Though Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies claim their services are a safe alternative to other transit options, the available evidence says otherwise. Many people in Alabama and across the country have been hurt in accidents involving rideshare vehicles, suffering injuries that are often physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.
If you’re among these rideshare accident victims, our experienced lawyers can help you demand the compensation you deserve for injuries someone else caused.
At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our Florence rideshare injury lawyers are not afraid of companies like Uber, Lyft, and their insurers. We understand how catastrophic rideshare accidents are, and we have decades of legal experience and a proven track record of success to put at your disposal. While we fight for the compensation you deserve, you can rest and focus on your medical treatment.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation with a rideshare car accident lawyer in Florence, AL.
The Alarming Statistics of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are a growing problem in Alabama and across the country. Researchers at Rice University and the University of Chicago found that Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services caused a 2 percent to 3 percent increase in fatal car accidents and accident fatalities. Specifically, they determined that ridesharing puts more vehicles on the road – vehicles operated by drivers who are often distracted because they must interact with GPS and ride-hailing applications on their smartphones.
Some of the most common causes of these Uber and Lyft accidents include the following:
- Drowsy driving, particularly at night or in the early morning
- Distracted driving, especially by rideshare drivers operating the smartphone app while they should focus on the road
- Speeding or overly aggressive drivers trying to squeeze more fares into their schedules
- Mechanical failure or defects with a rideshare driver’s vehicle
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Making unsafe turns or lane changes
- Drug- or alcohol-impaired driving
What to Do If You Were Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident
What you do after an Uber or Lyft accident can significantly impact your personal injury case. With that in mind, here are the steps to take to protect your rights after a crash:
- Call 911 to report the crash. You or another party involved in the crash may need medical attention, and you’ll want the police accident report when you file a personal injury claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately, no matter how minor your injuries initially seem.
- Report the accident through the rideshare app.
- Ask the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved in the crash for their information, such as their name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and individual insurance information.
- Take pictures of the crash scene, the damage to all the vehicles involved in the crash, and any injuries you sustained.
- Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information.
- Note the location of any nearby surveillance or traffic cameras.
- Save all your medical records and any receipts for accident-related expenses.
- Do not talk about the crash on social media.
- Do not give any statements to an insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
- Contact our Florence ridesharing accident attorneys.
Rideshare Insurance Policies in Alabama
Uber and Lyft both provide insurance for their drivers in certain circumstances, though how much coverage a driver has and when that coverage applies depends on which of the following phases the driver was in at the time:
- The driver has a passenger or is en route to a fare. In this phase, an Uber or Lyft driver has $1 million in third-party injury coverage.
- The driver is available or waiting for a fare. In this phase, Uber and Lyft’s third-party liability coverage includes $50,000 for a single person or $100,000 for multiple people injured in an accident. Their coverage also includes $25,000 in property damage coverage. However, this coverage is triggered only if the driver’s own insurance is insufficient.
- The driver is offline or has the rideshare app closed. In this phase, the rideshare driver is liable for your injuries if they caused the crash. In other words, Uber and Lyft’s corporate insurance coverage would not apply. According to the state Department of Insurance, all Alabama drivers must have at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. Alabama drivers must also have at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Talk to our attorneys immediately if you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident. We can investigate the incident, determine whose insurance applies, and file all potential claims on your behalf.
Compensation Available for Florence Rideshare Injuries
The amount of compensation you can recover in a rideshare accident case depends on your injuries, financial losses, and insurance coverage, among other factors. With the right lawyer and the right evidence to support your claim, you could get money for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings due to an injury or disability
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life due to an injury or disability
- Damaged personal property
Injuries Commonly Seen in Rideshare Victims
Like any car crash, Alabama rideshare accidents can lead to severe injuries, such as the following examples:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- External head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Crushed or severed limbs
- Severe burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Emotional distress
Why You Need Our Florence Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Uber, Lyft, and their insurance carriers want to pay as little as possible after a crash and will look for ways to deny you fair compensation. With our experienced and aggressive legal team on your side, you’ll have a committed advocate who knows how to take these companies on and come out on top. We’ll take care of all the legal work in your case while you get treatment for your injuries.
You have one shot at recovering compensation after a rideshare accident. We’re here to help you make the most of it.
Contact an Experienced Florence Car Accident Lawyer Today
The team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., is ready to step up and protect your rights after an Uber or Lyft accident. Call our office today or visit our contact page for a free consultation. Our Florence rideshare injury attorneys can meet you wherever is most convenient to discuss your case.
