Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in Huntsville and other major metropolitan areas in Alabama as they offer convenient methods for people to get to their destinations without having to rely on taxis and public transportation. However, this popularity has come at a cost since hundreds of people have been injured or killed in rideshare accidents.
If you suffered injuries as a rideshare passenger in Huntsville, or if a rideshare car struck you as you were riding your bicycle or walking, you may qualify to obtain compensation. To help you navigate the claims process and increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve, you need to work with a Huntsville rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The Huntsville personal injury attorneys at Dennis Injury Law have successfully handled many rideshare accident claims, and we have recovered substantial compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can help you get the most from your Huntsville rideshare accident claim.
Huntsville Rideshare Accident Guide
- What Are Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Huntsville?
- Who Is Responsible for My Huntsville Rideshare Accident Injuries?
- Understanding Rideshare Insurance Requirements
- What Should I Do After Suffering Injuries as a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident in Huntsville?
- What Types of Compensation Can I Receive From a Rideshare Accident Claim?
- Contact a Huntsville Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
What Are Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Huntsville?
Rideshare accidents in Huntsville can result from various factors, including:
- Distracted Driving
- Driver Fatigue
- Speeding
- Driver Inexperience
- Impaired Driving
- Vehicle Maintenance Issues
- Traffic Violations
- The negligence of other motorists
While these factors are common in all kinds of traffic accidents, rideshare accidents have additional considerations, such as:
- Inadequate Background Checks: Rideshare companies are responsible for conducting thorough background checks on their drivers. If these checks are inadequate, it may result in drivers with a history of traffic violations or other issues.
- Communication Issues: Miscommunication between drivers, passengers, and other road users can lead to confusion and accidents, particularly during pick-ups and drop-offs.
Understanding these common causes of rideshare accidents in Huntsville emphasizes the need for both rideshare drivers and passengers to prioritize safety, adhere to traffic laws, and remain vigilant on the roads. Additionally, legal professionals, such as Huntsville rideshare accident attorneys, play a vital role in helping victims navigate the aftermath of these accidents and seek appropriate compensation.
Who Is Responsible for My Huntsville Rideshare Accident Injuries?
Determining responsibility for rideshare accident injuries in Huntsville can be complex, as it often involves multiple parties. The specific circumstances of the accident will influence who may be held accountable.
Here are potential parties that might be responsible for your Huntsville rideshare accident injuries:
- Rideshare Driver: If the rideshare driver's negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving, directly caused the accident, they may be held responsible for the injuries.
- Other Motorists: If another driver on the road was at fault and their actions led to the rideshare accident, that driver may be held liable for the injuries sustained.
- Rideshare Company: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have a duty to ensure the safety of their passengers. If a rideshare driver caused the accident during the course of providing a ride, the rideshare company might share liability.
- Third Parties: If the accident was caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, or another motorist not involved in the rideshare service, they may be held responsible.
- Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: In cases where a mechanical failure or defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance provider might be held liable.
- Local Government: Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or faulty traffic signals could contribute to accidents. In some cases, if the local government is responsible for maintaining safe roadways, they might be held accountable.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault party does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage, your own insurance policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play.
Determining liability in a rideshare accident often involves a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and sometimes, the rideshare company's records.
The rideshare accident lawyers at Dennis Injury Law can help victims understand their legal options for pursuing compensation and assist with gathering evidence and documentation to establish liability.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Requirements
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the coverage may vary depending on the driver's activity.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects related to rideshare insurance requirements:
- Period 0 - Driver Offline: When the rideshare driver is offline and not using the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance is in effect. Rideshare company insurance does not apply during this period.
- Period 1 - Driver Online, Waiting for a Ride Request: Rideshare companies usually provide contingent liability coverage during this phase, which serves as secondary insurance to the driver's personal policy. It covers third-party liability but may have limitations.
- Period 2 - Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger: The rideshare company's full liability coverage becomes primary during this phase. Comprehensive and collision coverage is contingent, covering the driver's vehicle but subject to a deductible.
- Period 3 - Passenger in the Vehicle: The rideshare company's comprehensive liability coverage is in effect, covering bodily injury and property damage to third parties. It also includes coverage for the rideshare driver's injuries.
Both Uber and Lyft offer an extensive $1 million liability policy that becomes the immediate liability insurance policy during periods 2 and 3.
The company’s liability policy kicks in when:
- The rideshare driver collides with another vehicle.
- The rideshare driver strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist.
- The rideshare driver causes an accident when a passenger is in their vehicle.
- Another driver causes an accident with a rideshare vehicle that’s carrying a passenger.
Although Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services offer liability insurance coverage, obtaining rightful benefits can be challenging. Therefore, you need to work with an experienced Huntsville rideshare accident lawyer to protect your rights and interests and help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After Suffering Injuries as a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident in Huntsville?
If you suffered injuries as a passenger in a rideshare accident, to protect your health and safety as well as your legal right to pursue compensation:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained, even if they appear minor.
- Report the accident to local authorities and call for emergency medical services if anyone has suffered serious or life-threatening injuries.
- Gather evidence at the scene by taking photographs and document as much as you can about how the accident occurred.
- Get the names, contact information, and insurance information from the rideshare driver and any other motorists involved in the crash.
- Notify your own insurance company of the accident and follow their recommendations for filing a claim.
- Contact an attorney to guide you through the process and protect your rights and interests.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive From a Rideshare Accident Claim?
You could receive various forms of compensation after a rideshare accident that injured you, such as:
- Medical bills, including future medical expenses
- Lost income and wages, including loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
You may receive other forms of compensation as well, but you need a Huntsville rideshare accident attorney to assess your claim and help you identify and calculate the amounts you need to pursue.
Contact a Huntsville Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
The laws and insurance requirements surrounding rideshare accidents are complex and often confusing. The Huntsville rideshare accident attorneys at Dennis Injury Law can help you understand your rights and options and serve as invaluable advocates to ensure you get all you need to cover your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation at (256) 500-4878. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay us anything upfront to represent you. We will only accept a fee if we recover compensation for you through an insurance settlement or court award.
Dennis Injury Law
221 Longwood Dr SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
Ph: (256) 5004 878