Rideshare services have become very popular in the entire United States in the last decade. They have more or less supplanted taxi cab companies in many areas. Thousands of people use these services because of the incredible convenience they provide when traveling or having a night around town. Unfortunately, drivers for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies still get into motor vehicle accidents from time to time. Often, those accidents are due to the Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence.
Our skilled attorneys are here to help you after an accident involving a driver from Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service. We can help you will all aspects of your case, including talking to witnesses, negotiating with insurance, and fighting for you in court to get you the compensation you deserve after an accident.
For a free case review, call our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers with Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
Understanding Insurance in a Madison, AL Uber or Lyft Accident
Alabama has fault-based insurance, so a liable party’s insurance must cover the cost of injuries sustained in the accident. That being said, insurance policies do not cover everything.
When a driver is working for Uber or Lyft, they are not covered by regular automotive insurance. Instead, “rideshare insurance” covers accidents when Uber or Lyft drivers are working. However, like regular insurance, rideshare insurance will not cover every circumstance. It can be confusing what is and is not covered by insurance, so going over your case with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help sort out the details.
Uber’s Rideshare Insurance
Uber requires that every driver has regular automotive insurance. However, the driver’s personal insurance does not cover them when they are on the job. When a ride is actively selected or a rider is in the vehicle, Uber gives third-party coverage for liabilities. In addition, Uber drivers are required to have their own individual rideshare insurance alongside the standard coverage Uber provides.
Lyft’s Rideshare Insurance
Uber, like Lyft, requires its drivers to carry personal auto insurance. Lyft also requires that its drivers keep their own independent rideshare insurance in addition to the rideshare coverage Lyft provides.
Things that Cause Uber & Lyft Accidents in Madison, AL
There are external pressures that can push drivers to behave in a way that could lead to an accident. Indeed, rideshare drivers are just as prone to getting into accidents from speeding, drunk driving, or not following traffic rules just like ordinary drivers. However, some factors create other potential reasons that rideshare drivers get into accidents.
Rideshare drivers earn money based on picking people up and dropping people off. The more people a rideshare driver can get from point A to point B, the more money they earn. Moreover, rideshare drivers earn a significant amount of money from tips. This creates a system where the Uber or Lyft driver is encouraged to get passengers to their location as fast as they can. Faster transport means more rides, and quick transportation is likely to lead to positive reviews for the driver. These pressures can lead to a rideshare driver speeding or otherwise driving in a reckless way.
Steps to Take after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft Driver in Madison, AL
It is a good idea to have a plan of action should you end up in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. The experience will no doubt be stressful, so having a concrete plan of what to do can help keep you safe and can help build a stronger case for you should you choose to go to court.
Get Medical Attention
You should see a medical professional even if you do not think you are injured. Many injuries will not reveal themselves right away due to the adrenaline spike from being involved in a car accident. Allow medical first responders to examine you. If they say you can stay at the scene of the accident, you should. If the medics say you should go to a hospital for treatment instead, you should do that.
Document the Accident
It is very important that you get as many details about the accident as possible right after it has happened. Take as many photographs and videos as possible to document the scene of the accident. Obtain the insurance information, license plate number, and name of any drivers involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver’s name.
Most rideshare services do business through an app. Right after the accident, you should take screenshots of all information about your ride in the rideshare app.
Call Our Lawyers
It is important that you start talking to legal counsel very close to when your accident happened. Not only will it give our lawyers more time to work on your case, the facts of the case will be fresher in your mind and in the minds of any witnesses that need to be interviewed.
In addition, there is a law called the statute of limitations that puts a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit. In Alabama, the statutory period for a personal injury lawsuit is two years per Ala. Code § 6-2-38. While there are some exceptions that could temporarily pause the statutory period, like being a minor when the accident happens, the two-year limit is generally a hard cutoff. After that time, you will not be able to bring a case in court and will not be able to recover damages.
Talk to Our Madison, AL Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
To have a free review of your case with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers, call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
