Chesapeake Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
When you get into an Uber or Lyft vehicle, or you are close to one of their motorists on the road, you have no idea of the driver’s skill or the level of care they take. Unfortunately, rideshare accidents are becoming far too common, as drivers neglect safety in terms of earning the most money possible. You may be entitled to substantial financial compensation if you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. First, you must go through a difficult legal process for you to be paid. Do not try to go through this process alone. Always hire an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney to represent you in your legal claim.
Why Are Uber and Lyft Drivers More Dangerous Than Most Motorists?
Uber and Lyft drivers are under increasing financial pressure. These companies find a way to make the most possible money for themselves, leaving drivers to scramble to maximize their earnings power in the time they devote to their jobs. Rideshare drivers may cut all sorts of corners to make as much as possible while driving. In addition, Uber and Lyft drivers are highly competitive for the most lucrative possible rides and are always focused on obtaining passengers who will pay them the most.
Some dangers inherent in the rideshare process can include:
- Tired drivers working late at night, often after a full shift at another job.
- Rideshare motorists who are continuously looking at the app to see the latest ride requests.
- Drivers who are in unfamiliar areas and do not know where they are going.
- Speeding because a driver wants to maximize the amount of money that they earn in their shift.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for My Accident Injuries?
Uber and Lyft have found a way to protect themselves to the fullest extent possible. By classifying drivers as independent contractors, rideshare companies can avoid paying for workers’ compensation insurance, minimum wages, and damages when you have been injured in an accident. You could sue Uber or Lyft for your injuries in very limited circumstances. For example, if the companies cut corners on background checks, and you are assaulted by a driver or are hurt by someone who should have never been approved to drive in the first place, you may be able to sue Uber or Lyft.
How Can I Be Compensated for My Uber or Lyft Injuries?
Even though you cannot sue Uber or Lyft directly, you still have a means to obtain compensation for your injuries. Virginia law requires that rideshare companies offer a certain minimum amount of coverage to pay for injuries to others. When a passenger in the car or the driver has accepted a ride request, there is up to $1 million in coverage on a per-accident basis. If that coverage is not enough, there are additional sources that you can go to when seeking compensation, including any supplemental insurance that the driver purchased or your underinsured motorist coverage.
To obtain financial compensation, you would need to file an insurance claim. The rideshare business is a large and profitable one for insurance companies. Uber and Lyft pay their insurance “partners” a great deal of money for the coverage that they provide. In turn, the insurance companies want to keep as much of these premiums as possible because they represent profits.
How Much Is My Uber or Lyft Accident Case Worth?
The exact amount of your case depends on both the level of insurance coverage available and the scope and extent of your injuries. The responsible party must pay you both economic and non-economic damages associated with your rideshare accident injury. Your damages can include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
You Would Need to Negotiate Compensation with the Insurance Company
Before you can even file a rideshare accident claim, you need to know the full extent of your damages. The responsible party would need to pay you for the total value of the harm they caused. They would need to compensate you for both economic and non-economic damages associated with your injuries. You can be paid for your actual financial losses and the experience resulting from your accident injuries.
A rideshare accident claim is one large negotiation between you and the insurance company. You are the one with the legal right to financial compensation, but you must work for every dollar that you get. The insurance company may make you a settlement offer, but it would be for less than you deserve. With the help of a rideshare accident lawyer, you can negotiate for more money. Alternatively, you can file a lawsuit in court, and a jury would determine how much you may receive in damages.
What Are the Challenges Involved in a Rideshare Accident Case?
You need an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney to help you navigate the complexities of the rideshare accident claims process. The system that Uber and Lyft have set up requires you to jump through many hoops, even if your legal entitlement to money is straightforward. You could end up in a far better financial position if you hire a ride to your exit attorney to represent you in the legal process. Your lawyer can help you deal with the following challenges:
- Multiple insurance companies may be involved, and you seek money from several.
- Figuring out which driver was to blame for your Uber or Lyft accident.
- The insurance company has a different view of the amount of your damages.
- You are dealing with a large bureaucracy that may not operate on the same timetable.
It is difficult enough to deal with physical injuries in the aftermath of an accident. Your situation can become even more tenuous when you are up against a large insurance company. The Chesapeake Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC can handle your case diligently and determinedly, following our own values while providing you with aggressive legal representation.
Contact the Chesapeake Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Today
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, the Chesapeake Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC are on your side from the first minute you hire us. Call 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our office is in Virginia Beach, and we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.
