Rideshare passengers have clear legal rights in Alabama. If you were injured in a single-vehicle Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation under your Lyft driver’s insurance policy. Other options may also apply, and an experienced Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer can take the right steps to seek the compensation you deserve.
In Alabama, you have legal rights every time you get into a rideshare driver’s vehicle. You have the right to be transported safely to your destination; if you aren’t, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable.
More often than not, this will involve filing a claim with your rideshare driver’s insurance company.
This is especially true in cases involving single-vehicle accidents. Most single-vehicle accidents are the result of driver negligence, and in cases involving driver negligence, injured passengers can file claims under the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Alabama law requires rideshare drivers to carry liability insurance. So, if you have a claim for a single-vehicle Lyft accident, your claim should be covered.
Can I File a Claim with My Lyft Driver’s Insurance Company After a Single-Vehicle Accident?
You can file a claim with your Lyft driver’s insurance company after a single-vehicle accident if your Lyft driver was at fault. Automobile liability insurance applies when an insured driver is responsible.
Since most single-vehicle accidents are the driver’s fault, Lyft passengers injured in single-vehicle accidents can file a claim under their driver’s insurance policy in most cases. Some examples of common grounds to file claims in these cases include:
- Driving recklessly (i.e., going too fast and running off the side of the road)
- Driving while distracted (i.e., accepting additional rides or using navigation apps)
- Driving while fatigued (i.e., crashing because the driver was too tired to be behind the wheel)
But these truly are just examples. Ultimately, if you have been injured in a single-vehicle rideshare accident under any circumstances, it will be worth talking to a Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer about your legal rights.
Can I File a Claim with Lyft’s Insurance Company After a Single-Vehicle Accident?
You may also be able to file a claim with Lyft’s insurance after a single-vehicle rideshare accident. Section 32-7C-2 of the Code of Alabama provides that rideshare companies “shall provide . . . coverage” if a driver does not have the coverage required by law.
Do I Have Other Options for Seeking Financial Compensation?
While most single-vehicle accidents result from driver negligence, some can result from other factors. For example, other possible causes of single-vehicle Lyft accidents in Alabama include:
- Vehicle defects
- Negligent vehicle maintenance or repairs
- Hazardous road conditions
If one of these factors causes your Lyft driver to crash, you could have a “third-party” claim for just compensation. In this scenario, instead of filing a claim with your Lyft driver’s (or Lyft’s) insurance company, your lawyer may need to file a claim with a vehicle manufacturer, a repair shop or dealership, a government agency, or a road construction contractor.
FAQs: Seeking Compensation for a Single-Vehicle Lyft Accident in Alabama
What should I do to protect my legal rights after a single-vehicle Lyft accident?
If you have been injured in a single-vehicle Lyft accident in Alabama, you should keep any evidence you have from the accident. This includes any photos and videos you took with your phone, as well as your ride confirmation. If you received a copy of the police report, keep it as well.
You should also consult with a lawyer promptly. Even if you are clearly entitled to financial compensation for the accident, you will still need to fight for the full compensation you deserve. An experienced Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer can fight for fair compensation on your behalf at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
How much can I recover for a Lyft accident in Alabama?
The amount you are entitled to recover for your Lyft accident depends on the severity of your injuries, whether you miss work as a result of your injuries, and various other factors that are unique to you. Once you hire a lawyer to represent you, they can gather the evidence needed to determine how much to seek in your insurance claim.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim for a Lyft accident in Alabama?
While not legally required, hiring a lawyer to help you file a claim for your Lyft accident is strongly recommended. These claims are complicated, and the first step is filing with the right insurance company. An experienced Birmingham Lyft accident lawyer can advise and represent you every step of the way.
How We Help Lyft Accident Victims in Alabama
At Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we help accident victims fight for just compensation. If you have been seriously injured in a single-vehicle Lyft accident, we can do what it takes to fight for the full compensation you deserve. As your law firm, we will:
- Conduct a detailed investigation to determine what claim (or claims) you are eligible to file
- Calculate the financial and non-financial damages you are entitled to recover
- Take legal action to protect your rights before the statute of limitations expires
- Deal with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate for a favorable settlement and fight for just compensation in court if necessary
Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Birmingham Lyft Accident Lawyer for Free
Were you injured in a single-vehicle Lyft accident in Alabama? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us so that we can help you seek the full compensation you deserve. To start a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 205-855-2745 or tell us how we can help online today.