Birmingham Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Birmingham Rideshare Accident Lawyer

More people today rely on ridesharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, to travel from place to place. However, with the increased number of ridesharing vehicles on the roads comes the likelihood of additional accidents involving these vehicles.

Rideshare accidents typically happen when rideshare drivers, or third-party drivers, violate the rules of the road and behave irresponsibly. If you sustained injuries in a recent rideshare accident, the Birmingham, AL, Personal Injury Lawyers at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to help you.

We can first evaluate your claim by obtaining a copy of the police report and reviewing other documentation. We can then take the necessary legal steps on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Birmingham rideshare accident attorney, please call us at (205) 894-3513 or contact us online.

Birmingham, al practice areas

• Birmingham Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Birmingham Brain Injury Lawyer
• Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer
• Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
• Birmingham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Birmingham Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Birmingham Personal Injury Lawyer
• Birmingham Rideshare Accident Lawyer
• Birmingham Truck Accident Lawyer
• Birmingham Wrongful Death Lawyer

Why Choose Us?

Ridesharing accidents, just like other motor vehicle collisions, can result in debilitating injuries depending on the force of the collision and other factors. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a Birmingham rideshare accident, the legal team at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers is prepared to fight hard for your rights and interests. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of injured accident victims, and we know how to get the results you need. You can view our most recent client testimonials here.

How Much Is a Birmingham Rideshare Accident Case Worth?

If you are involved in a rideshare crash in Birmingham, the amount of compensation you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your property damage, and the circumstances of the accident. While every case is unique, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you recover from your losses.

First, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, including the cost of hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment you need as a result of the accident. If your injuries require long-term care or rehabilitation, those costs can also be covered.

Second, you may be eligible for lost income if your injuries prevent you from working. This compensation can cover the income you lost during the time you were unable to work, as well as any future earnings you may miss out on if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.

Pain and suffering is another loss for which you can seek compensation. This compensation is meant to cover the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced because of the collision. Unlike medical bills or lost income, pain and suffering is more difficult to quantify, but it can be a significant part of your overall compensation.

Finally, if the rideshare driver was particularly malicious or reckless, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the driver and deter similar behavior in the future.

The total amount you can recover will depend on the specifics of your case. The skilled Birmingham rideshare accident lawyers at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers can determine the full extent of your damages and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We can also navigate the complex process of dealing with rideshare companies and their insurance providers, which can be challenging without legal assistance.

Common Locations for Birmingham Rideshare Collisions

Rideshare collisions can happen anywhere in Birmingham, Alabama, but certain locations see more incidents due to high traffic, busy intersections, and areas with heavy rideshare usage.

• One of the most frequent locations for rideshare accidents in Birmingham is the downtown area. Downtown Birmingham is a hub for business, dining, and entertainment, leading to significant traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Streets like 20th Street and 5th Avenue North are often crowded with vehicles, including rideshare cars picking up or dropping off passengers. The combination of heavy traffic and frequent stops makes this area particularly prone to crashes.
• Intersections along major roads like U.S. Route 280 are also hotspots for rideshare accidents. U.S. 280 is one of the busiest highways in Birmingham, connecting the city with suburban areas. The heavy flow of vehicles, coupled with complex intersections and frequent merging, creates a higher risk for collisions. Rideshare drivers, who may be unfamiliar with the area or focused on their GPS, may struggle to navigate these busy intersections safely.
• Another common location for rideshare collisions is near the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The campus area is busy with students, faculty, and visitors, leading to constant rideshare activity. Streets around UAB, such as University Boulevard and 14th Street South, often see a lot of rideshare traffic, especially during peak times like morning and evening commutes. The mix of pedestrians, bicycles, and cars in this area increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Finally, popular entertainment districts like Five Points South and Lakeview are also areas where rideshare crashes are common. These neighborhoods are known for their nightlife, with many people using rideshare services to travel to and from bars, restaurants, and clubs. The high volume of rideshare vehicles combined with drivers who may be distracted or in a hurry contributes to the risk of accidents in these areas.

Types of Rideshare Accidents in Birmingham 

Rideshare accidents often result from various forms of negligence by drivers, both from the rideshare service and other vehicles on the road. 

