Uber and Lyft Accidents in Alabama

Although rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber are popular throughout Alabama, passengers and the occupants of other vehicles can be severely injured if the rideshare drivers fail to drive responsibly. When this happens, the driver might be responsible for compensating you, depending on their status at the time of the crash. Determining what compensation you’re entitled to is crucial and will usually require the assistance of a knowledgeable rideshare attorney.

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver in Alabama, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The experienced rideshare injury lawyer at Gartlan Injury Law has the skills and resources you’ll want on your side to pursue a claim for full compensation.

At the Uber accident lawyers at Gartlan Injury Law, we’re committed to helping those injured in rideshare accidents in Alabama seek the full and fair compensation they need to pay their medical bills, recoup lost wages, and move on with their lives after a collision. For a free consultation to learn more about how we can help, call us or fill out our online contact form today.

Who Are Uber and Lyft?

Uber and Lyft are companies that connect riders with drivers in the area through apps on the user’s mobile device. When someone requests a ride, they enter their pick-up and drop-off addresses. They can also choose the type of vehicle they need based on the number of passengers. For example, Uber and Lyft offer an XL option, accommodating a large group that can’t fit in a compact car.

Uber and Lyft are similar in the services they provide. Both offer alternative transportation to taxis and car services. They’re affordable, convenient, and easy to use. Each company gives passengers a variety of vehicles to choose from and prices based on the type of service and length of the trip.

What Should I Do If I Was in an Accident While in an Uber or Lyft?

If you are injured in a car accident while using Uber or Lyft, it’s crucial to start preparing your case right away. At the accident scene, try to take photos of the vehicles involved, property damage, cross streets, and any signs that may have been relevant to the crash.

• Take screenshots of everything related to the trip, including the driver’s information and the time of the accident. You can also report the accident to Uber or Lyft on the app.
• Ask the driver for their insurance information.
• You should seek medical treatment once you leave the accident scene. Whether the rideshare driver or someone else caused the crash, you will need evidence that you were injured.
• Upon receiving medical treatment, it’s imperative to maintain copies of your medical records. Hold onto billing statements, physician notes, surgical reports, rehabilitation reports, and other documentation associated with your injury.
• You should also speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You need someone with experience handling Uber and Lyft accidents in Alabama. Our team can analyze the crash and gather evidence to prove who is responsible for the accident.

Who Is Liable for My Injuries After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Alabama?

Multiple parties could be at fault for your injuries. Even though the accident involved a rideshare driver, someone else could be responsible for causing the collision. For example, another motorist could have run a red light, causing multiple vehicles to crash into each other. Whether you were a passenger in the Uber or Lyft car or driving another vehicle, you could hold the negligent driver liable. Is Alabama a no-fault state?

Car accidents are often the result of driver error. The most common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence

What Are My Options if the Uber or Lyft Driver Caused the Accident?

If your Uber or Lyft driver is responsible for the accident, you could file an insurance claim, though we advise speaking to an attorney first. Rideshare companies purchase liability insurance to cover accidents their driver’s cause. The available coverage depends on the circumstances of the accident. For example, Uber offers different coverage options based on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• During trips and en route to pick up a passenger – $1 million in third-party liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• The app is on and waiting for a ride request – $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
• The app is off, or the driver is offline – The driver’s personal auto insurance applies

What Are My Options if Someone Else Caused the Accident?

If someone other than the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident, you could file a claim with the at-fault motorist’s auto insurance company. Alabama law requires every driver to purchase and maintain auto insurance with minimum liability limits of:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Filing a liability claim could get you the compensation you need to cover your medical care bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the crash. It’s best to go over your options with a knowledgeable lawyer to determine the value of your claim that will adequately cover your past, present, and future needs.

What Sort of Compensation Is Available for My Claim?

Whether the rideshare driver or someone else was responsible for causing your injuries, you could pursue compensation in an insurance claim. The settlement you receive could compensate you for a range of losses, such as:

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Medical care expenses
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage

Contact an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Alabama Today

We have some of the best personal injury lawyers at Gartlan Injury Law, and we are committed to providing qualified legal representation to people who have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft. If you sustained an injury in a car crash involving an Uber or Lyft driver, do not hesitate to call or contact us online for a free consultation. Dothan personal injury lawyer.