Top Virginia Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare accidents can occur due to various reasons, some of which overlap with typical vehicular accidents, while others are unique to rideshare drivers. Common causes include: 

• Distracted driving, such as texting and driving, multi-tasking, and talking excessively with passengers.
• Fatigue from working long hours or driving after completing a full day at another job.
• Speeding in an effort to complete more rides in less time.
• Lack of training with safe driving practices or local road conditions.
• Poor vehicle maintenance and failure of brakes, tires, and lights.
• Alcohol and drug use before or while driving.

Uber and Lyft accidents can happen in a variety of ways and involve many different parties. Here are some scenarios involving rideshare collisions:

• The rideshare driver causes a collision due to negligence or a mechanical failure and injures a passenger, occupants in another vehicle, or a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist.
• The driver of another vehicle hits the rideshare vehicle and injures the Uber or Lyft driver and/or passengers.

One of the primary distinctions of rideshare accidents is insurance and liability. Unlike traditional car accidents, where the involved parties’ personal insurance is typically the first recourse, rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance coverage.

Virginia law categorizes Uber and Lyft as “Transportation Network Companies” (TNCs) and imposes specific insurance requirements based on the driver’s status:

• Offline or app off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
• App on, no passenger: Virginia requires minimum coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
• During rides: A $1 million minimum for bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is required.

If a rideshare driver causes an accident while logged into the app, both the driver and the rideshare company might be liable depending on whether the driver was carrying a passenger or waiting for a ride request.

Injuries from Uber and Lyft accidents can range from mild to severe depending on the nature of the collision. For example, pedestrians and bicyclists may sustain more severe injuries than rideshare drivers or passengers. Additionally, the type of crash (e.g., head-on collision or T-bone) and the speed at which it occurs are contributing factors.

Here are some typical injuries that might occur:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: These are common in rear-end collisions, where the sudden jolt can cause the head to snap back and forth. This causes damage to muscles and ligaments in the neck.
• Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken bones: Limbs and ribs are particularly susceptible to fractures in high-impact crashes.
• Lacerations and bruises: Shattered glass, twisted metal, or even personal belongings can cause cuts and bruises.
• Back and spinal injuries: These injuries can be particularly serious, including spinal cord damage that may lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
• Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal organs to be bruised or damaged, often requiring immediate medical attention.

Victims of rideshare accidents can pursue compensation for various damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s important to act quickly due to Virginia’s two-year statute of limitations on all car accident claims.

First and foremost, ensure you receive medical treatment for your injuries. This is important for your health and to document your injuries. If you’re able to, document the crash scene by getting pictures, a copy of the police report, and witness information.

You’ll also need to notify the rideshare company about the accident. Both Uber and Lyft have in-app features to report accidents. This is a necessary step to begin the claims process through their insurance.

If you have car insurance and you were involved in a rideshare accident, you’ll also need to report the crash to your insurer. Provide only the basic details, such as the date, time, location, parties involved, and any injuries you sustained.

When you’re ready to file your claim, contact a Virginia Uber and Lyft accident attorney. They can provide a wealth of legal advice and help you take the next steps in the claims process.

Handling your rideshare accident claim alone can be risky. Virginia operates under a “contributory negligence” rule, which can bar recovery if you’re found even slightly at fault for a collision. In many cases, insurance companies try to shift some of the blame onto crash victims to avoid paying settlements.

That’s why you need an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and build a strong case that clearly proves who is liable. They can accomplish this by launching a thorough investigation, speaking to witnesses, and even calling upon crash reconstructionists if necessary.

There is no financial risk for hiring an attorney. They work on a contingency fee structure, which means you only pay if they win your case. If they’re not able to secure compensation on your behalf, then you owe nothing. So, don’t wait; contact an attorney in Virginia today to set up your free, no-obligation legal consultation.