Alabama Lawyers Fighting for Victims After an Uber/Lyft Accident

The rise of technology has arguably made many aspects of our lives faster and more efficient, especially when it comes to convenience. It has never been easier to deliver food right to your door with the tap on an app, start a weekly grocery shop online, and, of course, order transport to any spot you choose thanks to services such as Uber and Lyft.

As with anything, however, there can be downsides, especially when it comes to a transportation system. Uber and Lyft are ultimately susceptible to the same risks as any other means of navigating the road, getting from A to B, and being involved in a car accident can leave you with life-long injuries. In some cases, they can even prove fatal.

The law has been quick to keep up with technology in these cases, and you will be pleased to know that passengers in Lyft, Uber, and other transport services have plenty of rights in the event of an accident and injury. Here at Pharr & Associates Injury Attorneys, we have a wealth of experience in an array of personal injury cases, including those involving automobiles of any description.

Who is Liable for My Accident?

Alabama law requires all ridesharing drivers—including Lyft and Uber—to carry extra insurance, in addition to the requirements mandated by law. Both Lyft and Uber carry $1 million in insurance policies to cover any injured passengers, and this will usually be your first port of call in the event of an accident. In order for this process to begin, there are a number of steps to go through and requirements to fulfill.

To allow a passenger to claim on the insurance policy, the car driver must have been logged into the relevant app at the time of the accident. If they were not logged in, the company might not be liable; the insurance company will claim that the driver was not at work, so the insurance policy cannot be used. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to take action through the driver’s personal auto insurance.

What Could I Be Entitled To?

In the event that the driver was logged in but “not engaged in a prearranged ride,” the limited liability coverage will apply. This policy includes both priority and medical damages in the following amounts:

• A maximum of $100000 will be covered for collisions that occurred during the “logged in/no prearranged ride” scenario
• Primary automobile liability coverage of up to $25000 will be available for any damage to property
• $50000 coverage per person will be available for any medical expenses

If the driver is logged in, but not actively carrying a passenger at the time of the accident, the figures are slightly different:

• $50000 personal injury coverage
• $100 000 per accident

In most circumstances, the arrangement will be business as normal—that is, the driver will be actively providing a prearranged ride. The minimum limits outlined above still apply here, but the following coverage is also active:

• $1 million in liability
• $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

In the event that you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the costs and compensation will usually be covered by the insurance company. It is worth noting, however, that it is in the interests of the insurance company to offer the lowest possible figure, and the process can be lengthy and complicated with resistance at every turn.

Will I Definitely Be Able to Claim Damages?

In most cases involving an Uber or Lyft accident, the majority of victims will be in a prime position to pursue damages. Under the concept of contributory negligence, however, it is important to note that you will be unable to claim damages if you are considered to be even slightly at fault for the accident. Even if a judge rules that you are just 1% to blame, you will be unable to claim any compensation.

What Do I Do Next?

If you have found yourself the victim of an accident involving a ridesharing service such as Lyft or Uber, you could be entitled to compensation. Wondering if you have a claim? Here at Pharr & Associates Injury Attorneys, we have extensive experience in a range of public injury cases which include auto accidents and ridesharing wrecks. Get in touch today by calling us at (256) 487-6080 and see how the team could battle the insurance companies to get you the best deal and compensation you deserve. We will also take care of the process from start to finish!