If you have been injured because of someone else's negligence, you need Guster Law Firm on your team.
Birmingham Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Legal Help for People Injured in Alabama Rideshare Accidents
If you have been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing car accident, you may be dealing with unexpected legal complications, in addition to the pain associated with your injuries. Many ridesharing services have been found to have driver training issues, as well as gaps in auto insurance coverage.
Passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists injured in accidents caused by negligent rideshare drivers often encounter significant obstacles recovering fair compensation for their injuries. The right thing to do after such an accident is to consult with a knowledgeable Birmingham rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible. At the Guster Law Firm, LLC, we have been successfully representing injured people in Alabama for over a decade.
Our Birmingham Uber, Lyft, and ridesharing car accident attorney is personally committed to helping injured people to recover the compensation they deserve. Call (205) 581-9777 for a FREE consultation!
How Ridesharing Works
Ridesharing companies, officially known as Transportation Network Companies, provide convenient transportation by connecting passengers to drivers through smartphone apps. Drivers contract with ridesharing companies and use their personal vehicles for passenger transport. Although these services provide convenient transportation for customers, they do not come without problems. Rideshare drivers get into accidents, and when that occurs, questions arise as to who is responsible for the injuries sustained.
Ridesharing Insurance Issues
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), many drivers contracted with ridesharing companies do not have livery driver’s licenses. The personal vehicles used to transport passengers are neither registered nor insured as commercial vehicles.
Personal auto insurance policies are not designed for commercial ridesharing, and in many cases, they may even exclude livery services from coverage. Ridesharing services are commercial enterprises that should carry commercial insurance policies with higher liability limits, similar to taxis and other commercial vehicles.
The III reports that the standard personal auto insurance policy does not cover ridesharing. Coverage stops from the moment the driver logs into the app until the moment the ride is over and the customer has left the vehicle.
Ridesharing Distracted Driving Issues
Ridesharing services connect drivers to customers through apps on smartphones. When a passenger logs into the app on his or her phone and requests a ride from a driver, the driver must accept the ride – or risk losing it – within 10 or 15 seconds. In many cases, it is not feasible for the driver to pull over in time to accept a ride.
A driver who misses a ride request loses the money for the ride. The driver’s acceptance rate can also be affected, and that can affect pay and ultimately result in deactivation as a driver. By its very nature, this situation tends to encourage distracted driving, increasing the risk of ridesharing accidents.
Understanding Birmingham's Unique Rideshare Challenges
Birmingham, known for its rich history and vibrant community, presents unique challenges for rideshare users and drivers alike. The city's bustling downtown area, combined with its intricate network of highways and local roads, can often lead to increased traffic congestion and higher accident rates. Local residents are well aware of the frequent roadwork and construction projects spearheaded by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), which can further complicate navigation for rideshare drivers.
Moreover, the presence of major institutions like the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport means that rideshare services are in high demand, especially during peak hours and special events. This high demand can sometimes lead to rushed driving and distracted behavior, as drivers strive to meet the needs of passengers quickly.
For those injured in rideshare accidents, dealing with the aftermath can be particularly daunting. The Birmingham Police Department and local emergency services are often the first responders to such incidents, but navigating the legal and insurance complexities that follow requires a deep understanding of both state and local regulations. At Guster Law Firm, LLC, we are committed to helping Birmingham residents and visitors alike navigate these challenges, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Whether you're a local resident familiar with the ins and outs of Birmingham's streets or a visitor caught in an unfortunate accident, our team is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need. We understand the specific pain points faced by those in our community and are dedicated to addressing them with the utmost care and professionalism.
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Mr. Guster and his staff are some of the most compassionate and capable professionals I’ve ever met. We saw them at one of our worst times and they were competent, caring, and reassuring.- Olivia K.
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Eric Guster is an exceptionally professional and skilled attorney. He is motivated to resolve the issue at hand and is also a wonderful person.- Stacey L.
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Very personable, professional and proficient attorneys!- April
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Excellent Law Firm, with fearless legal representation from Lawyers such as Eric Guster and Michael Marable. I highly recommend them!!- Ves
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Eric Guster and his team are some of the best attorneys in Birmingham. Mr. Guster and his team are knowledgeable, caring, and respected by other lawyers and the courts.- Falen C.
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Whenever I have needed legal advice, I have contacted this firm for an official consultation. The attorneys always provided sound advice, sharing the pros and cons of the matter so that decision making or acting taking could occur.- Taneisha Y.
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Eric is an extremely smart and sought after attorney. He always takes the time out to answer whatever legal questions I have. I would recommend him to anyone that asks me who would represent them well.- Former Client
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I highly recommend Guster Law Firm to anyone in search of a highly dedicated, community invested attorney group.- M K Scott
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Attorney Eric Guster and his staff are some amazing and compassionate people. Thanks for having patience. I well highly recommend Guster Law Firm.- Sujeyya O.
When you or a loved one has been injured by someone else's negligence, you need Alabama's Premier Personal Injury Law Firm on your side.