Rideshare Accidents in Mobile Are on the Rise
Mobile has seen a significant increase in Uber and Lyft usage over the past several years, particularly around downtown, the cruise terminal on Water Street, the University of South Alabama campus, and the entertainment districts along Dauphin Street. More rideshare vehicles on the road means more rideshare accidents, and these cases are fundamentally different from a standard car accident claim.
The central question in any rideshare accident is: what was the driver's status at the time of the crash? Uber and Lyft structure their insurance coverage around three distinct phases, and the amount of coverage available to you depends entirely on which phase the driver was in when the accident occurred.
The Three Phases of Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Phase 1 is when the driver has the app on but has not yet accepted a ride request. During this phase, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This is the lowest level of coverage.
Phase 2 begins when the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. During this phase, both Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage.
Phase 3 covers the period when the passenger is in the vehicle until they are dropped off. The same $1 million in liability coverage applies.
The insurance company will fight hard to classify the driver in Phase 1 rather than Phase 2 or 3, because the coverage difference is enormous. Having an attorney who understands how to prove the driver's status through app records and GPS data is essential.
Who Is Liable: The Driver, the Company, or Both?
Both Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification is designed to shield the companies from direct liability for their drivers' negligence. In practice, this means your claim will typically be filed against the driver's personal insurance and the rideshare company's commercial policy, rather than against Uber or Lyft directly.
However, there are situations where the company itself may bear responsibility. If the company failed to conduct a proper background check, allowed a driver with a history of reckless driving to remain on the platform, or failed to enforce safety standards, there may be a basis for a claim against the company.
Alabama courts are still developing the case law around rideshare liability, which makes having an experienced local attorney even more important.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Mobile
If you are injured in a rideshare accident in Mobile, whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, take these steps immediately. Call 911 and request a police report. Take screenshots of the Uber or Lyft app showing the driver's name, photo, vehicle information, and trip details before the information disappears. Photograph the scene, including the rideshare company's trade dress sticker on the vehicle.
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Rideshare accident claims involve multiple insurance policies and multiple potential defendants, and a statement you give to one insurer can be used against you by another.
Call attorney Cody Poe at (251) 298-8454 for a free consultation. He handles rideshare accident cases in Mobile and throughout the Gulf Coast and can help you navigate the complex insurance landscape these cases involve.
Cody S. Poe, Esq.
Personal Injury Attorney
Cody Poe is a personal injury attorney serving clients throughout Mobile County, Saraland, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. He is committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve.