Birmingham

Rideshare Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney

Rideshare accidents present unique legal problems, and injured victims should reach out to Shaun Capps Injury Law for assistance. If you were hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft—or if you were driving a car which was struck by one of these vehicles—then you might be entitled to compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our Birmingham rideshare Uber/Lyft accident attorney provides more information about these accidents below.

Determining Fault in a Rideshare Accident

Like other motor vehicle collisions, an Uber or Lyft accident is analyzed based on fault. The person responsible for the collision will have to pay compensation. Injured victims can submit an insurance claim on the at-fault party’s policy.

Often, fault is up for debate. Each driver points the finger at the other. Our job as an attorney is to shine a light on the situation to identify fault.

Rideshare Passengers

Typically, the following are responsible for your accident:

• Your driver. This person could have been speeding or tailgating, or they were driving distracted. Uber and Lyft drivers can make all the same mistakes behind the wheel as other motorists.
• A different driver. Your Uber or Lyft could have been struck by a different motorist on the road.

Fault matters. Your rideshare driver isn’t automatically liable for paying compensation if a different vehicle crashed into you.

Pedestrians or Other Motorists

You could have been struck by an Uber or Lyft. In that case, you need proof that the other driver was to blame. They could always point the finger at you. In Alabama, contributory negligence doctrine will prevent you from receiving compensation if you are partially to blame for the accident. That means you cannot be even 1% to blame.

How Much Insurance is Available?

Both Uber and Lyft require that their drivers have insurance. This is great news. If the rideshare driver is at fault, then you should receive compensation for your damages.

Policy Limits for Passengers

As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, $1 million in insurance is available. That will pay for your medical bills, replace lost income (if you can’t work), and cover pain and suffering, along with mental distress. However, if a different motorist is to blame, then you make a claim on their policy.

Policy Limits for Non-Passengers

Suppose you are a pedestrian struck by an Uber, or you are driving another vehicle when a rideshare driver collides with you. How much insurance is available for you? Unfortunately, you aren’t automatically entitled to up to $1 million in benefits.

Instead, the amount depends on whether the driver has logged into the app and accepted a ride:

1. Not even logged into the app. When an Uber or Lyft driver isn’t even logged in, they are no different from any other motorist on the road. You must submit a claim on their personal car insurance. The minimum liability policy in Alabama is $25,000 for bodily injury to one person and $25,000 in property damage.
2. Logged in but searching for rides. More insurance is available to cover your damages when the rideshare driver is at least logged in. At least $50,000 for personal injury, up to $100,000 per accident is available, with $25,000 in property damage per accident.
3. Accepted a ride. When an Uber or Lyft driver has accepted a ride or picked someone up, then up to $1 million is available if the rideshare crashes into you.

Insurance is incredibly complicated. You might not know how to submit a claim or even where to send it. Reach out to our Birmingham rideshare accident attorney for assistance untangling this mess. We will work to maximize what you receive for your accident.

Mistakes to Avoid after a Rideshare Accident

We encourage all victims to avoid these errors following an accident:

• Don’t wait for the rideshare driver to call the police. You should absolutely report the accident by using your phone. Some drivers hesitate to call because they don’t want an accident on their driving record. They might fear losing their Uber or Lyft driving job if they call. Nonetheless, you need a police report, so we recommend using your phone to make the call.
• Remember to document the accident. If you are a passenger in the Uber, you might assume your driver is diligently gathering evidence for you. That’s not true. Drivers are usually thinking about themselves. You need to document the crash as best you can. Talk with witnesses and get their names. Take photographs of the vehicles involved.
• Never give a recorded statement to Uber or their insurer without hiring a lawyer. The insurer could dig to find evidence you are to blame for the collision. This is a concern for pedestrians and other motorists hit by an Uber or Lyft. Remember, contributory negligence will bar a claim.
• Avoid delay. You should call Shaun Capps Injury Law as soon as you can. You will benefit from a lawyer beginning work on your case quickly. Evidence often disappears, and we can move to preserve it.
• Never accept a settlement without an attorney’s help! Uber or Lyft could reach out to offer a settlement. You should avoid agreeing—don’t even give a verbal agreement. The initial offer is likely too low. We can increase what you receive.

These are common mistakes. If you avoid making them, you will buttress your legal claim.

Speak with Our Rideshare Accident Attorney in a Free Consultation

Shaun Capps opened his law firm to help injured victims like you receive fair compensation following painful accidents. It is our pleasure to help men and women in pain get the justice they deserve.

Call our office to learn more about how we win these cases. Attorney Capps is a distinguished negotiator, and he can use his skills to obtain a meaningful settlement after a collision involving an Uber or Lyft. These are powerful companies that are not looking out for you, the injured victim. We’ve got your back. Contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Uber passenger file an injury claim?

Yes. Passengers injured during an active Uber or Lyft trip may pursue compensation regardless of which driver caused the accident.

Who pays for my injuries after an Uber accident?

Compensation may come from the rideshare driver’s commercial insurance, another driver’s insurance, or other available coverage depending on who was at fault.

What if both drivers caused the accident?

An injured passenger may have claims against multiple insurance policies if more than one driver shares responsibility.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Not until you understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs. Early settlement offers often do not reflect the full value of a claim.

When should I contact a rideshare accident attorney?

As soon as possible after the accident. Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, identify available insurance coverage, and protect your right to full compensation.