Injured While Riding in an Uber or Lyft in Alabama? Your Legal Rights Explained

In 2024, there were 140,118 vehicle crashes in Alabama. Of these, many involved Uber or Lyft drivers. The ridesharing economy has boomed in recent years, with more and more people using the services as transportation.

Passengers may wonder what to do if they are injured during a rideshare drive. Many ask questions such as:

• Who is liable?
• What type of insurance policy do these drivers have?
• How do they get the compensation they deserve after an accident?
• How do they handle this type of claim?

These are all valid questions that have nuanced answers. Each ridesharing company handles accidents differently, and every accident is unique. Some people may feel challenged while trying to navigate this type of claim and seek the assistance of an attorney.

If you are struggling after a rideshare accident, we recommend you request a free consultation with Martin & Helms, P.C. to learn your legal options. Or keep reading to learn more about your legal rights below:

Who is liable in a rideshare accident?

It depends. Many factors are considered when determining liability for an accident, including rideshares. Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence law that plays into the liability factor.

Alabama is one of the few states following a contributory negligence law. If a passenger is partly responsible for an accident, they might face serious challenges from the insurer or defense attorneys. Many people wonder how a passenger could be responsible for an accident. While uncommon, it could be the case if they were interfering with a driver’s operation of the vehicle, or knowingly got in the car with a driver who seemed unsafe or impaired.

Sometimes, insurance companies will argue any of these reasons to get out of paying an incident claim. An experienced attorney has the skills needed to fight against these types of tactics.

How does rideshare insurance coverage work?

Rideshare companies have complex insurance coverage structures. The type of coverage available and the amount are dependent on where the driver is in the rideshare process. We’ve listed the most common policy details below:

Not logged in to the app

If a driver is not logged in to the app, then Uber and Lyft are not responsible for providing insurance coverage. Accidents with drivers not logged in are treated as all other types of vehicle accidents. The driver’s personal insurance coverage is where passengers file claims.

Logged in to the app, but waiting for a passenger

If a driver is logged in and doesn’t have a passenger yet, Alabama requires primary liability coverage, which may be provided by the driver, the rideshare company, or both.

Logged in to the app and driving a passenger

When the driver is logged in and driving a passenger, Uber and Lyft usually provide commercial coverage. Of course, there are contingencies and other factors that play into how much a person can receive. It’s best if someone speaks to an attorney to understand their legal options.

What legal rights do passengers have?

When obtaining a rideshare service, the passenger has legal rights. We’ve listed them below:

• The right to find out why the accident happened
• The right to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company
• The right to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance company (if applicable)
• The right to hold at-fault parties accountable
• The right to be treated fairly by insurance companies
• The right to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages
• The right to legal representation

Some people find it challenging to fight for their rights while healing from a car accident. This is where a personal injury lawyer is invaluable to clients. They provide peace of mind and ongoing legal support. This allows the injured parties to focus on healing.

Rideshare injury FAQs:

Curious about rideshare passenger injuries in Alabama? We’ve answered the questions we receive the most often below:

How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident?

In Alabama, claimants generally have two years after an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. It may seem like a long time, but it tends to pass faster than most people expect. If you were in a rideshare accident in Alabama, we strongly encourage you to speak to a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.

Do I really need a rideshare injury claim lawyer?

You may or may not need an attorney for your case. If you are uncertain, we provide free case evaluations. One of our knowledgeable attorneys can hear the details of your incident and educate you on the legal options available.

How much can an injured Uber passenger in Alabama get?

Many factors are considered when valuing a claim. Because of this, it would be impossible and unethical to provide an estimate. However, in past claims, we have fought for the following forms of compensation for clients:

• Lost wages
• Current and future medical expenses
• Future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Each case is unique, and there are no guarantees of compensation. Do you want to learn more about your specific accident? If so, we encourage you to speak to an experienced attorney.

How can a personal injury attorney help with my claim?

A personal injury attorney helps their clients through the legal process. Attorneys provide compassionate and knowledgeable guidance and support for their clients. This often creates peace of mind and relieves stress for them. Other ways attorneys help injured Uber passengers in Alabama include:

• Investigate accidents to gather evidence and witness statements
• Review complex insurance policies and negotiate with insurance companies
• Advocate for their clients’ rights
• File claims and manage legal timelines
• Represent their clients in court

When someone hires a rideshare injury lawyer, it allows them to focus on healing after an accident. Have you been injured in an accident with Uber or Lyft? We recommend you speak to an attorney to understand your legal options.

Contact Martin & Helms, P.C. for a free case evaluation today

Sometimes, people may face challenges when fighting for their legal rights after a rideshare accident. This could include when determining liability, gathering evidence, and submitting a legal claim. These activities can feel daunting for some victims, especially when they are trying to heal.

That’s why we offer free case evaluations at Martin & Helms, P.C. We learn about each person’s specific situation and educate them on their legal options. Contact us today to request a free case evaluation.