Uber and Lyft rideshare apps are popular ways of getting around without the expense of owning a car. When you are involved in an accident while riding in a rideshare car, who is liable for damages? Do you collect compensation from the driver or from the rideshare company?
When you or a member of your family are injured during a trip in a rideshare, you may be eligible to seek compensation. A Birmingham Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorney can help you sort out complications and build a successful claim. Get started on your insurance claim or lawsuit today.
Accident Fatality Numbers Increase With Rideshare Programs
Uber and Lyft are easy, convenient ways to get around Birmingham. With the introduction of these rideshare services, trips to and from crowded areas like airports mean you do not have to fight traffic. Instead, you can relax while someone else does the driving.
Since the advent of Uber and Lyft, ridesharing traffic fatalities have increased by 3%, according to research at the University of Chicago. That three percent means nearly a thousand more people are killed in car accidents every year. If you or a family member were injured in a Lyft or Uber, you may be able to receive financial compensation from the rideshare company.
For a free legal consultation with a Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call 800-537-8185
Auto Insurance Coverage in Alabama
The state of Alabama legally requires drivers to carry auto insurance. The intention is to protect all parties from financial loss in the event of a crash. The state minimum coverage in Alabama includes:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per person
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Commercial vehicles typically carry more auto insurance coverage than normal drivers. However, Uber and Lyft both employ their drivers as independent contractors who use their personal vehicles. The question of insurance can be complicated when determining whether a driver’s personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance is in effect.
How Lyft Insures Drivers
Just like every car registered in Birmingham, Lyft drivers are required to have the state’s minimum insurance coverage. Lyft protects its drivers and their passengers with the following insurance standards:
- When a Lyft driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance protection applies to them and to anyone in their car.
- When a Lyft driver is logged into the app, but does not have a passenger in their vehicle, they might be entitled to Lyft’s coverage if their own policy does not respond to their requests.
- When a Lyft driver is logged into the app and has a passenger in their vehicle, Lyft’s contingent collision coverage might provide up to $1,000,000 of insurance protection per accident.
How Uber Insures Drivers
Uber has similar insurance coverage in place to protect drivers and passengers if an accident occurs. Uber’s insurance policy provides the following types of insurance coverage:
- When an Uber driver is not logged into the app, their private insurance policy is in effect.
- When an Uber driver is logged into the app, but does not have a passenger in their vehicle, Uber’s third-party liability coverage will provide coverage if the driver’s private insurance will not.
- When an Uber driver is logged into the app and on their way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in their vehicle, Uber’s insurance coverage may provide up to $1,000,000 of third‑party liability coverage plus coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers.
If you were involved in an accident during an Uber trip, an Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer in Birmingham from Morris Bart & Associate, LLC can explain rideshare insurance to you in more detail.
Birmingham Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Your Injuries
After a car crash, you may have difficulty paying your hospital bills. Even with good health insurance, you may accumulate medical debt. Our team at Morris Bart & Associates, LLC can help you recover your financial losses after a collision involving an Uber or Lyft rideshare driver.
You may be eligible to seek reimbursement for:
- An ambulance ride
- Emergency room treatment
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
There may be other expenses related to your crash that you can recover from an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney from our law firm can consult with you to give you an idea of what your case may be worth.
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Birmingham Rideshare Accident FAQ
Rideshare liability can be tricky to navigate. You likely have many questions. A rideshare accident lawyer can answer your questions about Uber and Lyft accidents in Birmingham.
What Do I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Birmingham?
What Happens if You Get Into an Uber Accident in Birmingham?
Can You Afford to Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney?
What Do I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Birmingham?
The aftermath of a rideshare accident works the same way as an accident with a private vehicle. First, call for immediate medical attention if anyone is seriously injured in the wreck. Even if you do not believe you are injured, you should be examined by a doctor for internal injuries anyway.
Call the police right away to ensure a complete police report is created and filed. Ask witnesses for their contact information and take as many pictures of the car and the accident scene as possible. If possible, take pictures of your injuries including cuts, bruises, scrapes, marks left by seat belts and airbags, and any other injuries you sustained in the accident.
Share all these documents and photos with an Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer in Birmingham who will negotiate your insurance claim or file your personal injury lawsuit.
Avoid Acting As Your Own Negotiator After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, you might be tempted to accept a settlement offer from the rideshare company. Filing an insurance claim can be a long, complex procedure. Between assigning a value to your claim and completing the necessary documentation, the guidance of a lawyer can help ensure your claim is not underpaid.
What Happens if You Get Into an Uber Accident in Birmingham?
If you get into an Uber accident in Birmingham, you’ll specifically need to address it with Uber. There might be different methods for doing so depending on whether you’re a driver, rider, or third party. However, Uber’s website offers more detailed information on what to do if you’re in a crash and which forms each type of party must file.
Apart from ensuring everyone’s safety and calling the police or 911 for EMS, Uber insists a representative will reach out to confirm if everyone is okay and gather any information they need. You should navigate your Uber app to the Help section to report the crash. You may also speak directly with a trained agent by calling their support line.
If you speak directly to Uber, be sure to not admit fault whatsoever. If you’re hesitant about what to say, speak to an Uber accident lawyer first.
Can You Afford to Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney?
It’s perfectly understandable to be concerned about the expense of hiring a lawyer to help with your accident claim. After a collision, you may be left with severe injuries and unexpected medical bills. Our team of Birmingham Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency.
What this means for you is that:
- There are no up-front fees
- There are no hourly rates
- You pay us nothing out of pocket
We only get paid if and when we win your case. We also offer no-obligation consultations to learn more about our services. This lets you benefit from legal expertise with no risk to you.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Legal Deadlines Apply to Your Rideshare Accident Case
Your car crash is subject to a statute of limitations. If you wait too long to start your case, you may be unable to hold the liable party responsible for your losses. A rideshare accident lawyer can make sure you file your claim within the state’s two-year filing deadline under Code of Alabama Section 6-2-38.
An Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Is Not Your Financial Responsibility
When you get into a Birmingham area Uber or Lyft rideshare, you put your trust and safety into the hands of the rideshare driver. In the event of a collision, should you pursue the driver, the rideshare company, or both? Our law firm can help you figure this out.
Let our legal team explain your options and help you determine the right party to pursue for financial compensation. Connect with a member of our team today by speaking with an Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer in Birmingham from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. The consultation is complimentary.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
