Taxis are no longer the only cars on the road offering rides for a fare. Ubers and Lyfts can be called right to your door with the touch of a few buttons on your phone. With so many ridesharing vehicles out there, it is no wonder that accidents are common.
After an accident, most people want to move on and put the whole ordeal behind them as quickly as possible. However, you should consider suing after your accident if you experienced injuries, property loss, pain, suffering, or other unpleasant experiences because of the accident. Getting compensation can be tricky, and there might be various options available. Insurance is almost always considered in vehicle accidents, but a lawsuit might help you recover more extensive damages. While you should consider suing the driver of the rideshare vehicle that hit you, there might be other parties who share the blame. The ridesharing companies themselves are typically off-limits because drivers are technically not employees but independent contractors.
Schedule an assessment of your potential lawsuit for free with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Why Sue for an Accident with Uber or Lyft in Auburn, AL?
Lawsuits are notoriously difficult. They take a long time to complete, are emotionally draining, and a positive outcome is never guaranteed. Injured accident victims sometimes wonder if pursuing a lawsuit is worth the time, effort, and anguish. In short, you should speak to an attorney about filing a lawsuit if you experienced any injuries. Injuries do not have to be catastrophic or life-altering for your claims to be valid.
Vehicle accidents involving Lyft and Uber are just as dangerous as any other accident. People sometimes underestimate the likelihood of a crash since they only plan to be in the Uber or Lyft car for short trips. If you are in a crash and injured, you should consider suing. You might experience broken bones, lacerations, soft tissue injuries, or worse. Many accident survivors are permanently disabled because of their injuries.
Even if your injuries are not severe and you make a full recovery rather quickly, you still have a valid claim and can file a lawsuit. For many, lawsuits are not about getting compensation but about getting justice. Being physically harmed because of someone else’s negligent behavior can leave a person feeling violated. A lawsuit can help you get justice and vindication, which can help you move on from the accident and return to your life.
How to Get Compensation for Your Damages After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Auburn, AL
One very important reason you should speak to a lawyer is that you might have various legal options for pursuing compensation. Insurance is often an option in accident cases involving vehicles, and lawsuits are known for helping plaintiffs recover a wide range of damages. An attorney can help you determine which option is best suited for your needs.
Insurance
Motor vehicle accidents and insurance claims usually go hand-in-hand. Even if you were not driving but were a passenger in the Uber or Lyft car, you can file an insurance claim. Typically, injured accident victims in Alabama have to file third-party claims with the other person’s insurance. Insurance companies require proof that their insured driver is at fault for the crash. As such, getting compensation through insurance claims can be difficult.
Similar to a lawsuit, you need evidence establishing the driver’s fault. Since insurance companies do not have to adhere to the same rules and procedures as a courtroom, your evidence can include things not normally admissible in court. For example, insurance companies often want to see a copy of the police report from the accident, while courts usually do not allow police reports because they are considered hearsay.
If the driver is not insured, you might have to pursue other insurance options. Even if you were not driving a car at the time of the accident, you might be able to file a claim with your uninsured motorist policy. If you do not have other insurance options, an attorney can advise on the next steps to take.
Insurance from Lyft and Uber
Uber or Lyft might provide insurance coverage that you can take advantage of depending on where and how the accident occurred. How much coverage applies to your claim depends on several factors. There is no insurance coverage if the driver was not engaged with a rider or had their app turned off. Instead, your personal insurance or the personal insurance of the rideshare driver would apply to your case.
There is some coverage if the driver is actively working and waiting for a rider. Insurance from the ridesharing company may include up to $50,000 per person for bodily injuries, up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and up to $25,000 per accident for property damage.
There is even greater coverage if the accident happened while the driver was engaged with a rider or had one in the car. In such cases, insurance from the rideshare company includes at least $1,000,000 for third-party liability.
Lawsuit
A lawsuit may be your best option if insurance is unavailable or insufficient to cover all your damages. Unlike insurance claims, lawsuits cover a wide variety of damages. Insurance claims often cover basic economic damages like medical bills, property damage, and maybe a portion of lost wages. A lawsuit can help you recover all that and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Generally, lawsuits are good for plaintiffs with a wider range of extensive damages after a Lyft or Uber accident.
As mentioned, lawsuits involve very strict courtroom procedures and rules. Evidence must meet incredibly strict standards to be admissible. Even if you have relevant evidence that helps you prove your claims, it might not be admissible if it does not meet evidentiary standards. On top of that, the burden of proof tends to be high, and proving your claims might be difficult but worth it in the end.
Call Our Auburn, AL Lyft and Uber Accident Attorneys for Help
Set up an assessment of your injury claims for no charge with our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys by calling our offices at Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
