Mobile Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

This is the highest level of coverage. From the moment the driver clicks "Accept" on their phone until the passenger safely exits the vehicle at their destination, a $1 million commercial liability policy is active. This policy covers injuries to the passenger, as well as injuries to other drivers or pedestrians if the rideshare driver was at fault.

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

People often encounter complications after a rideshare accident due to initially unclear liability for the crash. Unlike a typical car accident in which you can usually point at the other driver and know they did wrong, multiple parties might have contributed to your rideshare accident in some way. Our goal is to identify all possible liable parties, ensuring that no aspect of your accident is overlooked.

Parties who could be liable for your injuries and damages include: 

• Another driver who crashed into your rideshare service vehicle
• Your own rideshare driver, who may have been driving recklessly
• Another rideshare passenger who intentionally distracted the driver

Services like Uber POOL allow strangers into your rideshare vehicle for the trade-off of a reduced cost for the service. What happens if that stranger does something to cause your driver to crash? Our legal team is adept at addressing these unique complexities. 

Furthermore, liability is complicated by the fact that Uber and Lyft drivers are not considered employees. Instead, they are independent contractors. Employment lawsuits have been filed against both companies for alleged mislabeling of employees, but none have been successful in rebranding rideshare drivers as actual employees of these companies. As such, Uber and Lyft might be able to sidestep any degree of accountability if you get into a rideshare accident, but our targeted approach addresses these challenges to seek accountability from all angles.

Injured by a Rideshare Vehicle — Even If You Weren't the Passenger

Most people think of rideshare accident claims as something only an Uber or Lyft passenger can pursue. In reality, anyone injured by a rideshare vehicle may have a claim, including:

• Pedestrians struck by a rideshare driver who was distracted, checking the app for the next passenger's location, or unfamiliar with the area
• Cyclists hit while a rideshare driver was double-parked, pulling to the curb to pick up a passenger, or making an unsafe lane change
• Occupants of other vehicles involved in a collision with a rideshare driver
• Rideshare drivers themselves, who may have a claim against another negligent driver, or in limited circumstances, against the rideshare company

The same three-tiered insurance framework that applies to injured passengers — based on whether the driver was offline, available, or actively transporting a rider — also determines what coverage is available to these other injured parties. A pedestrian struck by an Uber driver who had just dropped off a passenger, for example, may be entitled to pursue the $1 million commercial policy if the driver was still within the active-trip period, or a more limited policy if the driver was simply logged into the app waiting for a request. Sorting out which coverage period applies is exactly the kind of investigation our team handles for every type of rideshare accident victim, not just passengers.

The Arbitration Clause Hiding in Every Rideshare App

One of the most overlooked aspects of a rideshare accident claim is the agreement passengers accept when they sign up for Uber or Lyft. Buried in the app's terms of service is a mandatory arbitration clause that generally requires users to resolve disputes with the rideshare company through private arbitration rather than in open court, and often includes a class-action waiver as well.

This doesn't prevent an injured passenger from pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance or the applicable commercial policy — those claims typically proceed through the normal insurance process. But if a claim is based on the rideshare company's own negligence, such as inadequate background checks or a defective app feature that contributed to the crash, the arbitration clause may significantly affect how — and where — that claim can be pursued. Our team can help determine which parts of a claim are subject to arbitration and which can proceed through traditional insurance channels or litigation.

Filing a Claim Directly Through Uber or Lyft

In addition to pursuing a claim against an at-fault driver's personal insurance, injured passengers and other victims may need to file a claim directly through Uber or Lyft's incident reporting system to access the company's commercial coverage. This process comes with its own challenges:

• Rideshare companies often use third-party claims administrators who are trained to minimize payouts
• The app-based reporting system may not capture the full scope of injuries or circumstances surrounding the accident
• Response times can be slow, and claims are sometimes closed or denied without a clear explanation

Handling this process without legal guidance can put injured riders at a disadvantage from the outset. Our attorneys manage all communication with rideshare companies and their insurers, ensuring that a claim is properly documented and that the company can't use procedural gaps to minimize what you're owed.

Compensation for Your Injuries & Losses

Whether a rideshare driver, the driver of another vehicle, or someone else was responsible for the crash in which you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

With our help, you may be able to seek compensation for:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Permanent disability
• Lost earning capacity
• Wrongful death (if applicable)
• And more

Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Mobile, AL can help you identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation for your damages. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?

Immediately after a rideshare accident, ensure everyone is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles, any injuries, and the surroundings. Exchange information with all involved parties, including the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved. It is important to notify local authorities and file a police report, which becomes a crucial document in insurance claims and legal proceedings. Reach out to Cunningham Bounds to inform our team of your situation. Early legal involvement can assist you in preserving evidence and managing communications with insurance companies, ensuring your rights remain protected throughout the process.

How Does Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Law Affect My Claim?

Alabama follows a contributory negligence law, which means that if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, you could be barred from recovering any compensation. This strict rule makes it critical to accurately determine and prove liability, urging the need for comprehensive investigation and preparation.

Can I Pursue a Claim if the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault?

Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the rideshare driver was not at fault. In situations where another party caused the accident, such as another negligent driver or road hazards from improper maintenance by responsible authorities, you have the right to seek compensation. Alabama law allows for claims against multiple responsible parties, and our team can help identify all avenues of liability.

How long do I have to file a claim in Mobile, AL?

Under the Alabama Code, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue.

Can I still recover money if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt?

While Alabama law requires seatbelt use, not wearing one does not automatically disqualify you from a claim. However, the insurance company may use it to argue that you contributed to your own injuries. Our legal team is prepared to counter these "contributory negligence" tactics.

Should I speak to the insurance adjuster from Uber or Lyft?

No. Their goal is to settle your case for as little as possible. They may record your statement and use it against you later. It is always best to let your lawyer handle all communications.

Let Us Untangle the Complexity for You

Rideshare accident claims involve more moving parts than a typical car accident — multiple insurance policies, corporate claims processes, and sometimes arbitration agreements that most injured passengers have never read. Cunningham Bounds has the resources and experience to sort through that complexity and pursue every available source of compensation on your behalf.

We handle all types of rideshare collisions, including:

• Drunk driving rideshare accidents 
• Distracted driving rideshare accidents
• Hit-and-run rideshare accidents
• Head-on rideshare collisions 
• Rear-end rideshare accidents 

For answers to your most pressing questions, call (251) 299-0101 for a FREE consultation.