What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Alabama

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Lyft accident in Alabama, it can be a horrific and confusing experience. Apart from the physical pain and trauma, you might be left wondering who is liable for the accident and how you can get the necessary compensation. It’s crucial to know your rights and the steps to take after such incidents. This comprehensive guide is here to provide you with necessary guidance.

Stephen Thompson, an expert personal injury attorney in Alabama, strongly advises that knowing what to do, and more importantly, what not to do, can drastically influence the outcome of your personal injury claim. 

1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

First things first, ensure your safety and that of all the other passengers involved in the accident. If you can, move your vehicle off the roadway to avoid blocking traffic or causing subsequent accidents. 

Next, call 911 and report the accident. Even if the injuries seem minor, it's advisable to get medical attention right away. Some injuries might not manifest immediately but could lead to serious complications later.

2. Contact Law Enforcement Agencies

It's important that you report the accident to law enforcement agencies. In Alabama, it is legally required if there are injuries, death, or property damage. The responding officers will document the scene and prepare a report that will play a crucial role in your claim. 

3. Gather Evidence 

Thorough documentation at the scene can go a long way towards making your personal injury claim more robust. Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. Get the car make, models, and license plate details. Also, if there were any eyewitnesses, get their contact information as well.

In this digital age, take advantage of your smartphone camera. Photograph not only the accident scene but also visible injuries and damage to the vehicles. If the rideshare app was active during the accident, take screenshots to document this.

4. Report to Lyft

Lyft requires you to report the accident through the 'Safety Center' in the app. The sooner you do this, the better because it’s easier to recollect the incident soon after it occurs. 

5. Contact an Experienced Alabama Personal Injury Attorney

Lyft accidents are not as straightforward as private vehicle accidents when it comes to legal matters. Ride-share companies like Lyft have comprehensive insurance policies, and dealing with them can be challenging. 

This is where we, at Stephen Thompson’s law offices, come in. As a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience dealing with ride-share accidents, Stephen Thompson understands the intricacies involved in pursuing a claim against such entities. He can navigate the negotiations or litigation process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages.

6. Follow Up on Medical Treatment

Follow your healthcare provider's advice strictly and track your treatment progress. Most importantly, keep copies of all related medical records and bills. They are crucial evidence of the severity of your injuries and will have a significant impact on determining your settlement value.

7. Don’t Negotiate with Insurance Companies Alone

Insurers are notorious for attempting to minimize payouts. Don’t speak to an insurance adjuster or sign any documents without consulting with your attorney first. Right statements or decisions can heavily impact the size of your compensation.

Finding Compensation After a Lyft Accident in Alabama

Alabama follows a traditional fault-based system for vehicle accidents. Simply put, the person responsible for the accident bears the financial burden of the resulting injuries and damages.

When it comes to Lyft, passengers are covered under a $1 million policy if the ride-share app is active during the accident. If a third party is at fault, you can claim from their insurer first and from Lyft if the cover isn't enough.

However, remember that every case is unique, and it takes a seasoned lawyer like Stephen Thompson to interpret your situation accurately and guide you towards the maximum possible compensation.

Understanding your options, knowing your rights, and getting the right legal help are crucial after a Lyft accident. Stephen Thompson is dedicated to fighting for victims of ride-sharing accidents in Alabama and is just a call away. Don’t let a Lyft accident disrupt your life; we are here to assist you every step of the way.

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!