Virginia Beach Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft continue to provide customers a convenient and affordable way to get from point A to point B. Uber drivers also offer a safe option for customers who may have had too much to drink or want to avoid driving for other reasons. However, Uber and Lyft drivers do not have any special qualifications or require specific training to become rideshare drivers. As a result, they are just as likely to be involved in a car accident as any other motorist on the road. 

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Virginia Beach, either as a passenger or as a pedestrian or cyclist. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will protect your legal rights, determine who is liable for your injuries, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Virginia Beach?

All licensed motorists are responsible for obeying the rules of the road and prioritizing safety at all times. This includes rideshare drivers. If an Uber or Lyft driver engages in unsafe or negligent behavior while they are behind the wheel, this can result in a severe car accident involving potentially life-threatening injuries. The following are examples of some of the most common yet preventable causes of Uber and Lyft accidents:

• Drowsy driving. Uber and Lyft drivers often work long hours to make as much money as possible. In addition, driving an Uber or Lyft vehicle may be a second job for some drivers struggling to make ends meet. Long hours, working late at night, and a lack of sleep can cause fatigue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving accidents caused more than 600 fatalities in a single year. Unfortunately, this is a common problem among Uber and Lyft drivers.
• Distracted driving. Uber drivers depend on their phones to check their app for ride requests. This is a significant distraction if they check their app or look at their GPS while driving a customer to their destination. According to the CDC, nine people suffer fatal injuries in distracted driving accidents every day in the United States. If an Uber or Lyft driver’s attention is off the road for even a few seconds, this can have devastating consequences. 
• Reckless driving. Tailgating, speeding, and unsafe lane changes are all examples of reckless driving that can cause serious car accidents. The faster an Uber or Lyft driver travels, the more serious the accident is likely. Reckless driving accidents are preventable if the driver always obeys the rules of the road. 
• Impaired driving. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another common cause of Uber accidents. It is illegal for any motorist – including Uber or Lyft drivers – to get behind the wheel of a car while impaired. Drugs and alcohol negatively impact reaction times, coordination, and decision-making ability, which can increase the risk of a serious accident.
• Unsafe lane changes. Whether merging onto a highway or changing lanes, Uber and Lyft drivers must always check their blind spots and make sure that it is safe to change lanes. Failure to do so can result in a sideswipe accident or a devastating head-on collision if they drift into the wrong lane.
• Vehicle maintenance. All motorists – including Uber and Lyft drivers – are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and making necessary repairs. Faulty brakes, underinflated tires, and broken headlights can drastically increase the risk of a serious car accident.
• Pulling over in unsafe locations. When Uber and Lyft drivers pick up or drop off customers, they must avoid bike lanes or other places where stopping is hazardous.

What Steps Do I Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Virginia Beach?

If you are involved in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you should take the following steps:

• Call 911. Make sure that you report the accident immediately by calling 911. If injuries are involved, notify dispatch so they can send an ambulance to the accident scene. Get immediate medical attention from emergency medical technicians, even if your injuries seem relatively minor. If you do not seek medical attention, an undiagnosed injury could become life-threatening and hurt your claim.
• Collect evidence. The more evidence you can collect, the more likely you will be able to prove who is responsible for causing the accident. Take pictures of the damage to the vehicle, your injuries, skid marks and debris on the road, and any other evidence that will support your claim.
• Get statements from witnesses. If witnesses saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for your contact information.
• Identify the other drivers. In addition to the insurance information, ensure you get a copy of the driver’s licenses of the motorists involved in the accident, including the Uber or Lyft driver and the others involved.
• Contact an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer. Uber and Lyft accidents are more complicated than other car accidents. An experienced lawyer will identify all liable parties and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. 

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

There may be several liable parties, depending on the circumstances. The following are examples of the different parties that may be considered at fault for an Uber accident:

• Uber or Lyft driver. If your Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident while waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft will cover up to a limit in bodily injury and property damage. If the accident occurred while the Uber or Lyft driver picked up passengers or during your ride, they will provide up to a limit in liability coverage. If the Uber or Lyft driver was not using the app at the time of the accident, you must file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance.
• The other driver involved in the accident. If the other driver involved in the accident was at fault, you must file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft may provide coverage, although coverage limits may exist.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft?

If you were seriously injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you might assume that filing a personal injury lawsuit against a multimillion-dollar company will ensure that you recover the maximum damages for your injuries and any other losses you suffered due to the accident. However, this can be complicated since Uber and Lyft classify their rideshare drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. That means Uber or Lyft is less likely to be liable for a negligent driver. However, if the following circumstances apply, you may want to pursue a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft:

• Your damages exceed the limits of your Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance policy.
• You were sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver.
• Uber or Lyft was careless in hiring, training, and retaining practices.

If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against any of the liable parties, you must do so within two years of the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. Your Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will assist you with this process.

The Virginia Beach Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Represent Victims of Rideshare Accidents

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, do not hesitate to contact the Virginia Beach Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC. We will determine who is responsible for the accident. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.