What To Do If You Are a Passenger in a Virginia Uber or Lyft Car Accident

Most rideshare car accidents are caused by human error, such as distracted driving, speeding, running red lights and stop signs, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

In some cases, it’s not necessarily the fault of either the rideshare driver or the driver of another vehicle. For example, a rideshare accident could be the result of a defective vehicle part. In this case, the vehicle or vehicle parts manufacturer can be found liable.

Most driver or manufacturer negligence results in:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• T-bone accidents
• Multi-vehicle collisions
• Rollovers
• Lane departure accidents

Common injuries sustained by rideshare passengers

Uber and Lyft passengers can sustain a variety of injuries in rideshare accidents, with some being more common or severe than others. These include:

• Whiplash, which occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, stretching the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
• Concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries.
• Lacerations and cuts from contact with vehicle parts or objects within the car.
• Internal injuries to the liver, spleen, or kidneys. This can also include internal bleeding.
• Spinal cord injuries from minor nerve damage to full paralysis.

As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle in Virginia, you possess certain rights and protections under the law. Rideshare companies owe a duty of care to their passengers. This duty includes providing safe vehicles, properly vetted drivers, and adhering to all traffic laws and regulations. If this duty is breached and you suffer harm as a result, you may have grounds for legal action.

Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that provide coverage in the event of a collision. These policies typically include liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction can impact liability and insurance coverage in the event of a crash.

However, Virginia law holds rideshare companies accountable for the actions of their drivers under certain circumstances. These include:

• Negligence and background checks: If a rideshare company fails to perform adequate background checks, or if it knowingly allows someone with a known history of dangerous driving or criminal behavior to operate as a driver, the company can be held liable for negligence.
• Violations of safety standards: Rideshare companies are also responsible for ensuring that their drivers adhere to all state-imposed safety standards, including vehicle safety standards and operational practices. If a collision occurs due to the company’s failure to enforce these standards, the company can be held liable. For example, if a company fails to ensure that a vehicle is regularly inspected and meets Virginia’s safety requirements, and this failure leads to an accident, the company could be considered liable.

What if the rideshare driver wasn't at fault?

If the rideshare driver was not at fault, you may first have to seek financial compensation through the insurance company representing the at-fault driver. An experienced Uber or Lyft car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify negligent parties, and help you purse a claim for damages. You may also be able to recover compensation through the Uber and Lyft UIM (uninsured and underinsured) insurance policy if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.

Being involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident can be a stressful and traumatic experience, but it’s important to remain calm and take the following steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:

• Check yourself, the driver, and any other passengers for injuries and call emergency services, if necessary.
• Call the police and wait for an officer to arrive at the crash scene.
• While waiting for the police to arrive, gather as much information as possible about the rideshare accident. That includes photos of the vehicles involved, their positions, and any visible damage or injuries.
• Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of the rideshare driver, other drivers or passengers involved, and any witnesses to the accident.
• Even if you don’t believe you’ve been seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the accident to Uber or Lyft as soon as possible and provide relevant details to initiate the claims process and ensure that the incident is properly documented.

Don’t wait to get medical attention, even if your injury seems minor or you don’t feel any symptoms. This allows you to get a prompt medical diagnosis, treat your injuries before they worsen, and establish a clear link between the collision and your condition.

You can also strengthen your claim by adhering to the advice provided by your treating doctor and lawyer. This includes:

• Filing your claim within Virginia’s statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the crash.
• Refraining from providing a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Only discussing your case with an attorney and avoiding social media posts that discuss your rideshare accident.
• Attending all medical appointments.
• Avoiding activities that can disprove or worsen your injury.
• Keeping all medical documentation, such as your diagnosis, medical bills, appointment logs, and prescriptions.
• Preserving other evidence of economic damages such as pay stubs, tax returns, and property damage.
• Keeping and maintaining a daily pain and suffering diary to help your attorney determine your non-economic damages.

If you’re a passenger injured in a rideshare vehicle, you could be facing a complex legal claim with many moving parts. This can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already trying to recover from an injury. Let a skilled Virginia Uber or Lyft car accident lawyer handle your claim for you.

They can investigate the crash, determine who was at fault, handle all communications with insurance companies, and fight to maximize your compensation through a settlement or a court award.

There’s absolutely no financial risk to you when you hire an attorney. Since Virginia rideshare accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, you only pay if they get a successful outcome for your case. If you don’t get fully compensated, then you don’t pay. To learn how to initiate your claim, contact a Virginia lawyer and schedule a free legal consultation