Alabama Rideshare and Delivery Service Accidents

Dothan attorneys help victims of Uber, Lyft and Instacart accidents

Increasingly, individuals are using their own vehicles to make extra money by transporting passengers or making deliveries. However, these drivers may not be taking proper care as they rush to their next job. At Carey & Hamner, P.C., we are Dothan rideshare accident attorneys who guide Alabama victims through the process of obtaining fair compensation.

How common are rideshare accidents?

Though it can be difficult to pinpoint exact causes, one academic study reported that the growth of rideshare services is responsible for an increase of about 2 or 3 percent in the number of auto accidents nationwide. Uber, Lyft and similar companies use everyday vehicles and drivers, so there is no special protection for passengers. Moreover, someone working a side hustle or thinking about their next fare might be distracted behind the wheel.   

Are rideshare and delivery service drivers trained?

The business models for rideshare and delivery services depend on classifying their drivers as independent contractors rather than employers. Though a driver who has problems might be encouraged to attend a safety course, a mandatory pre-gig training program could indicate that drivers are actually employees, destroying the business model of companies like Uber, Lyft and Instacart. Accordingly, these drivers usually have no more substantive training than anyone else on the road, despite the hazards associated with passenger distractions, unsecured cargo, reliance on GPS direction and operating a vehicle at odd hours.

Injuries from Uber and Lyft accidents

Common injuries that result from rideshare and delivery service accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Cuts and bruises
• Whiplash

Whether you were hurt in a rear-end collision, a T-bone crash or some other type of crash, we will vigorously pursue full compensation for your medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses.

Why rideshare accidents happen

Rideshare contractors are prone to the same bad driving behaviors as other motorists. You might find yourself sitting in the backseat when a crash occurs due to speeding, tailgating, refusing to yield or failing to stop at a red light. In other situations, you could be the victim of a rear-end collision as a result of distracted driving by the rideshare or delivery service driver behind you. The accident might also be traced to something beyond the driver’s control, such as road conditions, a defective part or unruly passenger behavior.

Who is responsible for a rideshare or delivery service accident?

Alabama’s fault-based insurance system mandates that the carrier for the party who caused the accident must pay for the victim’s compensable damages. Instacart and other delivery services don’t provide extra insurance protection because their service does not involve having passengers in their cars. However, others on the road might face an extra risk from these vehicles, particularly late at night in areas where the driver is unfamiliar with the territory. Still, if you are hit by one of these cars, you will likely have to make a claim against the motorist’s personal auto insurance policy.

Major rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, offer additional insurance coverage for their contractors, but whether that policy applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time. Unless they are logged into their app, drivers are not eligible for any extra coverage. During periods where the contractor has logged in but has not accepted a fare, the rideshare companies offer limited contingent coverage in the event a crash occurs. Once the driver has accepted a fare, Uber and Lyft cover up to $1 million of damages resulting from accidents where the car is traveling to the pickup or carrying the passenger.

Contact an experienced Alabama auto accident lawyer to set up a free consultation

Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan seeks compensation for the victims of Alabama car crashes. For a free initial consultation, please call 855-435-4797 or contact us online.