Were you injured in a rideshare-related collision? Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence, but the good news is that you don’t have to deal with the aftermath of the car crash all by yourself. Instead, let a rideshare accident lawyer serving Danville help you.
The Pendleton Law Team has years of experience helping thousands of people in situations just like yours, and we’re here to help. We’re the Heavy Hitters® you can trust to help you as your personal injury lawyer serving Danville.
Virginia’s Rideshare Laws and Insurance Requirements
In Virginia, rideshare services operate under the designation of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). These companies are required by law to maintain specific levels of insurance coverage during different phases of the ride.
The insurance requirements are tiered based on the driver’s activity status. Let’s take a look at the three main phases of the rideshare experience and how insurance coverage differs from one to another.
Offline or Waiting for Ride Request
When a driver is not logged into the app or is waiting for a ride request, their personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage. However, this coverage may not be sufficient if the driver is involved in an accident during this period.
App Open and Waiting for Ride Request
Once the driver has logged into the app and is waiting for a ride request, the TNC must provide liability coverage. This coverage is typically limited and may not fully cover all damages in the event of an accident.
Ride Accepted to Passenger Drop-Off
When a driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up or has a passenger in the vehicle, the TNC’s insurance policy provides primary liability coverage.
As of 2016, Virginia law mandates a minimum of $1 million in liability. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also required during this phase. This means that from the moment a passenger enters the vehicle until they exit, the $1 million minimum coverage applies.
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Determining Fault in Rideshare Accidents
Determining fault in a rideshare accident can be intricate, as it involves multiple parties and insurance policies. In Virginia, the state follows a contributory negligence rule.
This means that if a person is found to be even slightly at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering damages. Victims must navigate not only the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident but also the intricate legal processes to seek rightful compensation.
Factors such as the driver’s status at the time of the accident, the applicability of the TNC’s insurance coverage, and the actions of other parties involved can all influence the determination of fault.
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Challenges Rideshare Accident Lawyers Serving Danville Might Encounter During Insurance Claims
Victims of rideshare accidents often face a lot of challenges related to insurance claims. While TNCs are required to maintain certain levels of insurance coverage during each phase of the ride, disputes often arise when it comes down to the applicability of these policies.
This is, unfortunately, especially true in cases where the driver was not actively engaged in a ride at the time of the collision. Also, if the at-fault party is either uninsured or underinsured, victims may find it difficult to recover the full extent of their damages due to a lack of coverage.
The complicated nature of insurance coverage emphasizes the importance of working with legal professionals. Rideshare accident attorneys serving Danville can help you interpret insurance policies, negotiate on your behalf, and advocate for your rights as the victim of the crash.
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Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from rideshare accidents, is typically two years from the date of the injury. This means that individuals have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
Failing to do so within this timeframe can result in the loss of the right to pursue legal action. It’s crucial for accident victims to be aware of this deadline and take timely action to protect their rights.
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Reach Out to Our Rideshare Accident Law Firm Serving Danville for More Information Today
If you or someone you care about was involved in a rideshare-related collision, the aftermath can feel like a lot to handle. Between the physical injuries, expensive medical bills, and complicated insurance matters, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
However, if you’re not sure who to turn to or what to do next, reach out to The Pendleton Law for peace of mind. Our rideshare accident attorneys representing clients in Danville understand how confusing rideshare collision cases can be, but we’re here to help you through the legal process.
You’ve already been through enough as it is—you deserve support from attorneys who are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing what you’re owed. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start working toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.
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