Car accidents involving Uber and other rideshare vehicles can present unique challenges when victims seek compensation. Liability and insurance coverage can depend on many factors, including whether the Uber driver was “logged on” and carrying a passenger during the crash.
The Fredericksburg car accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison have substantial experience managing rideshare accident cases and achieving the results our clients deserve. See our positive feedback and contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney who can explain your legal options and work with you to pursue compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
How Can a Fredericksburg Uber Accident Lawyer Help Me with My Case?
A skilled car accident lawyer from Marks & Harrison can be your greatest ally in the fight for justice. Lawyers familiar with rideshare accident claims understand how and when Uber’s insurance coverage applies and can gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney allows you to focus on what matters most — your health and well-being. While you concentrate on your medical treatment and therapy, your lawyer will manage every aspect of your claim and help relieve you of your burdens during an overwhelming time.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Uber Accident in Fredericksburg?
Who bears legal responsibility for an Uber accident depends on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the crash and who caused it. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees. So, liability can shift between the driver, Uber, or another motorist depending on the circumstances:
- App off – When the driver is not logged into the Uber app, their personal auto insurance applies. Uber provides no coverage in this situation.
- App on, but no passengers – When the driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request, Uber’s contingent liability coverage may apply if the driver’s personal insurer denies a claim or their coverage is insufficient.
- App on, with passengers – Uber’s $1 million liability policy covers injuries and property damage when a driver is actively transporting or en route to a passenger.
- Third party hits your Uber – If another driver causes the crash, that motorist’s insurance is typically responsible for the damages.
What Are Common Causes of Fredericksburg Uber Accidents?
Uber accidents result from the same causes as any other kind of motor vehicle accidents, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield
- Inexperienced driver
- Impaired driving
- Reckless lane changes
- Fatigued driving.
Distraction presents a significant risk factor in Uber crashes. Instead of focusing on the road, Uber drivers may glance at GPS maps more often, receive frequent updates and notifications on the app, or watch the clock to maximize efficiency and increase income. Distraction that takes the driver’s eyes, hands, or focus off the road, even for just a second, can have devastating consequences.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered in Uber Accidents?
Victims of Uber accidents may suffer from a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injury
- Cuts and bruises
- Psychological harm.
What Steps Should I Take If I Have Been Involved in an Uber Crash?
Here’s what to do after you gett hurt in an accident involving an Uber in Fredericksburg:
- Prioritize your health and safety. Seek immediate medical attention and follow the doctor’s treatment and recovery recommendations.
- If possible, take pictures and video at the accident scene. You should also take screenshots related to the Uber trip.
- Contact Marks & Harrison. A Fredericksburg Uber accident lawyer at our law firm can work on your car accident case, initiate an investigation, and protect your rights.
- Don’t speak to insurance adjusters. Without your attorney, you could lose your right to compensation. Refer all communications from insurers to your lawyer.
- Support your attorney’s investigation by providing any available evidence.
What Compensation Could I Receive in an Uber Accident Claim?
A car accident claim typically covers various economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are those with clear financial documentation, such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic losses are those that lack clear financial value but still affect your life and well-being, including your physical pain and suffering and emotional distress.
When preparing your claim, your car accident attorney will account for the full scope of your losses. The amount you might be entitled to will depend on the unique facts of your case, including the severity of your injuries, how likely you are to make a complete physical recovery, how much work you missed, and the overall effect of your injuries on your daily life.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing an Uber Rideshare Accident Claim in Virginia?
Virginia law gives you two years from the injury date to file a car accident lawsuit against the Uber driver, Uber, or a third party. It’s essential to avoid unnecessary delays in initiating your claim because waiting can result in critical evidence being lost, deleted, or compromised. By contacting a Fredericksburg Uber accident lawyer immediately, you can strengthen your likelihood of recovering the compensation you deserve.
How Long Can an Uber Car Accident Settlement Take?
How long it takes for an Uber claim to resolve depends, like so much else, on the unique facts and circumstances of the accident. Collisions involving more than two vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and commercial vehicles can all present heightened levels of complexity. They may take longer to settle.
Furthermore, if your injuries are severe and require an extended recovery period or result in permanent disability, your claim may take longer to resolve because it takes a longer time to determine the full extent of your losses. If insurance companies dispute liability, this can add more time to the process.
Contact a Fredericksburg, VA Uber Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in an Uber accident, turn to the legal team at Marks & Harrison for the informed legal counsel you need. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims since 1911 and have a track record of success in some of Virginia’s largest personal injury cases. With 32 attorneys and over 130 support staff, we have the resources necessary to prepare and pursue your claim and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Fredericksburg Uber accident lawyer.
