Introduction:
Uber and Lyft rides have become a normal part of life in Alabama—whether you’re getting home from a football game in Tuscaloosa, traveling for work in Birmingham, or heading to the airport in Huntsville. But what happens if you’re hurt in a crash while riding in one of these vehicles?
Rideshare accidents can be legally complicated. Who pays for your injuries—the rideshare company, the driver’s insurance, or your own? If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident, here’s what to do next and how an Alabama personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.
Step 1: Call 911 and Report the Accident
Always call the police—even if the driver suggests it’s “not necessary.” You’ll need an official report for your claim.
Tell the dispatcher:
You’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle
The location of the crash
Whether you or others are injured
Police documentation is vital in proving who was at fault and how the accident occurred.
Step 2: Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor right away. Rideshare collisions often result in:
- Whiplash
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Medical records will also help link your injuries directly to the crash—essential for any insurance claim or lawsuit.
Step 3: Document the Scene (If You’re Able)
Use your phone to gather as much evidence as possible:
Photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, and road conditions
Names and contact info for all drivers and witnesses
Screenshots of your Uber/Lyft trip receipt and app status
Police report number
This evidence can make or break your case, especially if the insurance companies argue over fault.
Step 4: Understand Who May Be Liable
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties:
The Uber or Lyft driver
Another at-fault driver
The rideshare company’s insurer
Your own insurance policy (for UM/UIM coverage)
The driver’s insurance may apply if they were off-duty, but Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability coverage while a passenger is in the vehicle.
Step 5: Speak to an Alabama Rideshare Accident Lawyer
These cases can get messy fast. Rideshare companies often try to deny liability by claiming drivers are “independent contractors,” not employees.
Our legal team will:
- Investigate who’s truly at fault
- File claims with all appropriate insurers
- Fight lowball settlement offers
- Handle the legal side so you can focus on healing
Common Scenarios We Handle
You were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft
You were hit by an Uber/Lyft as a pedestrian or cyclist
You were driving and hit by a rideshare vehicle
A loved one was killed in a fatal rideshare crash
We’ve helped victims across Alabama—from Hoover to Decatur, Opelika, and Mobile—navigate these difficult situations.
What You May Be Entitled To:
- Emergency medical costs and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages (for fatal crashes)
Conclusion
Rideshare companies are quick to protect themselves—but who’s protecting you? Don’t deal with Uber or Lyft’s insurance teams alone. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident in Alabama, we’re ready to help.
Contact Counsel Hound at 1-855-804-6863 or visit counselhound.com for a FREE consultation.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Every case is different. Contact a licensed attorney to discuss your specific situation.
