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.
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 Law Group 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.
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:
When Driving a Passenger or Going to Pick One Up: This is when the best coverage kicks in:
Several parties might be responsible for your injuries. Understanding who they are helps you know where to seek compensation.
The driver can be personally liable if they:
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.
The companies try to avoid responsibility by calling drivers “independent contractors” instead of employees. But Michael Strickland, partner at Strickland Law Group, has spent years fighting these big companies. Sometimes you can hold them responsible if they:
Your actions in the first hours and days after a crash can make or break your case. Here’s what you need to do:
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.
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.
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:
The lawyers at Strickland Law Group know how to fight these unfair tactics. They’ve been protecting Alabama accident victims from this harsh law for decades.
Passengers often get hurt worse than drivers because they’re not expecting the crash. Common injuries include:
These injuries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat. Without proper legal help, you might get stuck with these bills.
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 Law Group 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 Law Group has tried over 100 cases, and insurance companies know they mean business.
Can I afford a lawyer? Strickland Law Group 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.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose only job is to pay you less. They use tricks like:
Without experienced lawyers, most people don’t stand a chance against these tactics.
Rideshare accidents create complicated legal problems that need experienced lawyers. The team at Strickland Law Group 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 Law Group 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.