How to Recover Compensation after a Rideshare Accident
Ridesharing is a popular mode of transportation these days, and for good reason. The price is generally cheaper than other forms of for-hire transportation, such as taxis or shuttles, and they often arrive at your location very quickly, as well. Fast service, good pricing, and background-checked drivers—what’s not to love?
While ridesharing is mostly considered safe, all drivers can cause accidents. What do you do if you’ve been injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver from Lyft, Uber, or another company? How can you recover compensation for the damages you’ve surely suffered?
Who’s Liable, the Rideshare Driver or the Rideshare Company?
You’ll be happy to learn that liability involving rideshare drivers works very similarly to other types of vehicle crash cases. The person who caused the wreck is the one who needs to pay for it. For instance, if the rideshare driver caused the collision that left you injured, you can sue the driver for damages.
Rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, require their drivers to carry insurance at all times. This means that you are protected if you’re injured in an accident. Just like many other accidents, though, you’re only protected up to the limits of that driver’s policy. So, when can the rideshare company be liable for your accident?
Rideshare companies are required by law to conduct background checks on their drivers, as well as review their driving history. If the rideshare company fails to follow the laws, they could be held liable. Additionally, rideshare companies can be sued if your damages exceed the limits of the rideshare driver’s policy, or if the rideshare driver was not insured at the time of the crash.
Both Uber and Lyft provide a secondary form of insurance that kicks in if the driver’s insurance policy doesn’t pay for all your damages. Both companies carry insurance policies that will pay for up to $1 million dollars in damages. You can file a claim with Uber or Lyft in these circumstances.
Damages You Can Obtain for a Rideshare Accident
After a vehicle collision, your damages could be extensive. You could be facing physical injuries, lost time from work, medical care costs, and mental trauma the accident caused you. When you win your claim against an at-fault rideshare driver, or against the rideshare company, you can be compensated for the above-discussed losses and more.
Secure Legal Assistance with Your Rideshare Accident Claim
Auto injury claims are often challenging, but dealing with multiple at-fault parties can be even more so. You’ve likely been seriously hurt in your accident, and you need to receive fair compensation so that you can pay for all your losses. Working with a lawyer increases the likelihood of receiving the money you need for your accident.
Partnering with a top-rated rideshare accident attorney in Virginia is a smart move. Your attorney from our firm will find who was to blame for your accident and will know whether you can go after just the rideshare driver for damages or whether you can pursue damages from the driver and the rideshare company.
To reach Halperin Law Center and discuss your auto wreck claim with an attorney today, call 804-527-0100 or send over the online form below.
