Every day, thousands of people across Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville use Uber and Lyft to get around. Whether you’re heading to work, the airport, or a night out, rideshare apps make travel easy. But what happens when your rideshare gets into an accident? Suddenly, a simple ride becomes a complex legal problem that most people aren’t prepared to handle.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different from Regular Car Crashes in Alabama
When you’re in a regular car accident, figuring out who pays is usually simple. One driver caused the crash, and their insurance covers the damages. But rideshare accidents are different. You might be dealing with three or more insurance companies, and each one will try to avoid paying your claim.
Michael Strickland started Strickland & Kendall over 30 years ago. Since then, he’s won over $1 billion for injured clients and taken more than 100 cases to trial. He knows that rideshare companies and their insurance carriers will fight hard to pay you as little as possible. That’s why you need someone who understands these complex cases from day one.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Works in Alabama
The biggest factor in your case is what the driver was doing when the crash happened. Uber and Lyft break this down into three situations, and each one has different insurance rules:
When the App is Off: The driver is just like any other person driving their car. Only their personal car insurance applies. Here’s the problem – many insurance companies won’t cover drivers who do rideshare work, even when the app is off.
When the App is On but No Ride Yet: The driver is waiting for someone to request a ride. Now there’s some coverage:
- $50,000 per person hurt
- $100,000 total per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
When Driving a Passenger or Going to Pick One Up: This is when the best coverage kicks in:
- $1 million for liability
- $1 million for uninsured drivers
- Full coverage for the vehicle
Who Pays for Your Injuries After an Alabama Rideshare Accident?
Several parties might be responsible for your injuries. Understanding who they are helps you know where to seek compensation.
The Rideshare Driver’s Responsibility
The driver can be personally liable if they:
- Were texting or using their phone
- Ran a red light or stop sign
- Were speeding or driving carelessly
- Were drunk or on drugs
- Had a dangerous vehicle they didn’t maintain
When Another Driver Causes the Crash
If someone else hits your Uber or Lyft, their insurance should pay first. But what if they don’t have enough coverage? Or what if they don’t have insurance at all? That’s when Uber and Lyft’s million-dollar policy should help. But getting them to pay isn’t always easy.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
The companies try to avoid responsibility by calling drivers “independent contractors” instead of employees. But Ed Kendall, partner at Strickland & Kendall, has spent years fighting these big companies. Sometimes you can hold them responsible if they:
- Didn’t check the driver’s background properly
- Knew about safety problems but ignored them
- Had app problems that distracted the driver
- Failed to remove dangerous drivers from their platform
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Alabama
Your actions in the first hours and days after a crash can make or break your case. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions don’t show symptoms right away. Plus, insurance companies will use any delay in treatment against you.
2. Gather Evidence Before It Disappears
- Screenshot your ride information immediately – it may vanish from the app
- Take photos of all cars, the scene, and your injuries
- Get names and numbers from witnesses
- Keep your ride receipt and any app notifications
3. Report the Accident Properly
- Call the police and get a report
- Report it through the Uber or Lyft app
- Tell your own insurance company
- Don’t sign anything or accept money without talking to a lawyer
4. Watch What You Say
Insurance adjusters will call you quickly. They seem friendly, but they’re looking for ways to deny your claim. Don’t give recorded statements or discuss fault without legal help.
Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Law Makes Everything Harder
Here’s something most people don’t know: Alabama has the strictest accident law in the country. If you’re even 1% at fault, you get nothing. Zero. Insurance companies know this and will try to blame you for anything:
- Not wearing your seatbelt
- Not telling the driver to slow down
- Being on your phone
- Choosing to ride with a driver who seemed unsafe
The lawyers at Strickland & Kendall know how to fight these unfair tactics. They’ve been protecting Alabama accident victims from this harsh law for decades.
Common Injuries from Rideshare Accidents in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville
Passengers often get hurt worse than drivers because they’re not expecting the crash. Common injuries include:
- Neck and back injuries that cause chronic pain
- Head injuries that affect memory and thinking
- Broken bones that need surgery
- Emotional trauma that lasts long after physical injuries heal
- Internal injuries that aren’t obvious at first
These injuries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat. Without proper legal help, you might get stuck with these bills.
Your Questions About Alabama Uber and Lyft Accidents Answered
How long do I have to file a claim? Alabama gives you only two years to file a lawsuit. That sounds like a lot, but building a strong case takes time. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and injuries may need months to fully understand. Call a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if the driver didn’t have the app on? This is one of the hardest situations. You’ll likely need to go after the driver’s personal insurance or assets. Many drivers don’t have enough coverage, which is why having an experienced lawyer matters. They can find every possible source of compensation.
How much money can I get for my case? Every case is different. Your compensation depends on your medical bills, lost wages, pain level, and how the accident happened. Strickland & Kendall offers free consultations where they’ll review your case and give you honest answers about its value.
Will I have to go to court? Most cases settle without trial. But insurance companies pay more when they know you have lawyers willing to go to court. Strickland & Kendall has tried over 100 cases, and insurance companies know they mean business.
Can I afford a lawyer? Strickland & Kendall works on contingency. That means you pay nothing unless they win your case. They cover all costs upfront, so you can focus on getting better while they fight for your rights.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Alabama Rideshare Claims So Hard
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose only job is to pay you less. They use tricks like:
- Calling you right after the accident when you’re confused and in pain
- Offering quick cash that’s far less than you deserve
- Twisting your words from recorded statements
- Hiring doctors who always say injuries aren’t that bad
- Dragging out your case until you’re desperate for money
Without experienced lawyers, most people don’t stand a chance against these tactics.
Get Help from Experienced Alabama Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Rideshare accidents create complicated legal problems that need experienced lawyers. The team at Strickland & Kendall has the knowledge, resources, and courage to take on Uber, Lyft, and their insurance companies. They’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients and aren’t afraid to go to trial when necessary.
Don’t try to handle this alone. The insurance companies have lawyers working for them – you deserve the same.
Call Strickland & Kendall today at 334-269-3230 for your free consultation. They’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.