Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft make it easier than ever to get from point A to point B. Gone are the days of having to depend solely on taxis or public transportation. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can request a ride, and an Uber or Lyft driver will arrive, often within minutes. However, Uber and Lyft drivers do not require any special qualifications other than having a valid driver’s license and a clear driving record, passing a background check, and at least one year of driving experience. That means that Uber and Lyft drivers are just as likely to be involved in a car accident as any other motorist on the road.
If you are injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the first step towards recovering the financial compensation you deserve is to determine liability. An experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will protect your legal rights, identify all liable parties, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
Who Is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
All motorists are expected to obey the rules of the road at all times and avoid unsafe and irresponsible driving behaviors when operating a motor vehicle. Too often, however, motorists engage in negligent behavior that can increase the risk of a serious car accident. Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be a complicated process since Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors as opposed to employees of the rideshare company. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident while you were a passenger, you may file a claim with the Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance. However, it is unlikely that their policy includes a provision that covers passengers who were seriously injured while they were providing a rideshare service. If the other driver involved in the accident was at fault, you may file a claim with their insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached. If your injuries are severe, it may be necessary to file a claim against the rideshare company’s third-party liability insurance, which provides up to $1 million for injuries once all other insurance sources have been exhausted.
What Are Common Injuries from Uber and Lyft Accidents?
When you accept a ride from an Uber or Lyft driver, they have a duty to obey the rules of the road at all times. That means paying attention to other motorists on the road, using extreme caution during inclement weather, and avoiding the following negligent behavior when they are behind the wheel:
- Distracted Driving: This continues to be a serious problem among all drivers, including Uber and Lyft drivers who are constantly checking their app and their navigation system while they are driving. Unfortunately, a moment of distraction can have very serious consequences if there is another vehicle, a cyclist, or a pedestrian in the vicinity.
- Speeding: Part of obeying the rules of the road involves being aware of the speed limit and maintaining a safe speed. Driving too fast makes it more difficult to slow down or stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle. In addition, the extreme force of impact involved in a speeding-related accident can cause the resulting property damage and injuries to be much more severe.
- Impaired Driving: If a rideshare driver is accepting ride requests while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this can have very serious consequences. Even certain over-the-counter medications can cause impairments, including slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and poor judgment.
- Drowsy Driving: Uber and Lyft drivers often work long hours. For some drivers, this is a second job, which means that by the time they start their shift, they are already exhausted from their previous job. Symptoms of drowsy driving are similar to impaired driving, particularly if the Uber or Lyft driver has been awake for an extended period of time with no sleep.
What Steps Do I Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
The steps you should take after an Uber or Lyft accident are very similar to what you would do after any other type of car accident. The moments following an Uber or Lyft accident can be chaotic and overwhelming, so it is important to remain calm and keep the following tips in mind:
- Call 911. Report the accident as soon as possible. The responding police officer will fill out a police report.
- Seek immediate medical attention. When calling 911, notify dispatch that there are injuries so that they can send an ambulance to the scene. Getting immediate medical attention will ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, and increase the likelihood of a successful settlement outcome.
- Collect evidence. If you are able to safely move around, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, the location of the accident, skid marks on the road, and any other evidence that can help prove fault.
- Contact the rideshare company. Notify Uber or Lyft that you were involved in a car accident while you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle.
- Keep copies of important documents. Make sure that you obtain copies of all medical records, other expenses you incurred as a result of the accident, and any correspondence related to your injuries. This will provide evidence if you intend to seek financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Contact an experienced Virginia Beach Uber or Lyft accident lawyer. A dedicated lawyer will thoroughly review the details of the accident, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and help you recover the damages you are entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Virginia Beach Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Represent Clients Injured in Rideshare Accidents
If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a rideshare accident, it is highly recommended that you contact the Virginia Beach 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. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.