A collision with a rideshare vehicle, or being injured as a passenger or pedestrian, adds a layer of complexity to the process of claiming compensation after an accident. Our Charlottesville personal injury lawyers can unravel these complexities and will advocate on your behalf.
From investigation to litigation, strong representation means a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome. The Charlottesville rideshare accident lawyers from MartinWren, P.C. have served hundreds of clients in our more than 15 years in business.
Compensation You May Be Eligible for After a Charlottesville Rideshare Accident
When a careless or reckless driver injures you in an accident, they are responsible for compensation payments. Many people are unaware of the various types of damages they can claim, or they do not know what they should claim and how to navigate the process. In injury claims, different categories of damages apply, including:
- Medical costs and the cost of any future treatment
- Lost wages as well as future loss of earning capacity
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Trauma and emotional distress
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment or family relationships
The nature and extent of injuries determine the value of claims. However, even seemingly light injuries can have longer-term consequences. Consult our rideshare accident lawyer in Charlottesville to discover the value of a car accident case and what your chances of a successful claim may be. Your first consultation is free.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Benefits of Hiring Our Rideshare Accident Attorney in Charlottesville
MartinWren, P.C., was founded in 2009. Uber opened in 2010, when the company accepted its first passenger. As a result, our Charlottesville car accident lawyers were among the first to deal with this type of road accident. Today, our experience in this area benefits people who have been hurt in accidents involving rideshares. Advantages include:
- An award-winning law firm that has earned multiple accolades
- A history of high-value verdicts that helped our clients get their lives back on track
- Compassionate and caring toward our clients, we are aggressive when pursuing fair compensation on their behalf
- Ethical lawyers who always prioritise your well-being: our people-first policy sets us apart from many other law firms
- Prompt communication whenever you need to hear from us, and direct access to your lawyer throughout
Many of our lawyers have lived experiences that help them understand your pain after a shocking accident. Knowing we can make a difference to real people motivates us in our tireless efforts to help people get their lives back after an injury.
Why Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents is So Complex
Insurance companies usually pay compensation on behalf of at-fault drivers who are their clients. However, a successful claim rests on identifying liable parties and showing that they are at fault. Determining liability can be easier said than done. Possible liable parties include:
- A rideshare driver
- The driver of another vehicle
- The rideshare driver and another driver
- The rideshare company, if the driver was on duty
- An automaker, an auto spares manufacturer, or a workshop
Generally, multiple parties can be liable for a single accident and must pay their respective shares of compensation. In rideshare accidents, determining whether the driver was officially on duty at the time is crucial in determining who must accept liability: the driver or the rideshare company.
Charlottesville Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (434) 817-3100
Causes of Accidents Specific to Rideshares
Rideshare accidents can occur for the same reasons as any other auto accident. Still, some unique factors contribute to accidents involving rideshare vehicles. They relate to the nature of the job itself and may include:
- Reliance on GPS navigation on unfamiliar roads can lead to distracted driving or confusing route changes.
- Drivers must stop to pick up and drop off passengers, and they may do so without warning or in unsafe locations.
- The mere presence of a stranger in a car can lead to inattention, and unruly passengers may distract drivers, potentially resulting in an accident.
- Each driver’s earnings depend on accepting as many rides as possible. They may drive too fast or work when they are fatigued.
- Other drivers may become impatient when driving behind rideshare cars and may take unnecessary risks.
Nationwide rideshare crash research by the University of Illinois Chicago revealed that one-third of rideshare drivers have had a crash on the job. An experienced Charlottesville rideshare accident attorney will work with experts to determine the cause of your crash and limit the potential for disputed liability.
How Uber and Lyft Rideshare Insurance Works
When a person wishes to become a rideshare driver, both Uber and Lyft require them to have insurance policies. This insurance applies when they are driving in their personal capacity. When they are working, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies provide coverage.
The level of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time. If they are logged into the app and are waiting for someone to hail them, Uber or Lyft’s insurance offers some coverage. But if they are en route to pick up passengers or are transporting them to a destination, a higher level of coverage applies.
When a rideshare vehicle causes or contributes to an accident, we must determine which insurance company to approach. The driver’s status at the time of the rideshare accident also affects the available insurance coverage.
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The Services We Provide in Your Journey Toward Compensation
The last thing an injured person needs after a rideshare accident is a complex process to recover compensation. Unfortunately, the process can be extremely complicated, and failing to attend to every detail will likely mean that you do not receive a full and fair settlement. When you work with us, we will:
- Investigate the accident and identify liable parties
- Calculate the compensation you should receive
- Prepare and submit insurance claims
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Fight for you in court if you do not receive a fair settlement offer
Each of these steps requires experience, thoroughness, and determination, which most injured individuals possess. After all, their top priority is to get through this time and recover as fully as possible. Nevertheless, with what may be a long road to recovery lying ahead, they will need every dollar in compensation they can recover. We work to make it happen.
Reach Out to Learn About Your Options After a Rideshare Accident
After being injured in a rideshare accident, you need two professional teams to help you through your recovery. Your medical team takes care of your physical health, and your Charlottesville rideshare accident lawyer and their team work to address the impact your accident has on your financial health.
Contact MartinWren, P.C., to explore your legal options. You can meet us on your terms, at our offices, at your home, or even in a hospital. Your initial consultation is free, and we often agree to work under an arrangement in which you only pay your lawyer’s fees if they win your case. Get a strong and compassionate lawyer on your side today.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
