Do you have an attorney near me who can handle my Alabama rideshare and delivery driver accidents?
Yes, our offices are located at 2317 Market Place SW, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. If you’re unable to come into the office, we’re happy to meet you virtually or chat on the phone.
Contact our Alabama attorneys today
Unfortunately, accidents happen. If you’ve been injured by a rideshare or delivery driver, we’re here to help. Contact Martin & Helms today to start building your case.
- Why choose Martin & Helms for DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, and delivery driver accidents in Huntsville?
- Common types of app-based driver accidents in Huntsville
- Injuries commonly seen in rideshare and delivery accidents
- Platforms that may be involved in Huntsville app-based accidents
- What to do after an accident with a rideshare or delivery driver
- Insurance coverage in rideshare and delivery driver accidents
- How Martin & Helms handles accident claims with app-based companies like DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft
- How to determine liability in app-based driver accidents
- Damages available in app-based driver accidents
- Frequently asked questions
- Do you have an attorney near me who can handle my Alabama rideshare and delivery driver accidents?
Why choose Martin & Helms for DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, and delivery driver accidents in Huntsville?
Martin & Helms is a team of experienced personal injury attorneys. We have decades of combined experience handling serious injury and vehicle accident claims, including rideshare and delivery driver crashes.
Rideshare and delivery driver insurance issues can be complex, but we have a comprehensive understanding and can guide you through the legal process. We offer personalized, client-focused representation, meaning we listen to what you have to say and tailor our legal strategy to match your goals.
Our firm provides free consultations and contingency-fee representation – there is no upfront cost to you. Our trial record is impressive, including multiple multi-million dollar settlements. While our past successes can’t promise future results, our track record does indicate how hard we work for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare or delivery driver accident, reach out today. We’re ready to help you.
Common types of app-based driver accidents in Huntsville
App-based driving accidents differ from traditional car accidents. Rideshare drivers, such as Uber or Lyft drivers, may rush to pick up passengers, become distracted by app-based navigation, or stop suddenly in unsafe locations. Delivery drivers, such as DoorDash or Grubhub drivers, might juggle multiple orders at the same time, travel in unfamiliar areas, and face pressure to meet quick delivery deadlines. These factors may increase the likelihood of unsafe driving decisions that can put passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and third-party drivers at risk.
Common types of accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Intersection crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Parking-related incidents
- Curbside delivery crashes
If you’ve suffered from an injury due to an accident with a rideshare or delivery driver, contact Martin & Helms today. We have experience handling complex litigation matters, and we’re here to help.
Injuries commonly seen in rideshare and delivery accidents
Car accidents, including those involving rideshare and delivery drivers, can result in injuries ranging from minor to serious. Common car accident injuries include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
Anyone involved in a rideshare or delivery driver accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can protect your health and help document injuries for any potential personal injury claim.
Injuries commonly seen in rideshare and delivery accidents
Car accidents, including those involving rideshare and delivery drivers, can result in injuries ranging from minor to serious. Common car accident injuries include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
Anyone involved in a rideshare or delivery driver accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can protect your health and help document injuries for any potential personal injury claim.
What to do after an accident with a rideshare or delivery driver
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a rideshare or delivery driver, what you do next matters. First steps include:
- Seek medical care immediately. After a rideshare or delivery accident, even if injuries are not obvious, get medical care. Medical records help protect both your health and your claim.
- Document everything. This includes snapping photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries, taking notes detailing your recollection of the event, and listing contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- Report the accident. Contact local police and notify the rideshare or delivery company.
- Speak with an experienced accident attorney. They can help you pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of your damages.
Insurance coverage in rideshare and delivery driver accidents
App status matters in rideshare and delivery driver-related accidents. For example, here is how popular app-based companies Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash handle insurance:
Uber
Uber offers up to $1 million in liability coverage, depending on what stage a driver is in during a trip. When a driver is offline, personal auto insurance kicks in. Drivers must maintain personal auto insurance at mandatory minimum limits and provide proof of that insurance to drive a vehicle with Uber.