• One prevalent category of rideshare accidents is rear-end collisions. These crashes occur when a rideshare driver fails to stop in time and hits the car in front of them or when another vehicle hits the back of the rideshare car. Reckless driving, such as distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely, often leads to these accidents. A GPS or smartphone may distract rideshare drivers, taking their attention away from the road and causing them to react too slowly to traffic conditions.
• Another common category is intersection collisions, which frequently happen due to drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or making unsafe turns. In Birmingham, where traffic can be heavy, particularly during rush hours, rideshare drivers may rush through intersections to keep up with their ride requests. This negligence can lead to serious side-impact collisions, often referred to as “T-bone” accidents, where one car hits the side of another.
• Lane-changing accidents are also a significant category of rideshare-related crashes. These accidents occur when a rideshare driver fails to check their blind spots or signal properly before changing lanes. The negligence of not properly assessing the surrounding traffic can cause sideswipe collisions, especially on busy roads like U.S. Route 280 or Interstate 20/59, where traffic moves quickly, and drivers often switch lanes to navigate congestion.
• Pedestrian accidents are another serious category, particularly in areas like downtown Birmingham or near UAB. Rideshare drivers, in a rush to pick up or drop off passengers, may neglect to check crosswalks or pedestrian paths, leading to accidents that can cause severe injuries or even fatalities.
• Finally, distracted driving accidents are widespread among rideshare drivers. Handling multiple ride requests, navigating through unfamiliar areas, or even conversing with passengers can divert a driver’s attention from the road, resulting in accidents.

Common Injuries in a Birmingham Rideshare Accident

Victims of rideshare accidents in Birmingham can suffer a range of injuries depending on the severity of the collision. These injuries can have a lasting effect on a person’s life, requiring medical treatment, rehabilitation, and even time away from work. Understanding the most common injuries can help victims recognize the importance of seeking prompt medical attention following a crash.

• One of the most common injuries in rideshare accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck suddenly jerks back and forth, often in rear-end collisions. This sudden movement can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Whiplash may not show symptoms immediately, but it can cause significant discomfort and long-term problems if left untreated.
• Another frequent injury is a concussion or other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries occur when the head strikes an object, such as the steering wheel, window, or dashboard, or when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to the impact. Concussions can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. In more severe cases, TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional issues, requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
• Broken bones are also common in rideshare accidents – especially in high-impact collisions. Victims may suffer fractures in their arms, legs, ribs, or other bones, depending on how they were positioned during the crash. Broken bones often require immobilization with casts or splints, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones or insert metal rods or pins.
• Spinal cord injuries are another serious concern in rideshare collisions. Damage to the spinal cord or surrounding tissues can lead to pain, numbness, or even paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. These injuries often require long-term treatment, including physical therapy, and can significantly affect a victim’s quality of life.
• Finally, soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises, are also common. These injuries can cause significant pain and limit a victim’s mobility, requiring medical treatment and rest to heal properly.

Fighting the Insurance Company After a Birmingham Rideshare Collision

Fighting the insurance company after a rideshare crash in Birmingham can be challenging, but the knowledgeable attorneys at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, can level the playing field. Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out to victims, but we can take several key steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

• First, we will gather all the necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, including obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage of the accident. We will also collect evidence of your financial losses, such as medical bills and proof of lost income. This documentation is crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and the repercussions the accident has had on your life.
• Next, we will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may lead you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. We will ensure that your statements are clear and that the insurance company does not twist your words to reduce your claim.
• We will also negotiate aggressively to obtain the maximum compensation possible. Insurance companies often start with low settlement offers, hoping that you will accept less than that to which you are entitled. We will push back against these tactics, using the evidence we have gathered to justify a higher settlement amount that covers all your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our legal team has experience fighting for victims’ rights in front of a judge and jury, and we will not hesitate to go to trial if that is what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

In short, we will fight the insurance company every step of the way so that you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track following the crash.

Steps To Take After a Birmingham Rideshare Accident

Following a rideshare accident, taking the right steps is crucial to protecting your health and legal rights. First, make sure you complete your medical treatment regimen. It is essential to follow through with all recommended treatments and appointments. Following through not only ensures your well-being but also provides a complete medical record of your injuries, which is vital if you pursue a claim.

Next, important documentation related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, and any communication with the rideshare company or insurance companies, must be retained. These documents are critical evidence that can support your case and help prove liability and damages.

Finally, speak with one of our Birmingham rideshare accident lawyers as soon as possible. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, we can ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. We can also help you avoid common pitfalls that may harm your claim, such as speaking directly with the insurance company without legal representation. Taking these steps can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses in a rideshare accident.

Consult with an Experienced Birmingham Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers, we will be your advocates throughout the entire process. Our skilled Birmingham personal injury lawyers will aggressively fight for your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available to you in your rideshare accident case.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Birmingham rideshare accident lawyer, please call us at (205) 894-3513 or contact us online.

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys: Accident & Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office

950 22nd St N suite 600
Birmingham, AL 35203

Ph: (205) 894-3513