Newport News Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Legal Help After An Uber Or Lyft Crash

When an Uber or Lyft trip ends in a collision, everything can change in a moment. You may be facing medical treatment, missed work, and calls from several insurance companies, all while you are just trying to heal. That confusion is exactly when a rideshare accident lawyer Newport News residents can rely on can make a difference.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we help people who are hurt in rideshare crashes on roads like Interstate 64, Jefferson Avenue, and Warwick Boulevard. Whether you were a passenger, a rideshare driver, or in another vehicle, we work to untangle the insurance issues and protect your rights from the start.

Our firm has represented individuals injured in accidents across Virginia since 1979. We have handled thousands of injury cases and recovered millions of dollars for clients. That long history guides how we approach complex Uber and Lyft claims, so you can focus on your medical recovery while we handle the legal side.

Contact us today at (855) 880-8163 to schedule a free consultation.

Virginia Rideshare Laws

The Commonwealth of Virginia has recognized the rise of rideshare services and adapted its regulations to reflect modern transportation methods.

Under Virginia law:

• Rideshare drivers must carry personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
• Uber and Lyft maintain supplemental insurance policies that may apply when a driver is logged into the app, has accepted a ride, or is transporting a passenger.
• Rideshare drivers must register with the DMV and meet certain safety and vehicle standards.

Even with these regulations, determining whose insurance applies and when it applies can be complicated. That’s where a qualified Newport News rideshare accident attorney becomes indispensable — we interpret these laws in the context of your specific accident and protect your rights throughout the claims process.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Liability in rideshare accidents depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s how liability typically breaks down:

1. When the Driver is Logged Off

If the Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t logged into the app at the time of the accident — meaning they weren’t looking for rides or en route to pick up or drop off a passenger — the driver’s personal auto insurance is usually responsible. Rideshare company coverage typically does not apply in this situation.

2. When the Driver is Logged On but Hasn’t Accepted a Ride Request

Once the driver logs into the rideshare app and is available to receive ride requests, Uber and Lyft generally provide contingent insurance coverage. This means:

• The driver’s personal insurance still applies first.
• If that coverage is insufficient, the rideshare company’s contingent liability insurance may cover the difference, up to a certain limit.

This coverage helps protect both the driver and any injured third parties, though determining liability among insurers can still be complex.

3. When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Is Transporting a Passenger

When the driver has accepted a ride request or is actively transporting a passenger, the highest level of rideshare insurance coverage typically kicks in. Uber and Lyft often provide:

• Third-party liability coverage for injuries and property damage to others involved in the crash
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage depending on the situation
• Contingent collision coverage for damage to the driver’s vehicle under certain conditions

During this phase, Uber or Lyft may be directly liable, and their insurers can owe significant compensation to injured victims. However, rideshare companies and their insurers often dispute claims or minimize payouts — which is why having a skilled Newport News rideshare accident lawyer is crucial.

Types of Compensation We Pursue

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

Every case is unique, and our team tailors your legal strategy to your specific needs and losses.

Florida Uber & Lyft Accident Claim FAQs

Even though this page focuses on Virginia law, many rideshare accident issues are similar across states. Here are some frequently asked questions that also apply to accidents in states like Florida and beyond:

Q: Do Uber and Lyft carry insurance for drivers?

A: Yes. Both companies provide insurance that applies in different stages of the driver’s activity, but the coverage level depends on whether the driver is logged in, en route to a rider, or carrying a passenger.

Q: Can I sue the driver directly?

A: Absolutely. If the driver was negligent, you can pursue a claim against them. In many rideshare crashes, liability may extend to the rideshare company as well.

Q: What if the rideshare driver has minimal personal insurance

A: Rideshare companies typically have supplemental insurance that kicks in if the driver’s policy is insufficient, but navigating these policies requires legal expertise.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim?

A: Statutes of limitations vary by state. In Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could bar your claim.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident?

A: Yes. Rideshare claims are legally complex. Insurers for Uber and Lyft often have teams working to limit liability.

Why Choose Our Rideshare Accident Team

Choosing the right attorney after a rideshare crash is not just about hiring any personal injury firm. You need a team that understands Virginia law, complex insurance policies, and courts that may hear your case, such as the Newport News Circuit Court. We bring decades of focused injury work to every rideshare matter we accept.

Since opening our doors in 1979, we have successfully handled thousands of personal injury claims for people across Virginia. Our history includes multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts that reflect the level of preparation and resources we bring to serious injury cases. When an insurance company questions your injuries or tries to shift blame, that experience becomes critical.

Our attorneys have received recognition tied directly to motor vehicle trial work, including listings among the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Our firm has also been honored in the Best of Coastal Virginia Reader's Choice Award and as a 2025 Best Of Norfolk selection by Virginia Media. These acknowledgments come from years of consistently working to achieve strong results for injured people.

We are a Virginia-based firm with brick-and-mortar offices in Norfolk, Newport News, and Roanoke. For rideshare accident victims, that means you can meet with us in person locally, and we are familiar with judges, court staff, and typical procedures in this area. We also offer Spanish-speaking services, which help many families feel more comfortable sharing their story and asking questions.

Every rideshare crash has its own facts. Our team listens carefully, then builds a personalized legal strategy for your situation. We draw on our financial resources and, when helpful, we work with third-party professionals such as doctors and accident reconstruction professionals to better understand how the crash occurred and how it has affected your life. Our goal is always to put you in the strongest possible position for negotiations or, if needed, litigation.

To discuss your Uber or Lyft accident in a free consultation, call (855) 880-8163 today.