Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies have grown in popularity in recent years. It is now more common for someone to pull out their phone and use an app to call Uber or Lyft than to walk down the street and raise their hand for a taxi. However, the reputation taxi drivers had for aggressive and reckless tactics, which often led to accidents, seems to have transferred to rideshare drivers. In cities where Uber and Lyft are operating, there have been many car accidents that lead to injuries for the Uber drivers, their passengers, and those in other vehicles.

If you are hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may face a complicated insurance claim process. Uber and Lyft advertise $1 million insurance policies, but that does not apply to every person in every situation. By working with a Roanoke Uber accident attorney, you can determine who was at fault for the Uber car crash, who is liable for your injuries, and which insurance policy to file a claim against. Our Roanoke car accident lawyers will fight for you to win the compensation you deserve while you concentrate on your health and recovery.

To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact Lugar Injury Law today at (540) 384-0348.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents

At Lugar Injury Law, we have handled many Lyft and Uber accident claims that arose because of:

  • Distracted Driving
  • Drowsy/Fatigued Driving
  • Speeding
  • Failing to Yield the Right of Way
  • Failing to Obey Traffic Signs and Lights
  • Careless, Reckless, or Aggressive Driving
  • Tailgating
  • Driving While Impaired Due to Alcohol or Drugs
  • Failing to Properly Maintain the Vehicle
  • Inexperienced Drivers
  • Drivers Over 65
  • Road Hazards and Defects
  • Bad Weather Conditions
  • Work Zones

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft car crash, do not hesitate to call an experienced attorney at our firm. We are here to uncover what happened and why, and fight hard for you to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Were You an Uber Passenger in a Car Accident?

If you were in riding in an Uber or Lyft when the vehicle was involved in a crash, call Lugar Injury Law right away. An Uber attorney will immediately conduct an independent and in-depth investigation of the accident. Through an investigation, we will gather as much evidence as possible, including the police report, photos, video, and witness reports. If the data is incomplete or there are conflicting statements, we may hire an industry expert to review the facts and reconstruct the accident. This lets us determine who caused the crash, which then allows us to identify the relevant insurance policy.

If someone other than the Uber or Lyft driver was responsible for the collision, then you may be able to file an insurance claim against that at-fault driver?s insurance. If the Uber driver is at fault, you can file a claim against the Uber liability insurance coverage, which provides up to $1 million in coverage for injuries caused by the driver?s negligence. In some circumstances, you may have the right to file a claim against both auto insurance policies.

Were You in an Accident While Driving Uber?

If you were hurt as an Uber driver in an accident, and another party was at fault for the crash, you should talk with a rideshare accident attorney about your options. Typically, you will need to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver?s insurance policy.

Some Uber liability insurance policies may help you. If the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene, you can file a claim under Uber?s uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage for up to $250,000 per accident. If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage for your personal auto insurance policy, then Uber?s contingent collision and comprehensive insurance coverage can help you repair or replace your vehicle.

Did an Uber Vehicle Hit You?

At Lugar law PC, our Roanoke Uber accident attorneys handle many cases that arise when an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash and harms the rideshare passenger, the occupants of another vehicle, a motorcycle or bicycle rider, or a pedestrian. Unfortunately, Uber and other rideshare vehicle drivers are just like anyone else. The fact that they earn income from driving does not mean they received any special training or have any additional qualifications. They are just as likely to cause a Lyft or Uber crash as any other driver is likely to cause a collision.

After an Uber of Lyft accident that causes you harm, we are here to investigate the crash. If the evidence points to the Uber driver being at fault, then we will pursue compensation for your injuries under Uber?s $1 million liability insurance policy.

Can You File a Lawsuit Against Uber?

One of the most common questions we receive at Lugar Injury Law is whether or not a crash victim can file a lawsuit against Uber. To file a valid Uber accident lawsuit, there would need to be evidence that Uber, the business, was somehow responsible for the crash or liable for the driver?s conduct. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees (although this principle has been challenged in other states and Virginia may find holdings from other states as persuasive). This distinction between employee-employer relationship and independent workers enables rideshare platforms to deny liability for the driver?s conduct, including fatal and serious car crashes. However, there may be instances in which Uber is liable, such as if it negligently allowed an unqualified, unlicensed, or potentially dangerous driver to work, and that driver then caused you harm.

In most cases, a crash victim does not have the right to directly sue Uber or Lyft for a crash. Instead of filing an Uber lawsuit, you will file suit against the Uber driver. The driver?s personal auto insurer or insurance provided through Uber may provide the driver?s defense, and in most cases, you will pursue a settlement with the insurance company.

Compensation in a Lyft or Uber Accident Claim

When you are injured in a crash with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may have the right to pursue compensation. If you can show the rideshare driver or another driver was negligent, reckless, or acted intentionally and caused you harm, then through a lawsuit or insurance claim, you can seek compensation for your:

  • Medical Bills
  • Lost Income
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement

Contact a Roanoke Uber Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a crash that involved an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, call our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lugar Injury Law. We have handled a rising number of Uber and Lyft crash claims for rideshare drivers, passengers, and others in recent years. We will carefully review the accident to determine who was at fault. We will then aggressively pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

For answers to your questions regarding Lyft and Uber crashes, contact us through our online form, or call us at (540) 384-0348 to schedule a free case consultation.