Ridesharing services have become increasingly popular among Alabama residents in recent years due to their affordability, accessibility, and convenience. While ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are being utilized more frequently as modes of transportation, like in any other car, accidents can happen. As such, it’s crucial to understand your legal options and who can be held liable for damages. If you have been seriously injured in a Lyft accident in Alabama, it’s in your best interest to contact a determined Birmingham Uber Accident Lawyer who can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve.
Who is Responsible for Injuries Suffered in a Lyft Accident?
If you have been involved in a Lyft accident in Alabama, it’s imperative to understand your rights. When dealing with rideshare accidents, it can be difficult to determine liability, as the degree to which Lyft is liable for damages is dependent upon the capacity the driver was acting in. In addition, drivers who provide individuals with rides through Lyft or other ridesharing services are technically not considered employees of the companies but instead independent contractors. Injured parties may be unable to hold the company accountable for their damages. However, the exact period when an accident occurs is crucial in determining whether Lyft can be liable for your damages. Lyft’s liability coverage system assigns liability according to the driver’s status at the time of the collision:
- Driver’s app is off: If an accident occurs while the driver is not using their rideshare app, Lyft will not offer any insurance coverage. When a driver is not logged on to the app at the time of the crash, their case will be handled the same way that a typical car accident would, in which the other driver would use their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and then file a claim against the Lyft driver if necessary. This is because, in this instance, the driver is off-duty. Therefore, Lyft would have no liability for damages.
- App on, no passenger: If an accident occurs when a driver is logged into the app and available but has not yet accepted a ride request, there may be limited coverage under Lyft’s liability insurance policy. This coverage is secondary to the driver’s insurance, meaning it’s only available after the personal insurance limits have been exhausted.
- Passenger onboard or ride accepted: In this scenario, Lyft offers the highest level of coverage to indivduals who have been injured as a result of the negligent actions of a Lyft driver. If a driver were actively transporting a rider at the time of the accident, Lyft would provide coverage for any damages or injuries sustained by passengers or parties. Lyft offers up to $1 million in damages per accident.
At Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we understand how complex these matters can be. If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated Birmingham Uber accident lawyer, who can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
