A rideshare accident can leave you unsure of what to do next, especially when several parties and insurance companies are involved. Whether you were a passenger using Uber or Lyft, a driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, or a pedestrian caught in the collision, the process of getting fair compensation can be complicated.
The rideshare accident attorney in Prattville, Alabama, at the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown understands the confusion that follows these accidents. For more than 30 years, Attorney Dwayne L. Brown has represented injured people across Alabama, helping them understand their rights and navigate the legal process. If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, contact our office today for a free consultation and learn how our Prattville car accident attorney can help.
Recoverable Damages After a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accidents can cause a range of injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries
- Spinal cord or back trauma
- Concussions or other head injuries
- Internal injuries from a seatbelt or airbag impact
Prompt medical attention is important, both for your recovery and to create clear documentation linking your injuries to the crash. Our team helps clients track treatment progress, organize medical records, and calculate related expenses.
If you were injured because of another party’s negligence, you may seek compensation to cover your medical bills, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. In addition, you could also seek compensation for:
- Lost income, including benefits and bonuses
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage or vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering, such as emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
The amount you can recover depends on the extent of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence. The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown works to obtain fair compensation through negotiation or, when necessary, litigation.
How Rideshare Collisions Happen in Prattville
Because rideshare drivers rely heavily on mobile apps to locate passengers and accept rides, they often face multiple distractions and time pressures.
Common causes of rideshare crashes include:
- Distracted driving while using the rideshare app
- Fatigue from long hours behind the wheel
- Speeding or sudden lane changes to meet passenger requests
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Failing to yield at intersections or when merging
- Driving while unfamiliar with Prattville’s roads or traffic flow
Unlike ordinary car crashes, rideshare collisions involve multiple insurance layers and corporate policies that can make claims more complex. Understanding how those systems interact with Alabama’s negligence laws is essential when determining who must pay for your losses.
Determining Fault and Insurance Coverage Involving a Rideshare Service
Establishing fault in a rideshare crash begins with proving negligence. Under Alabama law, a successful personal injury claim must show four elements:
- Duty of care: The driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely.
- Breach of duty: The driver failed to meet that standard of care, such as by speeding or becoming distracted.
- Causation: The driver’s actions directly caused the crash.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm as a result of the collision.
Once negligence is established, the next step is to determine what insurance coverage applies. The rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash affects which policy covers the claim:
- Driver offline: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App active but no passenger: Rideshare companies, such as Uber or Lyft, provide limited liability coverage.
- Passenger onboard or driver en route to pick up one: The rideshare company’s full commercial policy applies, usually offering up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Our Prattville personal injury lawyer reviews each case carefully to identify all available insurance sources and ensure that claims are filed with the appropriate carriers. We communicate with insurers directly so that you can focus on your health and recovery.
How Our Office Builds a Strong Rideshare Accident Claim
Rideshare cases rely on detailed technical and documentary evidence. Our office works to preserve data before it disappears, including:
- App usage and driver activity logs
- GPS tracking data
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Witness statements and law enforcement reports
When needed, we work with accident reconstruction specialists to clarify how the crash occurred and determine fault.
Attorney Dwayne L. Brown and his firm have recovered over $100 million for injured clients. We communicate regularly, coordinate with trusted medical providers when appropriate, and ensure all medical records and expenses are fully documented.
Alabama Deadlines That Can Affect Your Car Accident Claim
The two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, AL Code § 6-2-38, limits how long you have to take legal action. Acting quickly allows our attorney to protect your legal rights, as well as gather witness statements and secure electronic data before it becomes unavailable.
What to Do After a Rideshare Crash in Prattville
The steps you take immediately after a rideshare accident can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation later. Following these steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 to report the collision and request medical help if needed.
- Obtain an official police report from the Prattville Police Department.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and visible injuries if it’s safe to do so.
- Collect contact details for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Report the crash through the rideshare app, but avoid giving detailed or recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Seek medical evaluation immediately.
- Contact the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown to begin protecting your rights right away.
Our office handles all rideshare cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Because we limit the number of cases we take, every client receives direct communication, updates, and support throughout the process.
Contact the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown Today for Help
A rideshare accident can disrupt your health, work, and financial stability, but you do not have to face the process alone. The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown helps individuals and families in Prattville pursue justice and accountability after serious injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rideshare accident and learn how we can help you move forward.
Prattville, AL, Rideshare Accident FAQs
What if I was a passenger in the Uber or Lyft when the crash occurred?
If the rideshare driver was at fault, you can usually file a claim under the company’s commercial policy, which provides up to $1 million in coverage during active trips.
Can I take legal action against Uber or Lyft directly?
Most claims are handled through their insurance carriers, but the company may be liable if it acted negligently in hiring or supervising the driver.
Should I notify the rideshare company right away?
Yes, but keep your communication brief and factual. Avoid detailed or recorded statements before consulting an attorney.
How long do I have to file an injury claim in Alabama?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under Alabama law.
