Holding Proper Parties Liable For Rideshare Accidents
Innovative rideshare services may not always make your traveling more convenient. Uber and Lyft drivers are still human. Accidents happen. But what happens when that accident causes you serious injuries? Instead of getting a fast ride to be at work on time, you are out of work for an extended time. These ride-hailing businesses may seem sensible in reducing your carbon footprint, but emergency room costs, medical expenses, property damage, lost time at work, and pain and suffering following an accident can add up to a stressful recovery period for you. Whose insurance will cover your accident injuries? The driver’s? The corporation’s? In Virginia, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft require drivers to carry insurance as independent contractors. But getting the compensation you need after an accident can be confusing without the help of a skilled attorney.
Our team of personal injury lawyers at Dickerson & Smith Law Group understands how emerging technology and the services related to it are subject to rapidly changing laws. We have the skill to effectively parse these laws promptly to benefit you. Our attorneys can draw from their in-depth personal injury experience to help you.
Understanding How Insurance Coverage Works With Rideshare
Uber and Lyft drivers carry personal automobile insurance policies and are covered by corporate insurance as well. When the driver has caused a car accident, liability for compensation is determined based on several factors, depending on whether the driver has their rideshare app on or off at the time of the crash. If the driver’s app is off when an accident occurs, his or her insurance policy would be held liable to cover the damages. However, when an accident happens while the driver has his or her app on and is awaiting customers, Uber and Lyft insurance policies cover limited amounts for bodily injury and property damage. When the driver has his or her app on and has a passenger onboard or is traveling to collect a passenger, the ride-hailing companies have a $1 million policy each for liability as well as for uninsured drivers. Typically, an insurance company’s highest priority is minimizing its costs. All too often, insurance companies minimize the full value of accident injuries or deny liability altogether. Virginia’s independent contractor and emerging rideshare or transportation network company (TNC) laws are complex. Advancing your right to make a personal injury claim after an Uber or Lyft accident can be difficult to achieve without a lawyer. Contact Dickerson & Smith Law Group to learn more.
Call Us For The Answers You Need And The Compensation You Deserve
Pursuing the fair value of your injuries suffered in an Uber or Lyft crash can be aggravating on your own. We offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options for pursuing the maximum compensation you need to recover from your car accident injuries. Let our experienced team take your burden of frustration from you so you can focus on healing. Call 757-828-0031 to schedule your free initial consultation with our knowledgeable lawyers.