Were you hurt in an Uber accident in Alexandria, VA? If so, you could be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver to cover your medical bills, offset any wages you’ve lost because of your injuries, and pay you for the pain and suffering you experienced. Unfortunately, recovering the full amount you deserve could be challenging due to the complex nature of rideshare accident claims and the lengths these companies will go to in order to avoid liability. That’s why you need the help of an experienced Alexandria Uber accident lawyer.
At Marks & Harrison, we’re well-versed in the laws that apply to these cases and the insurance policies that may cover your injuries. We can leverage that knowledge to your advantage, seeking every cent you’re owed. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation and find out what we can do for you.
Does Virginia Have Certain Laws That Uber Must Follow?
Rideshare companies in Virginia are classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and follow the rules for TNCs stated in the Code of Virginia.
This includes minimum safety standards and insurance coverage, such as:
- Conducting background checks on drivers
- Only hiring drivers who are 21 or older with a valid driver’s license
- Not hiring drivers with drunk driving convictions
- Requiring an annual vehicle safety inspection
- Providing liability coverage
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Uber Accidents?
An Uber driver can get into a car crash just like anyone else would, including failing to stop at an intersection, speeding, or reckless driving. However, rideshare drivers may have additional distractions that other drivers don’t, such as:
- They may be looking at their GPS more often than other drivers. Many drivers are navigating an unfamiliar part of town and rely on the GPS on the rideshare app. Even if they aren’t looking at the screen, they may be looking at street signs or their car’s odometer more than most drivers.
- Unruly passengers, especially late at night, can considerably distract rideshare drivers. Many people opt for an Uber as a safe way of getting home after a night out drinking. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that they will engage in thoughtful and considerate behavior after they’re in the rideshare vehicle.
- They’re under pressure to get more passengers, especially during “surge” periods. When the price for taking rides is high, a driver may feel pressured to get as many passengers as possible while it lasts. They may take unsafe driving risks like speeding or running red lights and stop signs to complete trips more quickly so they can get another.
What Injuries Occur Most Often in Uber Accidents?
The injuries that can commonly occur in an Uber collision are:
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries
- Herniated discs, paralysis, and spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
- Facial disfigurement
- Burns
Many victims experience multiple injuries in a car crash, which can complicate recovery.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in an Uber Accident?
You should start by contacting the authorities to get police and EMS to the crash scene. You may need immediate medical treatment, which EMS can provide. The police officer can manage the scene and help you exchange information with the Uber driver and other parties involved. They can also gather information about the crash in the official accident report. A police accident report may contain a diagram of the collision, personal information about those involved, road and weather conditions, and sometimes an officer narrative, which may provide details that indicate what or who likely caused the crash.
Be sure to also report the collision to Uber through their app or by calling their helpline. Contact our Alexandria Uber accident lawyer today.
Seek further medical attention to detect “hidden injuries,” like hairline fractures, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, which don’t always present symptoms immediately. This will not only improve your prognosis. It will also create a record linking any injuries you suffered to the Uber crash.
Once you’re stable, it’s time to think about your legal options. Talking to a lawyer can help you understand your rights and how to collect fair compensation for your losses.
Who Can Be Held At Fault If I Am Involved in an Alexandria Uber Accident?
The at-fault party could be the Uber driver who caused the collision. However, other people could also be to blame, such as:
- Another driver whose actions led to the crash
- An automaker that released a faulty vehicle
- A mechanic who improperly repaired one of the cars
- The municipality responsible for keeping the roads in good repair
Depending on the circumstances, your Uber accident lawyer may hold the company responsible for the crash, too, possibly citing negligence in accepting that driver as a rideshare worker. Contact our Alexandria car accident attorney today.
What Insurance Coverage Does Uber Have?
If an Uber driver is on a trip or on their way to one, Uber provides coverage of up to $1 million in property damage and bodily injury coverage for the victim. If the driver has logged into the app but isn’t on a trip, Uber provides coverage of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per collision for bodily injury and $25,000 in property damage. If the driver has the app turned off, then their own policy covers any damage in a crash.
What Damages Can I Collect in an Uber Accident Lawsuit?
In your Uber accident lawsuit, you can demand compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Do I Have a Time Limit for Filing My Uber Accident Claim?
Virginia’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for damages after an Uber collision. The two-year statute of limitations for a minor injured in a car crash does not begin to run until the minor turns 18. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible following an Uber accident in Alexandria so they can get started on your claim right away.
Contact an Alexandria Uber Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in an Uber crash, whether you were an Uber passenger or another driver, Marks & Harrison can help you demand the compensation you deserve to recover from your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Uber accident lawyer in Alexandria.