When a driver is online and available for a trip, but doesn’t yet have a confirmed passenger, Uber’s third-party liability insurance may cover the cost of injuries or damages in the following amounts:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident for injuries
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
When a driver is en route or on a trip, the up to $1 million liability insurance coverage for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in the accident may apply.
Each state differs, and Uber sometimes maintains extra coverage for riders. Alabama’s Certificate of Liability Insurance outlines what to expect in our state.
Lyft
Lyft also offers up to $1 million in liability coverage. When the app is off, personal auto insurance coverage applies. When the app is on, and drivers are able to receive ride requests, Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance for covered accidents if personal insurance does not apply. Amounts include:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
When a driver is en route or a ride is in progress, Lyft maintains $1 million in third-party auto liability insurance in most states, including Alabama. This insurance, detailed in Lyft’s Certificate of Liability Insurance, covers drivers' liabilities arising from bodily injury and property damage to others or their property in a covered accident.
DoorDash
DoorDash has third-party auto liability insurance for drivers, also called dashers, involved in accidents. Per their Independent Contractor Agreement, this applies while in the “Delivery Service” Period, which is when a Dasher accepts a delivery request on the DoorDash App until the order is marked as delivered, unassigned, or canceled.
If Dashers are online but have not accepted a delivery request, their auto insurance is primary. Dashers are also required to maintain primary auto insurance with minimum limits in accordance with local law.
How Martin & Helms handles accident claims with app-based companies like DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft
At Martin & Helms, we work hard to build each case we take on. Some of the steps we take include:
- Early investigation: We can help to gather and preserve evidence.
- Analyze app data and insurance policies: We determine whether a driver was logged into the app, en route to a pickup, or actively completing a ride or delivery, which can affect insurance coverage and liability.
- Work with experts: Our team can connect with expert witnesses to better understand medical and financial matters relating to your claim.
- Hold responsible parties accountable: We can negotiate, settle, and when necessary, fight for our clients in front of a judge and jury.
How to determine liability in app-based driver accidents
Determining liability in a rideshare or delivery driver case can be complicated. Companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash often classify their workers as independent contractors, seeking to avoid direct liability, although company-provided insurance coverage may apply when the driver is active on the app.
Determining who is liable after an accident often relies on what the driver was doing during the crash. Liability is different based on activity. For example, Uber and Lyft advertise up to $1 million in insurance. However, it only applies when the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or a ride is in progress. If the driver has the app on, but is waiting for a passenger to request a ride, coverage amounts are lower. Food delivery drivers, like DoorDash, have similar policies.
Damages available in app-based driver accidents
Available damages in a rideshare or delivery driver personal injury claim include:
Economic damages
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Rehabilitation and assistive devices
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Vehicle or property damage
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, punitive damages might be available for reckless or intentional misconduct. In cases of wrongful death in Alabama, punitive damages are the only form of damages recoverable.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a rideshare or delivery driver flees the scene?
If a rideshare driver flees the scene, gather any information possible. Jot down notes about the vehicle. Then, report the incident to local law enforcement and contact the rideshare company. At Martin & Helms, we can walk you through the process to pursue compensation for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim in Alabama?
The deadline to file a personal injury matter in Alabama is typically two years.
Can I sue the rideshare driver and the rideshare company?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, including whether there is evidence of independent negligence or applicable insurance coverage.
Do you have an attorney near me who can handle my Alabama rideshare and delivery driver accidents?
Yes, our offices are located at 2317 Market Place SW, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. If you’re unable to come into the office, we’re happy to meet you virtually or chat on the phone.
Contact our Alabama attorneys today
Unfortunately, accidents happen. If you’ve been injured by a rideshare or delivery driver, we’re here to help. Contact Martin & Helms today to start building your case.