Norfolk Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
As more and more people use rideshare apps as a safer and more convenient way to get around, the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles is rising. Uber or Lyft accident victims often have many questions about what they can do after the crash, who is responsible for the collision, and how to pursue compensation for damages. Rideshare accidents can be more complex than other auto accidents because more factors and parties are typically involved.
Working with an experienced Norfolk Lyft or Uber rideshare accident lawyer can help you get the answers you seek and the representation you need to take legal action. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we have helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages. Whether you are an injured passenger, rideshare driver, or were in another vehicle, our team offers support, strength, and advocacy for victims and their loved ones. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at our Norfolk location.
On This Page
- Why Should I Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer From Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers?
- Damages Available in a Rideshare Accident
- What To Do After a Rideshare Accident
- Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents
- Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Cases in Virginia?
- How a Norfolk Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help You
- Rely on a Norfolk Rideshare Accident Attorney From Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers
Why Should I Hire a Norfolk Rideshare Accident Lawyer From Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers?
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers has dedicated its practice to helping accident victims get justice. Known as The Car Crash Experts, we have extensive experience with motor vehicle accident claims, including rideshare accident cases.
Here are a few reasons why countless clients have trusted us to handle their legal claims:
- We have the resources and knowledge to take on large insurance companies and rideshare representatives who try to minimize claims.
- Our skilled legal professionals have recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages for our clients.
- Our team secured the largest reported recovery in Virginia for a single-car accident in 2020 of $6.5 million.
- With a combined experience of more than 120 years, you can trust us to have your back.
- Our award-winning attorneys include Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Top 100 attorneys, Million Dollar Advocates Forum members, and Top Lawyers by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
- Our initial consultations are always free, and there is no fee unless we win.
If you feel you are not treated fairly by the insurance company after a rideshare accident, we are ready to fight for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Norfolk car accident lawyer today.
Damages Available in a Rideshare Accident
The results of a rideshare accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating for victims and their families. Painful injuries can lead to expensive medical bills and lost time at work. It can also affect your mental health and relationships with loved ones. Fortunately, you have legal options to recover compensation for these losses.
Under Virginia law, accident victims can claim both economic and non-economic damages, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Cost of future medical care
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, in limited cases
If you lost a loved one in a Lyft or Uber car crash, you and your family may qualify to bring a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Our Norfolk wrongful death lawyers can help you understand your legal options and explain how we can help you during this difficult time.
While some losses are more easily quantified, others are more difficult to value without the help of an attorney. To help you get the maximum award, we will identify all your damages and accurately value your current and future losses due to the accident. Schedule a free consultation with Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers to see if you have a case and what your claim may be worth.
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Norfolk
Regardless of whether you are the passenger or driver in an Uber or Lyft accident, getting the help you need and taking the right steps to ensure your safety is important. There are also things you can do to position yourself for a more successful legal outcome.
Medical and Safety Needs
Your priority must always be your health and safety. Therefore, always do the following immediately after an accident:
- Check yourself for injuries.
- Assess other passengers or drivers for injuries.
- If possible, move to a safe area away from oncoming traffic.
- Call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
Reporting the Incident
It is essential to have a record of the accident by completing the appropriate reports and paperwork.
- For rideshare drivers, you must follow the reporting process outlined by the rideshare company. This may include filling out an online incident report with accident details.
- Rideshare passengers and third parties can also complete an online incident report or use the rideshare app to report the accident.
- All involved parties need to report the accident to their own insurance company.
Police Reports
Police reports play a crucial role in car accident claims, so you need to take the time to report the accident to the police after your rideshare crash. The police will prepare a report that includes details about the accident and other crucial information, such as:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Vehicle information
- Insurance policy details
- Descriptions of vehicle damage and injuries
- Weather status
- Road signage
- A rough diagram of the car accident scene
- Statements from witnesses and involved parties
- Any official conclusions
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will release a comprehensive crash report to the parties involved in the accident, including the victims’ legal representatives.
Documentation of the Accident
If you can, try to take pictures or videos of the accident scene. Include damage to the vehicle, street signage, construction, road conditions, debris, and anything else you think may have contributed to the crash.
Also, be sure to follow through with all treatments and medical advice. Document your injuries, symptoms, progress, and how your life is affected. You can take pictures of your injuries and keep a journal of your recovery process, which may help support your case.
Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents
Depending on the severity and cause of the crash, Lyft and Uber accidents can result in various injuries that range from minor to catastrophic. Some common rideshare accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralyzing injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sprains and bruising
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Nerve damage
- Joint injuries
No two rideshare accidents are the same, meaning every victim suffers differently. That is why our Norfolk rideshare accident attorneys take a personalized approach to every case and work with our clients to address their unique needs. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you after a Lyft or Uber accident.
Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Norfolk?
Determining fault for the rideshare accident will depend on the factors leading up to the crash. Under Virginia law, employers are vicariously responsible for their employee’s negligent behavior while acting within the scope of their employment. However, rideshare drivers are considered contract workers and not employees.
In some circumstances, an Uber or Lyft driver could be personally responsible for their careless actions or negligence that led to the accident. If the rideshare driver had their app on and was either waiting for a ride, en route to a passenger, or transporting a rider, Uber and Lyft have tiered insurance coverage for rideshare drivers if an accident occurs.
What Type of Insurance Coverage Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Have?
Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry personal auto insurance coverage. However, these rideshare companies also have insurance policies that cover property damage and bodily injuries up to a certain amount.
Uber insurance includes the following:
- If the Uber app is off, the driver is liable for damages, and their personal insurance coverage applies.
- If the Uber app is on and the driver is waiting for requests, the driver’s personal insurance does not apply. Uber coverage includes:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
- If the Uber driver is en route to pick up riders or is driving riders to their destination, Uber covers the following:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury and first-party insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car, with a $2,500 deductible
Lyft insurance includes:
- If the Lyft app is off, the driver’s personal insurance policy applies.
- If the Lyft app is on and the driver is waiting for requests, Lyft covers the following:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
- En route or during trips:
- At least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability
- First-party coverages, which may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car, with a $2,500 deductible
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft?
Uber or Lyft may also be liable if they failed to complete the proper background checks and negligently hired an unqualified driver. According to Virginia law, rideshare companies must comply with strict requirements when working with contracted drivers. If the rideshare driver who caused the accident had a record of reckless driving citations or a history of driving under the influence of alcohol, you may have a case against Uber or Lyft.
These types of claims are complex and require detailed knowledge of the law to be successful. Contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation with a Norfolk Uber accident or Lyft accident lawyer to understand your legal options.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Cases in Virginia?
In Virginia, accident victims have two years to file suit over their losses after the incident. This rule applies to rideshare accidents and wrongful death that results from an Uber or Lyft car crash. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Consult an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Norfolk to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to recover damages.
How a Norfolk Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Working with a skilled Norfolk Lyft or Uber accident lawyer means you have the legal resources to take on the insurance companies and secure the maximum award for your damages.
When you work with our attorneys, we will do the following:
- Provide legal guidance and support to you and your family throughout the claims process
- Conduct a thorough investigation of what caused the rideshare accident
- Gather evidence supporting your case and improving your chances of a favorable settlement
- Consult with medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and forensic specialists to build your case
- Communicate with insurance companies and other involved parties on your behalf
- Value your losses to recover the maximum amount for your damages
- Negotiate a fair settlement that accurately represents your losses
- If necessary, take your case to trial before a jury to get the award you deserve
If the insurance companies refuse to pay what your claim is worth, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our Norfolk truck accident lawyers have successfully litigated federal and state jury trials for our clients and their families.
Ask The Car Crash Experts - Why is it important to hire an attorney with experience in rideshare accident cases?
Jim Hurley, Personal Injury Lawyer
“We live in a different world now. I’m almost 65 years old, and when I was younger, we didn’t have Uber, we didn’t have Lyft, we didn’t have cell phones with apps that could call Uber and Lyft. But these rideshare programs are everywhere now, and oftentimes, when you’re injured as a passenger with a rideshare program, it’s important to know what to do from a legal standpoint. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we deal with rideshare injuries on a regular basis to help those get a proper recovery. There are insurance coverage issues and other complicated legal issues, but the bottom line is if you’ve been injured in a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, you need to call us so we can help you.”
Rely on a Norfolk Rideshare Accident Attorney From Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers
Rideshare accidents are often complicated and can overwhelm the victims and their families. If you need attorneys you can trust, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers will guide you through the process and secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track after an Uber or Lyft accident.
Schedule a free consultation with a Norfolk personal injury lawyer now.
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