Portsmouth Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft continue to provide customers with a convenient, user-friendly, and affordable transportation option. In most cases, the rides are uneventful, and customers arrive at their destination without any problems. However, an Uber or Lyft driver is just as likely to be involved in a car accident as any other driver.

In some cases, rideshare drivers may be more likely to cause an accident if they are distracted by ride requests coming in on their phone, or if they become drowsy after being on duty for a long period of time. If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident, recovering compensation can be a bit more complicated than other car accidents. The Portsmouth Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC will discuss the details of your accident, determine who is liable for your injuries, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

What Steps Should I Take After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

The moments immediately following an Uber or Lyft car accident can be extremely stressful, overwhelming, and chaotic. This is particularly true if you suffered serious injuries in the accident. It is important that you remain calm and take the following steps:

Call 911 to report the accident. Dispatch will send a police officer to the accident scene. If there are injuries involved, notify dispatch so that they can send an ambulance. The responding officer will fill out a police report, which you can request a copy of when it is ready.
Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries do not seem serious or life-threatening, it is important that you are examined by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) as soon as possible. Oftentimes, the shock of the accident can cause adrenaline to course through the body, which can mask pain and other symptoms associated with an injury. EMTs can determine whether your injuries are serious and transport you to the nearest emergency room for proper treatment.
Collect evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles involved, your injuries, the location of the accident, any skid marks or debris on the road, the weather conditions, and any other evidence that can help determine liability. If there are witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
Report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Rideshare companies wanted drivers to notify the company if they were involved in an accident while on duty. Drivers can fill out an accident report that is available on the companies’ websites. If the rideshare company contacts you for a statement about the accident, it is highly recommended that you refer the person to your lawyer.
Contact an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyer. Determining fault and recovering the damages you are entitled to can be a complicated process if you were injured in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle. A dedicated lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

Whose Insurance Will Cover My Losses?

If you are injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, there are a number of parties that may be responsible for the losses you suffered as a result of the accident, including the following:

The Uber or Lyft driver. Effective 2022, if you were injured by a rideshare driver who was waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft will cover up to $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, with a maximum of $50,000 per person and $25,000 for property damage. If the accident occurred while you were in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. If the Uber or Lyft driver was not using the app at the time of the accident, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s personal auto insurance.
The other motorist involved in the accident. If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and you are hit by another car or truck, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Uber or Lyft: Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees of Uber or Lyft. As a result, filing a lawsuit directly against the Rideshare company may not be an option. However, you may be able to take legal action against Uber or Lyft if the following are true:
- Your total damages exceed the limits of the rideshare driver’s insurance policy.
- An Uber or Lyft driver sexually assaulted you.
- You believe the rideshare company engaged in careless hiring and training practices.

What Are Common Injuries Caused by Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Car accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can cause injuries ranging in severity from minor cuts and scrapes to tragic fatalities, depending on the circumstances of the accident. If you or a fellow passenger is not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, even a fairly minor accident can cause serious injuries. The following are examples of injuries that Uber and Lyft car accidents can cause:

Soft tissue damage
Broken bones
Sprains
Neck injuries
Hip and knee injuries
Damage to internal organs
Spinal cord damage
Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Damages for a Rideshare Accident

If you can prove that the Uber or Lyft driver was responsible for causing the accident that resulted in your injuries, you may be entitled to the following damages:

All medical expenses associated with your injuries
Future medical costs
Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from being able to return to work for an extended period of time
Loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were intentional or grossly negligent

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident and intend to file a personal injury lawsuit, you must file your claim within two years of the accident date. You will need to identify the at-fault party and prove negligence to recover damages. In addition, if you file the claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. A dedicated Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process and ensure your claim is filed well before the statute of limitations expires.

How Can an Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me with My Case?

Car accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers can be more complicated than other car accidents due to insurance and liability issues. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will thoroughly review the evidence, determine whether negligence was a factor, and ensure that the at-fault party is held liable for your injuries. We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

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

If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, it is highly recommended that you contact the Portsmouth Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC as soon as possible. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Virginia Beach, where we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.