What should I do if I'm involved in an Lyft accident in Alabama?

Riding with ride-share companies, such as Lyft, has increasingly become a way of life. However, just like any other vehicle on the road, Lyft cars are not immune to accidents. If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident in Alabama, knowing the steps to take after the fact is essential. As an experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer, Stephen Thompson, can guide you through the process.

1. Immediate Actions

First, ensure everyone is safe and call the authorities immediately to report the accident. Whether you're the passenger, driver, or a third party involved in a Lyft accident, getting the police to record the incident ensures there's substantial proof when filing your claim.

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries might not show up right away but can have lasting impacts if not treated. Not seeking medical care immediately can make it harder to link your injuries to the accident later.

2. Gather Necessary Information

To protect your legal rights, collect as much information as you can at the scene. This includes the driver’s full name, contact information as well as insurance details. Make sure you get information about the ride, such as the time and location of pick up and drop off, from the Lyft app.  Take multiple photos of the scene, including vehicle damages, injuries sustained, and any other relevant details.

Also, take note of any potential witnesses to the accident. Their testimonies could become crucial if you need to prove your case. 

3. Report the Accident to Lyft

According to Lyft policy, they need to be notified in case of an accident involving one of their drivers. Use the “Help” function on the Lyft app to notify them about it. Provide them with as much contextual information as you can to support your case later.

4. Contact an Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer

The next step is to contact a skilled Alabama personal injury lawyer like Stephen Thompson. Navigating the Alabama state laws regarding rideshare accidents can be complex due to the potential number of liable parties like the personal insurance of the driver, Lyft's liability insurance, other drivers involved, etc. 

Having a personal injury lawyer who specializes in Lyft accidents can help streamline the process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you rightly deserve.

5. Legal Considerations

According to Alabama's contributory negligence law, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover damages. This stringent rule makes it critically important to seek expert legal advice. 

Lyft carries a $1 million liability policy that covers drivers and passengers in the case of an accident. The insurance comes into play when the driver’s personal auto insurance refuses coverage or if it’s insufficient. However, whether or not the full policy applies to your case can be a contentious issue, underscoring the need for an experienced Lyft accident lawyer.

6. Claiming Compensation 

Once everything is in order, your attorney will help you file a claim so that you can recover compensation. This may include funds to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages related to the accident.

Takeaway 

Being involved in a Lyft accident in Alabama can be a distressing experience, but understanding the steps to take afterward can alleviate some stress. Having an experienced Alabama personal injury attorney by your side can make navigating the claim process easier and help to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. If you find yourself involved in a Lyft accident, don't hesitate to contact Stephen Thompson, a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney ready to assist you. Your safety, health, and rightful compensation are our top priorities.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!