Virginia Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Virginia

Rideshare accidents in Virginia, like those involving Uber or Lyft, can often be through civil injury claims, similar to other car accidents. As the injured party in the crash, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses, injuries, and other damages. If it can be proven that another party caused your losses, you could have a valid claim to file, regardless of how the accident happened.

Four common causes of rideshare accidents are:

1. Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers rely on their phones for GPS directions and to accept new ride requests. This constant interaction with smartphones can lead to distracted driving, one of the leading causes of rideshare accidents.
2. Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or in addition to a full-time job. Overworking can lead to fatigue, impairing their ability to drive safely and increasing the risk of accidents.
3. Speeding: To complete as many rides as possible within a given timeframe, some drivers might break posted speed limits.
4. Inadequate vehicle maintenance: Rideshare vehicles are subject to more wear and tear than typical private cars due to the frequency of use. If a driver fails to properly maintain their vehicle, it can lead to dangerous mechanical failures.

Who is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex due to the unique nature of the relationship between drivers and rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. Rideshare drivers aren’t technically employees of rideshare companies, so layers of liability will need to be uncovered and interpreted by a legal professional.

Parties that could be liable for a rideshare accident can include:

• Rideshare driver: If the driver is at fault for the accident, they may bear some or all of the liability. However, whether their personal auto insurance or the rideshare company's insurance applies depends on whether they were active on the app and had accepted a ride request at the time of the accident.
• Rideshare company: Uber and Lyft both provide insurance coverage for their drivers while they're accepting, driving to, or transporting a passenger. If the driver is not at fault, the rideshare company's insurance might cover damages. However, establishing liability can be challenging because these drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees.
• Another driver: If another driver caused the accident, their auto insurance should cover the damages. In some cases, both the other driver and the rideshare driver could share fault.
• Vehicle manufacturer: If a defect in the rideshare vehicle caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable, such as in cases involving faulty brakes, defective tires, or other manufacturing defects.
• Government entities: If poor road conditions or faulty traffic control devices contributed to the accident, a government entity could be held responsible. However, suing a government entity involves a different set of rules and procedures, typically with brief statutes of limitations. Be sure to call (855) 880-8163 as soon as possible if you think your rideshare accident was caused by a municipal or governmental entity in Virginia.

Uber & Lyft Insurance Policies

Uber and Lyft, two of the most prominent rideshare companies, carry substantial insurance policies designed to cover damages resulting from accidents caused by their drivers. When the rideshare app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Similar coverage is provided by Uber. When a ride request is accepted, and the driver is en route to the passenger or transporting them, the coverage increases significantly, possibly up to $1 million in total coverage or more.

Despite these large liability policies, it can be challenging to access this coverage when an accident occurs. Rideshare companies and their insurance providers often use various strategies to minimize their liability, making it difficult for victims to get the compensation they deserve. This is why hiring an attorney with experience in dealing with rideshare accidents and their unique challenges is highly recommended from the start.

How We Can Help Rideshare Accident Clients

Uber or Lyft accidents can be complex due to the unique legal landscape surrounding these services. Put our attorneys in charge of your case, so we can navigate the legal process on your behalf. We have the knowledge and experience to deal with rideshare companies and their insurance providers, so we can fight at every step to get the compensation you deserve.

Several ways an Uber/Lyft accident lawyer from our firm can help you are:

• Investigating the accident: We can conduct a thorough investigation of the rideshare accident, which may involve collecting and analyzing evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and data from the rideshare app.
• Determining liability: Based on the collected evidence, we can determine who is liable for the accident, such as the rideshare driver, another driver, the rideshare company, and so on.
• Calculating damages: Calculating the total damages you've suffered will be based on your economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Filing a claim: Once all the necessary information has been gathered, it will be time to send a demand letter, which is often followed shortly by an injury claim filing. We can handle all the paperwork and legal procedures, making sure everything is done correctly and on time.
• Fighting for a settlement or award: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our litigation team will be prepared to take the case to court.

Representation for Anyone Injured in an Uber/Lyft Accident

Whether you are a rideshare passenger, rideshare driver, or a third party like another motorist, our law firm is well-equipped to represent you if you've been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. For passengers, we can help determine whether the liability falls on your driver or another party and pursue a claim accordingly. If you're a rideshare driver, we can assist in navigating the complex insurance policies that Uber or Lyft have in place, so you aren’t unfairly blamed for an accident. As a third party like another motorist or pedestrian, you might be dealing with either the rideshare driver's personal insurance, the rideshare company's insurance, or both, making it a complicated process. In any situation, you can count on us to be there for you.

We’re Always Ready to Help – Call Now

Uber and Lyft accidents in Virginia carry their own unique legal complexities, especially when it comes to determining liability and dealing with insurance claims. Whether you're a passenger, a rideshare driver, or another motorist involved in the accident, you should explore your options to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Count on our Virginia Uber/Lyft accident attorneys, who can make all the difference in handling these intricate matters. Trust in our experience and insight, so you can focus on your recovery while we work diligently to secure the most favorable outcome for your case.

Get a free case consultation with Kalfus & Nachman PC by calling (855) 880-8163 at any time.