Traveling with rideshare services like Uber or Lyft in Athens is meant to be a safe, convenient alternative to driving yourself. However, it is not uncommon for an accident to occur during a trip. You may be left with injuries, mounting bills, and a duty to prove your claim to insurance companies. As an injured passenger, another driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, you need a clear path to recovery.
Interstate 565 functions as a major artery for employees traveling to and from Redstone Arsenal. With tens of thousands of workers commuting from Madison, Morgan, and Limestone Counties, traffic backups and crashes are common throughout the week.
The Athens rideshare accident lawyers at Ryan & Rouse provide that path. We are well-versed in the unique insurance layers and corporate policies that govern Uber and Lyft accidents in Alabama. Our firm can cut through the legal maze to protect your rights and secure the full compensation you deserve. If you are in this situation, we are committed to pursuing timely and sufficient compensation.
Why Trust Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Athens?
Choosing an attorney after a rideshare accident is a decision that can define your recovery. Our firm stands apart not just for what we do, but for who we are and how we approach your case. At Ryan & Rouse, we have built a practice on the principles of unwavering client advocacy and a real connection to the community we serve.
Firstly, rideshare is in our main areas of focus. While some firms litigate only an occasional Uber accident case, we have invested in continuous education and developed systems specifically for the ins and outs of app-based transportation accidents. This means you benefit from attorneys who are fluent in the ever-changing terms of service, insurance protocols, and corporate strategies of Uber and Lyft.
Also, from your first consultation, you will notice we are listeners first. We take the time to understand not only the mechanics of your accident, but also how your injuries have impacted your daily life, your family, and your future. You will enjoy one-on-one access to your attorney assessing your claim and building a strategy on your behalf.
Importantly, our standing in the Huntsville and Athens legal communities is earned through consistent preparation and a readiness to take cases to trial. Insurance companies and their attorneys know that Ryan & Rouse does not settle for the easy, low-value offer. We are recognized for meticulous case development and a principled willingness to present your case before a jury. This reputation for resolve is a key leverage in settlement discussions, often leading to stronger settlement negotiations from the outset.
Who is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident is often more challenging than in a standard vehicle collision. Unlike traditional crashes, rideshare accidents may involve multiple parties, layered insurance policies, and corporate entities. Still, identifying every responsible party is key to building a strong claim and securing full compensation.
The Rideshare Driver
A rideshare driver may be held liable if their negligence caused the accident. This includes behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue from long driving hours, or violating traffic laws. Determining the driver’s status at the time of the crash, whether they were logged into the app, waiting for a request, or already transporting a passenger, is essential because it directly affects which insurance coverage applies.
The Rideshare Company
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft may share fault depending on the events of the accident. When a driver is logged into the app or carrying a passenger, company-provided insurance coverage may apply. Our attorneys analyze app activity, trip data, and corporate policies to determine whether the rideshare company can be held financially responsible.
Other Negligent Drivers
Not all rideshare collisions are traced back to the rideshare drivers’ negligence. Another motorist may be at fault due to careless or reckless behavior. In these cases, Ryan & Rouse pursue claims against the responsible driver while also evaluating whether rideshare insurance coverage may provide additional protection. In the case of a complex multi-vehicle crash, we can pursue claims against all negligent drivers and their insurers concurrently.
Vehicle Owners and Employers
If the rideshare vehicle did not belong to the driver, the vehicle owner’s insurance policy may be implicated. In limited situations, additional liability may arise if the driver was engaged in work-related activities beyond rideshare services. These scenarios require careful legal analysis to identify all available sources of compensation.
Manufacturers or Third Parties
Sometimes, mechanical defects, faulty vehicle components, or improper maintenance can contribute to rideshare accidents. When evidence points to a product defect or negligent maintenance, manufacturers or service providers may bear liability. Our legal team at Ryan & Rouse will conduct a swift, thorough investigation to map the liability landscape and ensure all third parties bear accountability for the crash.
What Compensation Is Available for a Rideshare Accident Claim?
The goal of your claim is to make you financially whole after an accident you did not cause. The significant insurance policies behind rideshare companies mean there is often adequate coverage to pursue full damages. However, we will have to put fight to recover all applicable compensation, including:
- Medical Treatment and Ongoing Care: Compensation may cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and follow-up care. For more serious injuries, future medical needs such as long-term rehabilitation or specialized treatment may also be included.
- Lost Income and Future Earning Impact: Injuries from a rideshare accident may bar you from resuming work or affect your ability to fully perform your job duties. In this case, your compensation should consider all lost earnings as well as reduced capacity to earn a living if you have long-term harm.
- Emotional Distress: Rideshare accident victims often experience physical pain along with emotional challenges such as anxiety, stress, and loss of independence. These damages point to the impact of the accident on your quality of life. Our firm ensures these personal losses are clearly presented and not minimized by insurers.
- Property Damage and Related Expenses: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, compensation may include repair or replacement costs. You may also recover extra compensation, such as transportation costs, while your vehicle is unavailable.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal rideshare accidents, surviving family members may pursue compensation for wrongful death. Our rideshare accident attorneys handle these cases with compassion, seeking accountability and financial support for grieving families.
Rideshare accident claims require a comprehensive approach to compensation. Ryan & Rouse is committed to identifying every available source of recovery and ensuring your claim reflects the full impact of the accident. We usually work with economists and medical professionals to ensure the settlement or verdict we pursue truly covers the lifetime impact of your injuries.
Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, legal action can help you secure financial compensation for your losses. At Ryan & Rouse, our Athens rideshare accident lawyers are prepared to step in immediately to protect your rights and interests in the claim. From the moment you contact us, our goal is to relieve your burden while we pursue the results you deserve. Contact us today and let our experience guide you to justice.