Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made it easier and more convenient than ever to get around Virginia Beach. However, while these services are user-friendly and often affordable, rideshare drivers do not receive any special training or certification. In fact, they face many of the same risks on the road as other drivers—and in some cases, even more. Long hours, distractions from the app, and pressure to complete rides quickly can increase the likelihood of crashes.
If you were injured while riding as a passenger in an Uber, you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, Uber accident claims are often more complex than standard car accident cases. Determining liability and navigating insurance coverage can be challenging. A skilled car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available under Virginia law.
What Steps Should I Take After an Uber Accident?
If you are involved in an Uber crash, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. To protect your health and legal interests, keep the following in mind:
- Call 911. Always report the accident to local authorities. A police officer will arrive at the scene, interview the parties involved, and file a police report, which can be essential for your claim. If anyone is injured, inform dispatch so that emergency medical services are dispatched as well.
- Seek medical attention. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, it’s important to be examined by a medical professional right away. This not only ensures proper treatment but also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the vehicles involved, the roadway, and any other relevant evidence. If there are witnesses, try to obtain their contact information.
- Report the incident to Uber. Uber encourages riders to report accidents through its app or website. Follow the company’s procedures to file an incident report.
- Speak to an experienced attorney. Contact a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer who has experience handling Uber and rideshare-related cases. They can investigate the crash, determine liability, communicate with insurers, and pursue the full value of your claim.
How Long Does It Take to Settle an Uber Accident Claim?
The timeline for settling an Uber accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and whether there are disputes over liability. In straightforward cases with minor injuries, a settlement might be reached in as little as three to six months. More complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries or contested fault, can take a year or longer.
If your injuries require long-term treatment, your attorney may recommend waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the point at which your condition has stabilized—to ensure that your compensation covers all medical costs and future needs. Keep in mind that insurance companies often try to delay or minimize payouts, so having legal representation is critical during negotiations.
Whose Insurance Covers Uber Accidents in Virginia?
Although Uber is a large company, its drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This classification can complicate questions of insurance coverage and liability. The insurance that applies depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App is off: If the Uber app is turned off when the crash occurs, the driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible for covering damages.
- App is on, but no ride accepted: If the driver is online but not currently transporting a passenger, Uber provides third-party liability coverage of:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
- App is on, and the driver is en route to pick up or transporting a passenger: Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance.
- Accident caused by another driver: If another motorist caused the crash, their insurance should cover your injuries. However, if they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply.
Insurance policies can change, so it’s important to consult an attorney and review Uber’s latest insurance disclosures to understand your coverage rights.
What Compensation Can I Receive After an Uber Accident?
If you are injured in an Uber accident and another party is found liable, you may be eligible to recover a range of damages through a personal injury claim, including:
- Medical expenses (ER visits, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost income due to time missed from work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium (in serious injury cases)
The amount of compensation depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and whether the other party was clearly at fault.
Contact a Virginia Beach Uber Accident Lawyer at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Today
If you or a loved one was hurt in an Uber accident, the Virginia Beach Uber accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC are here to help. Call us today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.