Lyft drivers rely on the app to earn a living. But any form of handheld cellphone use can be dangerous behind the wheel. With this being the case, can Lyft drivers be held liable for using the app while driving? An experienced Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer explains.
Lyft Drivers Can Be Held Liable for Using the App While Driving
In Alabama, Lyft drivers can be held liable for using their phones behind the wheel—just like anyone else. While Lyft drivers might need to use the app to earn a living, this does not justify putting their rideshare passengers and other motorists in harm’s way. If any driver causes an accident due to being distracted by his or her phone, he or she can be held fully accountable.
Not only is handheld cell phone use dangerous, but in Alabama, it is also against the law. A law passed in 2024 prohibits drivers from handling their phones behind the wheel—except during emergencies and in other limited circumstances.
Lyft Accident Victims Can Seek Compensation Based on a Driver’s Use of the App
All of this means that if you have been injured in a Lyft accident caused by a driver who was using the app, you can—and should—hire a Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer to help you seek just compensation.
In most cases, this will involve filing an insurance claim. Lyft drivers are required to carry liability insurance under Alabama law, and if a Lyft driver doesn’t have liability insurance coverage, then Lyft must provide coverage on the driver’s behalf.
However, in order to file a successful liability claim, you must be able to prove that the Lyft driver is legally responsible for your accident-related injuries. If you are filing a claim based on the Lyft driver being distracted, this means that you must be able to prove that he or she was using the app at the time of the collision. There are a variety of ways to prove this, including:
- Obtaining the driver’s cellphone data from his or her phone carrier
- Obtaining app usage data from Lyft
- Reviewing traffic or surveillance camera footage of the accident
- Taking the Lyft driver’s sworn testimony
- Talking to the rideshare passenger (if you got hit by a Lyft driver)
That said, the evidence available in your Lyft accident case will depend on the specific circumstances. Once you hire a Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will be able to conduct a comprehensive investigation and determine what evidence he or she can use to seek just compensation on your behalf.
What if you know (or suspect) the Lyft driver was using the app, but you can’t prove it?
While proving that the Lyft driver was distracted by the app is one option for seeking just compensation after a collision, there are other options as well. For example, even if you can’t prove that the Lyft driver was using his or her phone in the moments leading up to the crash, you may be able to prove that:
- The Lyft driver was speeding
- The Lyft driver ran a red light or stop sign
- The Lyft driver was tailgating
- The Lyft driver turned or merged without looking
- The Lyft driver turned or merged without the right of way
Just as driving while distracted is negligence, all of these are forms of negligence for which Lyft drivers can be held accountable in Alabama. After investigating your accident, your lawyer will be able to determine not only if it is possible to prove that the Lyft driver was on the app, but also if it is possible to prove any other grounds for liability.
What You Should Do if You Suspect a Lyft Driver Was Using the App While Driving
With all of this in mind, what should you do if you were injured in a collision involving a Lyft driver and you have reason to believe that the Lyft driver was using the app?
First and foremost, you should not make any assumptions. In particular, you should not make assumptions about what you might be able to prove, and you should not assume that the Lyft driver is going to admit liability. You also should not assume that the insurance companies are going to treat you fairly. When you have a Lyft accident claim, it is up to you to make sure you have every chance to seek the financial compensation you deserve.
This starts with putting an experienced Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer on your side.
Although hiring a lawyer to deal with the insurance companies isn’t required, it is strongly recommended. Additionally, if you need to obtain documentation from Lyft or the Lyft driver’s cell phone company, practically speaking, this will require experienced legal representation. The reality is that while you can try to handle your situation on your own, if you do, there is very little chance that you will receive the financial compensation you deserve. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation (including seeking to obtain the driver’s Lyft app and cell phone data records)
- Examine the evidence to determine what grounds you have to seek just compensation
- Calculate the financial and non-financial costs of your injuries
- Deal with the insurance companies for you
- Help you decide when (and if) you should settle your Lyft accident claim
Our lawyers provide all of these services at no out-of-pocket cost to our clients. If you need to know more about protecting your legal rights after a Lyft accident in Alabama, we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Birmingham Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
Were you injured in a car accident involving a Lyft Driver? If so, we can help, but it is important that you contact us promptly. Call 205-855-2745 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.