Do You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Birmingham?

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are becoming an increasingly popular way to get around. But if you are involved in an accident, determining liability can be more confusing than a typical accident. These types of accidents can become confusing because Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be just 1% at fault for an accident, you may not be allowed to recover compensation. The issue of which insurance may cover claims can also become confusing. Hiring a Birmingham Rideshare lawyer can help navigate the legal issues you may face in these situations.

Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage in Alabama

In Alabama, drivers are required to carry auto insurance. The state minimum coverage includes:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per person

Since Uber and Lyft both use drivers as independent contractors who use their personal vehicles. This can become complicated when determining whose insurance should be used in the case of an accident. 

Insurance for Lyft Drivers

Lyft drivers must carry the same minimum insurance coverage as all other drivers in Alabama. On its website, Lyft also provides drivers and passengers with specific insurance standards.

• If a Lyft driver is logged into the app but has not received a ride request yet, they may be entitled to Lyft’s contingent coverage if their policy does not respond to their requests.
• If a Lyft driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance protection applies to them and anyone in their car.
• When a Lyft driver is logged into the app and is on their way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the car, Lyft’s liability collision coverage provides up to $1 million of insurance protection per accident.

Insurance for Uber Drivers

Uber has similar insurance coverage to protect drivers and passengers if an accident happens. It includes the following coverage:

• When an Uber driver is not logged into the app, the driver’s private insurance policy is in effect.
• If an Uber driver is logged into the app, but not with a passenger, Uber’s third-party liability coverage will kick in if the driver’s private insurance does not.
• When an Uber driver is logged into the app and on their way to pick up a passenger or has already picked up a passenger, Uber’s insurance coverage may provide up to $1 million of third-party liability coverage, plus coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers.

When you hire a Birmingham rideshare accident lawyer, they will explain the insurance policy to you so that you can better understand the rules that will pertain to you and your case.

Proving Negligence in a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare accident victims must prove how the other party’s actions caused their injuries and losses. To establish negligence, the following needs to be proven:

• Duty of Care: Everyone travelling on the road is obligated to act responsibly and reasonably. 
• Breach of Duty: When motors fail to meet their duty of care, they violate their obligation.
• Causation: If there has been a breach of duty, there will be injuries.
• Damages: Due to your accident injuries, there are now damages left that need to be paid.

A rideshare accident lawyer in Birmingham from Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law will follow this process to help reach a settlement in your case.

Steps to Take if You’ve Been in a Rideshare Accident in Birmingham

If you’ve been in an accident involving a rideshare in Birmingham, it is recommended that you take the following actions:

• Call 911. Police will need to file a report. Emergency personnel will also respond to check on injuries.  
• Screenshot the App: If you are able, immediately capture your ride status, the driver’s profile, and the trip map. If this is not done right away, it can disappear or be difficult to retrieve later.
• Report the Incident in the App: Both Uber and Lyft have safety portals. You want to report the incident because it will create a timestamped record. Do not give a recorded statement.
• Be Sure to Seek Medical Care: Visit a local ER to check your injuries. Even if you are not hurt, your injuries may surface later, and there needs to be a record that you saw a medical professional for your injuries.

Remember that Alabama’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident. If you are going to seek help from a Birmingham rideshare lawyer and file a lawsuit, you want to do it within that time.

Recoverable Damages

An experienced Birmingham rideshare lawyer can help you recover damages related to your accident, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Current bills and projected future costs for medical care and medications.
• Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and “loss of earning capacity” if you cannot return to your previous job due to your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma (PTSD, anxiety).
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or personal items.

Each case is different. Your lawyer will review your individual case and determine what damages you may be eligible for in your case.

Contact Morris Haynes When You Need a Birmingham Rideshare Lawyer

If you’ve been in a car accident involving a Birmingham rideshare, the team at Morris Haynes is here for you. We have the experience you can trust when it comes to legal counsel for these types of accidents. We fight for our clients so that they always receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today at 205-324-4008 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation to review your case. Let us get to work for you today.