Birmingham Lyft Accident Lawyer - Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers

What Makes Lyft Accidents Different?

Lyft accidents present unique challenges compared to standard vehicle accidents. The primary distinction lies in the rideshare model itself. Lyft drivers are not employees of the company; they are independent contractors who use their personal vehicles to provide rides to passengers. Such a structure can complicate liability and insurance claims.

When a Lyft accident occurs, the driver’s status at the time of the crash determines which insurance policy applies. Lyft provides a tiered insurance policy that changes based on whether the driver is actively transporting a passenger, en route to pick up a passenger, or waiting for a ride request. These tiers of coverage tend to make the claims process confusing for most injured parties, which can lead to difficulty when attempting to navigate your legal rights and options without the assistance of a capable Lyft accident attorney.

Steps to Take After a Lyft Accident in Birmingham

If you are involved in a Lyft accident, whether as a passenger, another motorist, a pedestrian, or even a cyclist, taking the right steps after a collision can protect your health and legal rights.

Get Prompt Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, that feeling may be deceptive. After an accident, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can diagnose potential injuries and provide a record of your condition (which is important if you need to pursue litigation).
Contact Birmingham Law Enforcement: Call law enforcement and make sure that an official accident report is filed. This report serves as valuable evidence for your claim.
Document the Accident Scene: If you are able to do so safely and without harm to yourself, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, do not forget to gather contact information from all witnesses.
Obtain the Driver’s Information: Be sure to get the Lyft driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information. Also, take a screenshot of your ride details within the Lyft app.
Let Lyft Know About the Accident: Use the Lyft app or their website to report the accident. Ensure that Lyft’s support team acknowledges the report, but avoid offering detailed statements to them before speaking with an attorney.
Contact Your Insurer About the Crash: Notify your auto insurance provider about the accident and avoid accepting blame or making detailed statements until you have spoken to a Lyft accident attorney.
Talk to a Birmingham Lyft Accident Lawyer: An experienced lawyer at Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC will guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and help maximize your compensation.

Dealing with Lyft After a Crash

Navigating the aftermath of a Lyft accident can be challenging due to the company’s tiered insurance policies and potential attempts to minimize payouts. Here’s what you need to know when dealing with Lyft:

Tiered Insurance Coverage: Lyft’s insurance coverage is divided into three periods of time:
- Period 1: The driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request. During this period, Lyft provides limited liability coverage:
  - $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  - $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
  - $25,000 for property damage
- Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger. Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Period 3: The driver is actively transporting a passenger. Lyft’s $1 million liability policy applies, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Avoid Giving Detailed Statements: When reporting the accident to Lyft or insurance companies, be cautious about the information you provide. Stick to basic facts, and let your lawyer handle detailed communications.
Understand Potential Delays: Rideshare companies often delay claims processing or attempt to shift liability. Your attorney can help counter these tactics and ensure timely progress on your case.

Potential Damages in a Lyft Accident Claim

Victims of Lyft accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of the injuries. Damages in a Lyft accident claim can include:

Medical Bills: Compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to the accident. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and medical equipment.
Lost Income: If the accident caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost income. For severe injuries, you may also seek damages for loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma caused by the accident.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged property.
Therapy and/or Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses related to ongoing care, physical therapy, or home modifications needed for long-term recovery.
Loss of Consortium (Companionship): If the accident affects your relationship with a spouse or family member, you may claim compensation for loss of companionship.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.

Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC understands an accident victim’s need to obtain as much compensation as possible after an accident. Getting your life back on track as quickly as you can is crucial. However, we encourage you not to accept the first settlement offered by the insurance company. It is their job to lowball their offers and save the insurance company as much money as possible. An experienced Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer will assess your damages and ensure you seek full and fair compensation. Do not be fooled by the insurer–they are not working in your best interest.

Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accident Claims in Alabama

In Alabama, there is a strict time limit for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to Lyft accidents. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule. Consider the following:

Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until they reach the age of 19.
Discovery of Injuries: In some cases, injuries may not be discovered immediately. The clock may start ticking from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Given these complexities, it’s crucial to contact a Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Why You Need a Birmingham Lyft Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a Lyft accident can be overwhelming. The complexity of rideshare insurance policies, potential delays by Lyft, and the need to gather and present evidence make having a skilled attorney essential. Here’s why you need a well-versed Lyft accident lawyer:

Navigating Complex Insurance Policies: Your lawyer will determine which insurance policy applies and ensure you receive maximum compensation from the correct sources.
Investigating the Accident: An accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering crucial evidence such as driver records, eyewitness statements, medical reports, and expert testimony.
Handling Communication: Your lawyer will communicate with Lyft, insurance companies, and opposing parties, ensuring your rights are protected and you don’t say anything that could harm your case.
Negotiating Settlements: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. A lawyer will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to achieve a fair settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Reducing Stress: Letting a professional handle the legal aspects allows you to focus on recovery and healing.

A dedicated Lyft accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Speak to a Birmingham Lyft Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Time is of the essence. Don’t face this challenging process alone—reach out for legal guidance and support. Contact Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC today.