athens uber accident

Did you suffer injuries in an Uber accident in Alabama? Wondering what should your next steps be? Turn to an Athens car accident lawyer at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. We can manage every aspect of your claim and demand the compensation you need while you focus on your recovery. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence.

How Our Lawyers Help People Hurt in Athens Rideshare Crashes

Having an Athens Uber accident lawyer by your side can make a significant difference when dealing with a rideshare injury claim. A skilled attorney can help you with your Uber accident case by:

  • Investigating the details of the crash
  • Gathering crucial evidence to build your case, such as the police accident report, medical records, and witness statements
  • Consulting medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries
  • Reviewing police reports and accident scene photographs
  • Calculating the total value of your claim
  • Negotiating with insurance companies for maximum compensation
  • Challenging any denials or lowball settlement offers from insurance companies
  • Representing you in court, if necessary

What Are the Most Common Types and Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber or Lyft drivers can be involved in the same types of collisions as any other motorist, such as:

Due to the nature of their job, rideshare drivers face unique challenges on the road. For instance, they spend more hours driving than most motorists, navigating unfamiliar routes or busy city streets while managing ride requests and passenger needs. This increased time on the road increases the likelihood of a serious car accident. Uber drivers’ vehicles are more prone to wear and tear, raising the risk of crashes due to mechanical failures.

Common causes of rideshare accidents in Athens include:

  • Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers use apps to navigate and accept ride requests, which can divert their attention from the road. Multitasking behind the wheel is dangerous and could cause drivers to overlook traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
  • Speeding: Under pressure to complete trips quickly and maximize earnings, some rideshare drivers exceed speed limits, which gives them less time to brake if an emergency arises. High speeds also impart violent force in a collision, increasing the severity of car accident injuries.
  • Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel without sufficient breaks can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making capabilities on the road.
  • Inexperience: Newer rideshare drivers might be unfamiliar with the areas they are navigating or the demands of juggling driving while interacting with the rideshare app. This could lead to poor decision-making that can cause accidents.
  • Vehicle defects: Rideshare vehicles are subject to significant wear and tear. If drivers neglect regular maintenance like brake checks, tire rotations, and engine inspections, it can lead to mechanical failures that result in motor vehicle accidents.

Liability and Insurance Coverage in Athens Uber Car Accidents

If an Uber driver causes an accident that injures you in Athens, the insurance coverage available depends on what the Uber driver was doing at the time of the accident. Here’s a breakdown of how it works across different scenarios.

Uber Driver is Offline

If the Uber driver is not using the Uber app and is driving for personal reasons, Uber’s liability insurance does not apply. Instead, any damage or injuries resulting from the crash fall under the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.

Uber Driver is Online and Available for a Ride

Uber offers limited liability coverage when the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request. Uber provides the following if their rideshare driver is at fault:

  • Up to $50,000 per person for injuries
  • Up to $100,000 per accident for injuries
  • Up to $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

Uber Driver is Transporting a Passenger or En Route to a Confirmed Fare

If the Uber driver has accepted a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger or already has the passenger in their vehicle, Uber’s full liability coverage policy applies. This policy provides up to $1 million in liability insurance, covering both injuries and property damage resulting from any accidents the Uber driver causes.

Not sure which type of insurance coverage is available for you? A car accident attorney from Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can identify your legal options after reviewing your case.

Potential Compensation in an Athens Uber Accident Claim

If you were hurt in an Uber accident, you can file a claim seeking compensation for the various ways the car crash affected you. Successful rideshare accident claims could provide compensation for:

  • Accident-related medical bills
  • Lost wages if you cannot work due to your injuries
  • Costs of future medical treatment if you need ongoing care
  • Lost earning capacity if you can’t earn as much as before the crash
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to doctor’s appointments
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Lost quality of life
  • Repair or replacement costs for property damage

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Athens, Alabama

Taking specific steps after an Uber accident is essential to protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a future car accident claim or legal action. Here’s what you should do after a car wreck:

  • Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
  • Keep a detailed log of any symptoms or injuries you develop.
  • Report the accident to Uber through the app.
  • Obtain a copy of the police report once it’s available.
  • Document the accident scene with photos if your injuries do not prevent you from doing so.
  • Contact a knowledgeable Uber accident attorney as soon as possible.
  • Notify your own insurance company of the crash.
  • Avoid discussing fault or details of the accident with the insurance adjuster.
  • Refrain from posting anything about your rideshare accident case on social media.
  • Collect and organize receipts for all accident-related expenses.
  • Request proof of work absences if you miss work due to your car accident injuries.

Why You Need an Uber Accident Lawyer From Our Law Firm

Do you need legal help after a rideshare accident in Alabama? The personal injury lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have a track record of recovering millions of dollars in compensation for injured Alabamians, and we’re ready to tackle your case. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Uber accident lawyer in Athens.