Riding in a cab was once reserved for urban dwellers in big cities but has become a reality for people across Alabama thanks to ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. Unfortunately, accidents with these ridesharing vehicles are not uncommon, and injured drivers should speak to attorneys right away.
After an accident, you can sue the responsible parties for your injuries. Many plaintiffs sue the Uber or Lyft drivers, but other drivers might also be at fault. The companies Uber and Lyft are generally not liable in these cases because drivers are technically not employees. Damages might range from mild to severe injuries, and your damages should reflect the magnitude of your pain and losses. To get compensation, we must prove how the defendant’s negligence caused the collision. To do this, we need to find evidence that supports your claims, which is far easier said than done.
Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to schedule a free evaluation of your case with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers.
How to File Your Lawsuit for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Huntsville, AL
Uber and Lyft accidents are often complicated by numerous drivers and passengers who might or might not have contributed to the accident. Separating those responsible from other accident victims is tricky, but doing so should help our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers determine whom to sue for your damages and injuries.
Suing the Uber or Lyft Driver
As with any car accident case, you can sue the driver of the vehicle that hit you. If a driver for Uber or Lyft is the one who hit you or otherwise caused the crash, they should be held liable. How the accident happened might vary between cases and is important to discuss with your attorney.
In many cases, plaintiffs were passengers inside the Uber or Lyft vehicle when the accident occurred. In others, the plaintiff was in another vehicle struck by the Uber or Lyft driver’s car, or they might have been a pedestrian instead. In any case, you can sue the Uber or Lyft driver for your damages.
Sue Other Drivers
Multi-vehicle accidents are relatively common, and more than one other vehicle might be implicated in your crash with the Uber or Lyft driver. For example, suppose a Lyft or Uber driver was speeding to pick up as many riders as possible. Next, suppose another driver ran a stop sign and entered the path of the oncoming Uber or Lyft driver. Finally, suppose the Uber or Lyft driver had to swerve out of the way of the vehicle that ran the stop sign and ended up hitting you instead. In such a case, both other drivers may be sued for damages.
In some cases, identifying all other drivers might be challenging because the other drivers are unaware they contributed to the accident. Suppose the driver that ran the stop sign in the above example did not realize their actions contributed to the accident, so they drove away. We might need to rely on information from witnesses to track down the negligent driver so they can be held accountable.
Suing Uber or Lyft
Plaintiffs are often disappointed to learn that they likely cannot sue the companies Uber and Lyft for an accident caused by one of their drivers. Since drivers are technically classified as independent contractors, they are not considered employees, and Uber or Lyft are often not liable for drivers’ negligence.
Ordinarily, employers can be held vicariously liable for injuries caused by an employee’s negligence. As long as that negligence was within the scope of the employee’s job, the employer is also on the hook. However, since Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, this rule does not apply.
Figuring Out Damages in an Uber or Lyft Accident Case in Huntsville, AL
Car accidents, including those involving Uber or Lyft vehicles, often leave victims with devastating physical injuries, significant property damage, and immense psychological trauma. It can be easy to lose track of the injuries and losses you incurred, and a lawyer can help you accurately assess the value of these damages.
Medical Expenses
After your accident, you probably received medical attention from a doctor in the emergency room. Unfortunately, medical care is not cheap, and many injured plaintiffs are slapped with huge medical bills they cannot afford. These costs should be added to your overall damages calculations.
Even if you have health insurance, you can claim the cost of high deductibles as part of your damages. On top of that, many injured plaintiffs need ongoing treatment for their injuries. Physical therapy, future surgeries, and follow-up visits with doctors will eventually cost injured plaintiffs more money. Even if you have not incurred these costs yet, you can claim them as part of your damages.
Property Damage
Perhaps the most significant property damage in your case is the loss of your vehicle. Vehicles are extremely expensive, and you should include the cost of a replacement or any repairs in your damages.
In addition, you should consider the cost of the various personal belongings you might have lost in the crash. For example, if you were a passenger in the Uber that crashed and your expensive computer, tablet, or phone was destroyed, you can claim the loss of those personal items.
Pain and Suffering
Your physical pain and psychological trauma or suffering might not have cost money, but they should not be ignored. These experiences are part of your non-economic losses and injuries. The greater pain and suffering impact your life, the greater your damages should be. The jury often decides how much damages for pain and suffering are worth, but we can convince them that you deserve significant compensation.
Contact Our Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys in Huntsville, AL For Help
Call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to schedule a free review of your claims and damages with our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys.
