In a recent article, we discussed three important ways that rideshare accidents are different from other types of motor vehicle accidents. But, while there are some unique aspects to rideshare accident claims, these claims share some important similarities with other types of accident claims as well. Here are some additional insights from our Birmingham rideshare accident attorney:

How Uber and Lyft Accidents are Similar to Other Types of Vehicle Collisions

If you were injured in an auto accident that was someone else’s fault, you are entitled to just compensation under Alabama law. This is true regardless of whether the driver who hit you was working at the time of the collision. With this in mind, here are five important ways that rideshare accidents are similar to accidents involving other vehicles:

1. Seeking Just Compensation Typically Involves Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

Seeking just compensation for your losses after a rideshare accident typically involves filing an auto insurance claim. Just like other drivers, rideshare drivers are required to carry liability insurance under Alabama law.

So, if the rideshare driver who hit you was at fault in the accident, recovering your losses will most likely involve dealing with the rideshare driver’s insurance company. As long as the rideshare driver has liability insurance, you should be able to file a claim with his or her insurance company to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial and non-financial losses.

With that said, filing a successful auto insurance claim requires proof of liability. In other words, you must be able to prove that the rideshare driver is legally responsible for your injuries. This requires evidence from the scene of the accident (and may require evidence from other sources as well)—so it will be important for you to hire an experienced Birmingham rideshare accident attorney to conduct an investigation as soon as possible.

2. Filing an Auto Insurance Claim May Not Be Your Only Option

While seeking just compensation for your losses after a rideshare accident usually involves filing an auto insurance claim, this isn’t necessarily your only option. Depending on the circumstances involved in your accident, you could also have claims such as:

  • A claim against the at-fault driver’s employer or rideshare company;
  • A claim against a vehicle repair shop, dealership or manufacturer; and/or,
  • A claim against a government agency or contractor that is responsible for an issue with the road.

If you have one of these types of claims, filing this claim could be essential for recovering the financial compensation you deserve. Once your Birmingham rideshare accident attorney has investigated your accident, your attorney will be able to advise you regarding the specific claim (or claims) you are eligible to file.

3. Recovering Just Compensation for Your Losses Is Not a Straightforward Process

Regardless of the claim (or claims) you need to file in order to seek the financial compensation for your losses, recovering just compensation after a rideshare accident is not a straightforward process. Some of the key steps in the process include:

  • Investigating the Cause of the Accident – As discussed above, conducting a prompt (and thorough) investigation is a key step toward seeking the financial compensation you deserve. To prove liability, you will need clear evidence of why the accident happened and who (or what company) is responsible.  
  • Calculating the Value of Your Claim – When you have an auto accident claim, you cannot simply rely on the insurance companies to pay the full compensation you deserve. As a result, once you hire an attorney to represent you, you will need to work closely with your attorney to calculate “just” compensation for your present and future losses resulting from the collision.
  • Establishing Your Right to Just Compensation – Once you have all of the evidence you need, then you can begin the process of seeking the financial compensation you deserve. The insurance companies will fight accident victims’ claims by all means available, and this means that you need to be prepared to fight for your right to just compensation.

While fighting for just compensation often means dealing directly with the insurance companies, sometimes accident victims need to take their claims to court. If the insurance companies are unwilling to settle your rideshare accident claim for just compensation, you will need to rely on your attorney to file a lawsuit and fight for just compensation at trial.

4. It is Up to You to Make Sure You Are Seeking the Full Compensation You Deserve

When you have an insurance claim for any type of auto accident, it is up to you to make sure you are seeking the full compensation you deserve. As we said above, you cannot rely on the insurance companies to calculate your losses for you. Unlike the insurance companies, your attorney will have your best interests in mind, and your attorney will use his or her experience to help make sure you are seeking full compensation for your losses—both now and in the future.

5. You Can (and Should) Hire an Experienced Attorney to Represent You

Whether you have a claim for a rideshare accident or any other type of auto accident, you can (and should) hire an experienced attorney to represent you. Your attorney will be able to protect your legal rights and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney will also be able to help you make informed decisions throughout the process; and, at the end of the process, you can feel confident knowing that you have done everything you possibly could to protect yourself and your family.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation with an Experienced Birmingham Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you need to know more about filing a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident in Alabama, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To arrange a free consultation with an experienced Birmingham rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible, call 205-855-2745 or tell us how we can get in touch online now.