Ridesharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are very popular in metropolitan areas such as Fairfax and the surrounding areas. While convenient and sometimes necessary, rideshare services are not without their risks. A negligent Uber or Lyft driver could cause an accident that injures you, or another motorist could collide with the rideshare vehicle and cause you harm.
An experienced Fairfax rideshare accident attorney can explain your options for obtaining compensation if a rideshare accident hurt you or someone you love, review your claim for free, and advise you of your rights and options.
Contact the Fairfax rideshare lawyers at Right Path Law Group as soon as possible after your Uber or Lyft accident for a free consultation about your case. We have extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims in Fairfax and throughout Northern Virginia, and we are committed to helping you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We Can Help You Recover Compensation for Your Fairfax Rideshare Accident Injuries
Right Path Law Group has served injured clients in Fairfax and across Northern Virginia for more than 15 years. During that time, we have become the trusted source for quality, effective legal representation to thousands in our region.
We have recovered many substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, including many six-figure awards, and you can rely on us to fight hard for you to increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
You can count on receiving personalized attention from a compassionate lawyer who has your best interests at heart. We will carefully explain your rights to pursue compensation and help you collect all the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Our tenacious Fairfax personal injury attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company to get the highest settlement possible, and we will not hesitate to take your case to court if necessary. Our lawyers have earned national recognition for our legal abilities and litigation skills, and we have gained a reputation in the legal community as among the leading trial lawyers in our region.
The best part about working with Right Path Law Group is that you will pay nothing upfront to represent you. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you will owe us nothing if we don’t recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case and find out how we can help you get the maximum financial recovery you need.
Virginia’s Car Insurance Laws
Virginia is unique among states in that it allows drivers to pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee to drive without car insurance. However, this does not absolve them from liability if they cause an accident that results in injuries or damages, and you can sue the at-fault driver personally if they do not carry auto insurance.
If drivers elect not to pay the fee, they must maintain certain levels of liability auto insurance on any vehicle they have registered in Virginia.
The current car insurance liability requirements for Virginia auto insurance policies effective Jan. 1, 2022, to Jan. 1, 2024, are:
- $30,000 for injury or death of one person
- $60,000 for injury or death of two or more people
- $20,000 for property damage
These limits will increase to $50,000 per person for injury or death/$100,000 for injury or death to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage for policies effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Uber and Lyft Insurance
Uber and Lyft each have their own auto insurance policies to protect occupants from accidental injuries they sustain during rides. These policies also cover Uber and Lyft drivers if another motorist caused the collision.
However, if an Uber or Lyft driver has their app turned off and is not actively en route to get passengers or transporting passengers, the driver must rely on their own auto insurance for coverage.
In cases where personal auto insurance doesn’t apply, Uber offers the following liability coverage, and Lyft offers similar coverage:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Uber also offers third-party liability coverage of up to $1,000,000 and uninsured and underinsured motorist protection along with contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible. Be sure to check the rideshare app for specific coverage, and contact an attorney for help understanding the requirements and your options for obtaining compensation.
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Fairfax?
If you are in a rideshare accident in Fairfax, ensure your safety, gather information, and protect your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do after a rideshare accident:
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check for injuries and ensure the safety of everyone involved. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
- Move to a Safe Location: If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents or hazards. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the local police or law enforcement agency. An accident report will be helpful for insurance purposes and potential legal claims.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver, other drivers, and passengers. Make sure to collect:
- Names and contact details
- Insurance information
- Vehicle information (make, model, license plate numbers)
- Rideshare driver’s name and license number
- Rideshare company information
- Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Information: If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable when determining fault.
- Notify Your Rideshare Company: Contact the rideshare company (Uber, Lyft, etc.) through the app or customer support to report the accident. They may provide guidance on the next steps.
- Adhere to the Rideshare Company’s Policies: Follow any additional instructions or requirements provided by the rideshare company regarding reporting and documenting the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
- Keep Records: Maintain a record of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, insurance correspondence, and any communication with the rideshare company.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your own auto insurance company about the accident. Even if you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, your insurance may come into play.
- Consult an Attorney: If you or any passengers suffered injuries in the accident or a dispute liability, consult a personal injury attorney with rideshare accident experience. An attorney can protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Remember that rideshare accidents can be complex, involving multiple insurance policies and parties. Consulting an attorney who has experience with rideshare accident claims and dealing with rideshare companies can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages resulting from the accident.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Fairfax Rideshare Accident Claim?
If you are in a rideshare accident in Fairfax, you may seek compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
Potential types of compensation in a Fairfax rideshare accident claim can include:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the accident. This may include ambulance fees, hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement for the repair or replacement costs. This includes damage to your vehicle, personal belongings, and any other property affected by the accident.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working or result in missed time from work, you can pursue compensation for your lost income. This can cover past and future lost wages, as well as potential reductions in earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering is designed to address the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you experience as a result of the accident and your injuries. This is a subjective category of damages and can vary widely based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have a significant impact on your relationship with a spouse or loved one, they may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a rideshare accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be eligible to seek wrongful death damages, including compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional toll of the loss.
- Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: If your injuries require ongoing rehabilitation or long-term care, the cost of these services can be included in your claim.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages for the at-fault party’s particularly egregious or reckless conduct. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
The specific types of compensation and the amount you may be eligible to receive can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance coverage available.
To maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation in a rideshare accident claim in Fairfax, hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in Fairfax?
In Fairfax and throughout Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to rideshare accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that you must have an attorney file your Fairfax rideshare accident lawsuit in civil court within that time, or you risk losing any right you have to pursue compensation.
That said, specific details of your case can affect the statute of limitations. For example:
- Discovery Rule: In some cases, the statute of limitations may not start running until the date when you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your injuries. This rule may apply if injuries or their causes are not immediately apparent.
- Cases Involving Minors: If you were a minor at the time of the rideshare accident—or a minor child was injured in the rideshare crash–the statute of limitations may be tolled (temporarily suspended) until the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 in Virginia.
- Government Entities: If the rideshare accident involved a government entity or government-owned vehicle, there may be shorter notice requirements and time limitations for bringing a claim against the government.
Given these nuances and potential exceptions, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you or your child suffered injuries in a rideshare accident.
An attorney can assess your specific situation, provide guidance on the applicable statute of limitations, and ensure that your legal rights are protected. Additionally, working with an attorney can help you build a strong case and navigate the complexities of the legal process in Fairfax.
Contact an Experienced Fairfax Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
You chose to use a rideshare service to help you reach your destination safely. You certainly didn’t expect to get into a car accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, and you shouldn’t have to bear any costs associated with your injuries and losses.
Whether another motorist collided with the rideshare vehicle, or the rideshare driver was responsible for the crash, you have legal rights and options for obtaining the compensation you need.
Rideshare accidents are notoriously complex, and you shouldn’t submit a claim to the rideshare company’s insurance—or to any insurance company for that matter—without first consulting an attorney.
The Fairfax personal injury lawyers at Right Path Law Group have successfully handled many Uber and Lyft accident claims for clients throughout our area, and we will evaluate your case at no cost and work hard to help you get the maximum financial recovery possible. Contact us today at (703) 637-9999 for your free consultation.