Ridesharing companies, such as Lyft and Uber, have been growing in popularity, but with this growth comes an increase in the number of accidents involving ridesharing vehicles. Since many of the drivers work as independent contractors, figuring out who is liable after a crash can be confusing.
If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died in a crash involving ridesharing vehicles, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses through insurance or a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, when ridesharing is involved, it is more complicated to determine which parties are responsible, and there may be multiple insurance companies involved. In such cases, an Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer in Virginia at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC can help untangle the complex web of liability and insurance issues.
A Manassas Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC can review the details of your case. We can handle the legal hurdles involved so you can concentrate on your recovery. We offer a free consultation to explore the circumstances of your accident, determine who can be held responsible, and explain your legal rights and options.
Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC at (571) 229-1800 for a no-obligation case evaluation today with our car accident lawyers in Virginia.
Common Causes of Lyft & Uber Accidents
Driving for a rideshare company presents more difficulties than ordinary vehicle driving, due to all the distractions involved. Passengers may distract drivers, or they may be distracted by interacting with a GPS for directions or the company app for accepting or declining ride requests. In addition, drivers who are in a hurry and trying to make more money may speed and take chances by following too closely or disobeying traffic signs and signals.
Rideshare vehicles are used frequently, and mileage adds up quickly, so vehicle owners sometime may fail to perform enough vehicle maintenance. Worn tires and brakes can increase the chances of an accident. Also, just the increased time spent on the road makes getting into an accident more likely.
Insurance Coverage for Ridesharing
Because Uber and Lyft do not use company cars but hire independent contractors who drive their own personal vehicles, dealing with insurance coverage after an accident can be confusing. Both companies provide a $1 million liability policy for each driver. However, coverage depends on what the driver is doing at the time of the accident, as follows:
- Driving to or with a passenger when the accident happened: When a driver is transporting a passenger, both are generally covered under the ridesharing company’s insurance of $1 million liability coverage and $1 million in uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage.
- Not driving for Uber or Lyft when the accident happened: If rideshare drivers had their driver mode turned off and were not available to pick up passengers at the time of a crash, they would not be covered by the company’s insurance. Claims would have to go through the driver’s personal auto insurance.
- Driver is available but had not yet accepted an assignment to pick up a passenger at the time of the accident: Both Lyft and Uber have contingent liability coverage in case the driver’s personal insurance does not provide coverage or does not provide enough coverage. Liability coverage is up to:
- $50,000 per person injured in the accident
- $100,000 total injury liability for the accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Be aware that this insurance coverage may not be adequate when death or serious injuries are involved. Because of the complicated system, there could be multiple insurance companies involved—the ridesharing company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, and your own insurance. Also, insurance companies are out to make a profit and will try to get you to settle for the lowest amount possible.
At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we know how to deal with and stand up to insurance companies. A Manassas Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer will investigate your case and gather evidence, file appropriate insurance claims and documents, and pursue obtaining the maximum amount of compensation based on the facts of your case.
Manassas Uber Lyft Rideshare Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Getting Compensation
Depending upon the circumstances of your Manassas Uber or Lyft rideshare accident case, there are times when it may be necessary to go beyond insurance and seek compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
In a successful lawsuit, you and your attorney would need to prove that another party was at fault or negligent, and that this negligence caused your injuries. Negligent parties may include:
- The rideshare driver, who might have been distracted or impaired while driving or who did not follow the rules of the road
- The rideshare company, which might have been negligent in hiring or doing background checks for drivers
- The vehicle or parts manufacturer if the accident was caused by equipment failure
- The driver of another vehicle that collided with the rideshare vehicle
Compensation You May Receive
In a successful lawsuit in Virginia, you may receive compensation that includes:
Economic damages for monetary losses, such as medical and rehabilitative expenses and loss of wages and future earnings.
Noneconomic damages for losses that do not have quantifiable monetary value, such as physical and mental “pain and suffering” and inconvenience.
Punitive Damages for cases involving extreme recklessness, or willful or wanton conduct.
Virginia does not limit economic and noneconomic damages, but punitive damages are capped at $350,000.
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Statute of Limitations
Statute of Limitations – Virginia has a statute of limitations, a deadline for filing a personal injury case, of two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file on time, the court will almost certainly refuse to hear your case.
Get Help from a Manassas Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accident cases present complications, but at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, a Manassas rideshare accident lawyer knows how to deal with the laws and the insurance companies. We will diligently investigate your case and collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, file all paperwork in a timely manner, and take your case to court if necessary.
Call us today for your free case evaluation at (571) 229-1800 to see how we can be of assistance. There is no obligation.
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