the rideshare accident
- Report the accident to your own auto insurance company, regardless of who is at fault.
- Report the accident through the rideshare app or the company’s customer service. Uber and Lyft have in-app features for reporting accidents.
- If another driver is involved and is at fault, you may also need to file a claim with their insurance provider. Let an experienced Alabama attorney handle this. Anything you say to another driver’s insurance company can be used against you.
Seeking medical attention
- Even if you feel fine, it's best to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some crash-related injuries are not immediately apparent.
- Keep all medical documentation, such as your diagnosis, medical bills, receipts, prescriptions, and a log of attended appointments.
- Attend all medical appointments, listen to your doctor’s recommendations, and avoid activities that can worsen or delegitimize your injury.
Hiring an Alabama rideshare accident attorney
- Speak to an attorney with experience and knowledge in handling rideshare accident cases.
- Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge a lawyer's reputation.
- Ensure that the lawyer you work with has adequate availability, excellent communication skills, and good standing with the Alabama State Bar Association.
How do Lyft or Uber car accident settlements work?
The settlement amounts for Lyft and Uber accidents can vary significantly based on the unique circumstances of each case. Several factors come into play, including the severity of injuries and the determination of fault.
Generally, the more severe your injuries, the higher the potential settlement amount. A rideshare accident settlement typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and expenses related to accommodating your injuries.
It's important to note that Alabama follows the contributory negligence rule, which has implications for your ability to seek compensation. Under this rule, if you are found to have contributed any fault to the car accident (even if you are just 1% at fault), you may be barred from pursuing damages. Under this rule, it’s essentially all or nothing.
For instance, consider a scenario where you are the rideshare driver or the driver of another vehicle involved in a left-turn accident at a red light. While the other driver's left turn primarily caused the accident, you might be deemed partially at fault if you were also speeding at the time. In such a case, your ability to sue the other driver for damages could be prohibited.
Additionally, if you were a passenger in a rideshare accident and were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, you may also be considered partially at fault for any injuries you sustained.
Understanding these nuances is crucial when pursuing a rideshare accident claim in Alabama.
Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate these obstacles and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your damages.
When should you accept a settlement offer after a rideshare collision?
If you’re injured in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may have extensive medical bills. You may also be out of work for an extended period while recovering.
Meanwhile, the responsible party’s insurance company may contact you to ask questions or offer a quick lowball settlement.
This is a tactic insurance companies often use to reduce their payouts. For example, they may ask for a recorded statement. If you provide one, it can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault.
Once you accept a settlement offer, you won’t be able to seek further compensation for your damages. That’s why it’s critical to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
How can an attorney help after a rideshare accident in Alabama?
An Alabama rideshare accident attorney can fight to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. They can find the facts that matter to your claim and build a compelling case for the maximum compensation you deserve under Alabama law. A lawyer can also handle all negotiations and communications with insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
An attorney can advise you on your legal rights and the course of action to take from the very beginning. It also costs nothing to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer. To get started on your rideshare accident claim, contact a verified Alabama attorney and set up your free consultation. They’ll answer any questions you have and help you explore your potential options for compensation.
