The unique way rideshare companies operate can present a unique challenge when you need to file an insurance claim after a crash. Knowing what to do if you’re injured in a rideshare accident can protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries, expenses, and losses.
Whether you were a rideshare rider, rideshare driver, occupant of another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist, you can benefit from working with a Virginia rideshare accident lawyer after a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver. They will navigate the process for you and help you pursue compensation based on the appropriate insurance policy.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?
The first steps you should take immediately following an accident involving a rideshare driver include:
1. Check for Injuries and Call 9-1-1
The first priority in any accident is safety. If anyone was hurt, call 9-1-1 immediately to request medical assistance and law enforcement. Get checked out even if your injuries appear minor. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-894, any crash that caused injuries or property damage requires a police report. This report is also key evidence to support your insurance claim.
2. Document the Accident Scene
If your injuries allow, take photos or video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. If you are a rideshare passenger, take a screenshot of your trip details. These photos could provide important documentation of the accident later. Also collect the names and contact information for each driver, the license plate numbers of each vehicle, and the insurance information for all parties.
3. Report the Crash to the Rideshare Company
If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, report the accident through the app as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have built-in reporting features for accidents. This helps create a record of the incident.
If you were hurt in another vehicle, on a bike, or as a pedestrian, you can report the accident on their website.
4. Get Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
If you have any pain or other signs of injury, get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, can take hours or days to emerge. Getting care quickly means beginning treatment sooner while also tying your injuries to the crash.
Understanding How Insurance Works After a Virginia Rideshare Collision
Insurance is often complex in rideshare accident cases. This is because the insurance coverage available depends on the driver’s status on the app when the accident occurs.
- The Driver Is Off the App: The driver’s personal insurance coverage should pay for the damages that occurred.
- The Driver Is On the App: The rideshare company provides coverage when the driver is logged onto the app but has not accepted a ride. This policy is much lower than the one available if the driver had matched with a passenger or had one in the vehicle.
- The Driver Was En Route to a Rider or Had a Passenger: Uber and Lyft provide at least $1 million in third-party liability coverage for injured passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or other victims.
Because of the way this coverage applies, determining the driver’s status on the rideshare app when the crash occurred is essential to recovering compensation in these crashes.
Beware of Insurance Adjusters Who Approach You During This Time
When you report an accident to Uber or Lyft, they will inform their insurance provider. This could trigger an insurance adjuster to contact you. You do not want to talk to these adjusters until you have an attorney managing your case.
The goal of any insurance adjuster is to minimize how much their company pays you. They may use your own words against you and make lowball offers. To protect your rights, avoid giving recorded statements and do not agree to a settlement before speaking to a Virginia Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.
An attorney from our firm will:
- Determine the status of the driver when they caused the collision
- Investigate liability and gather critical evidence
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate for fair compensation to cover your damages
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
What Damages Will My Rideshare Accident Insurance Settlement Cover?
A collision can lead to a wide range of costs and losses. Your attorney will document these recoverable damages, which could include:
- Past and future medical costs and related expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may recover damages under Virginia Code § 8.01-52.
How Will an Attorney Help Me Get Justice in a Rideshare Accident Case?
Uber and Lyft accidents are more complex than most other car accident cases because of the way these companies classify drivers as independent contractors. If you were hurt in a crash caused by a rideshare driver, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and the compensation available to you.
A Virginia car accident lawyer will help you identify the available insurance coverage, file a claim, and negotiate a fair settlement. If necessary, they can file a lawsuit against the liable party before the deadline set by Va. Code § 8.01-243 arrives. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation.
Our lawyers represent rideshare accident victims based on contingency. You do not have to worry about how to pay for an attorney to manage your case. We are paid from the money we recover for you. You only pay when we win.
Discuss Your Injuries With Our Virginia Rideshare Accident Team for FREE
If you were hurt in a Virginia rideshare accident, our team is here to help you get justice. A rideshare accident lawyer from our team will ensure you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, team today for a FREE claim review.
Call or Text (571) 229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form