In Blacksburg, rideshares are increasing in popularity as transportation to and from downtown, Virginia Tech, local apartments, hotels, and entertainment districts. Rideshare accidents can leave victims facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about who is responsible for paying damages. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, a rideshare accident lawyer serving Blacksburg may become essential.
Rideshare accidents can be complex, and The Pendleton Law Team has helped thousands navigate these cases, helping you secure the highest possible settlement for your injuries. As your personal injury lawyer serving Blacksburg, we are here to advocate for you and fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Other Car Accidents
Rideshare drivers typically operate as independent contractors rather than traditional employees. Due to this arrangement, determining liability often requires examining the driver’s status within the rideshare app at the exact moment of the crash. Insurance coverage can change depending on whether:
- The driver was offline
- The driver was logged into the app and waiting for a ride request
- The driver had accepted a ride
- A passenger was already in the vehicle
Understanding these differences and how they apply to your case is essential in pursuing the correct party who is financially liable for the accident. Working with a car accident lawyer serving Blacksburg can mean the difference between accepting a small settlement and receiving the full payment that you deserve.
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Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Blacksburg
Due to their extensive time on the road, rideshare drivers are often at a higher risk of many potential factors that can contribute to the likelihood of an accident.
Driver Distraction
Rideshare drivers frequently interact with navigation apps, ride requests, passenger messages, and GPS systems while driving. These distractions can increase crash risks. Additionally, interacting with passengers in the vehicle can be distracting.
Unfamiliar Roads
Many rideshare drivers transport passengers through areas they do not regularly travel. This may increase the likelihood of sudden lane changes, missed turns, and unsafe driving decisions.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Drivers’ income is often based on how many rides they complete. In turn, they may feel pressure to complete more rides quickly, potentially leading to speeding or unsafe driving behaviors such as unsafe passing, tailgating, or disobeying laws of the road.
Fatigue
Many rideshare drivers work long hours, work after they’ve already completed other jobs, or drive during late-night periods. This can lead to fatigue, which can affect reaction times and judgment.
Other Negligent Drivers
Not every rideshare crash is caused by the rideshare driver. Another motorist may be primarily responsible for the collision. This is where working with an attorney who handles rideshare accidents in Blacksburg can help to identify who is liable.
Rideshare drivers have a duty to ensure they are driving safely, not only to protect their riders but also other drivers on the road. If you have been injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, you may be entitled to compensation.
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Injuries Frequently Reported in Rideshare Accidents
Accidents can happen anywhere, and even relatively low-speed collisions can cause serious injuries. Potential injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Psychological trauma
Not all injuries are immediately visible after an accident. This is why it is so essential that you receive prompt medical evaluation. This helps ensure that you receive necessary treatment in a timely manner, ideally preventing long-term injuries, and also helps to establish that the injury is directly related to the accident, helping to bolster your case.
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Insurance Coverage Can Be Complex
Financial liability in a rideshare accident depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the collision. Depending on whether or not they have accepted a ride, have a passenger, or are waiting, can mean different things in terms of liability. Virginia has some of the most comprehensive laws regarding coverage, as outlined in § 46.2-2099.52
When the Driver Is Logged Out of the App
If a driver is not active in the app at the time of the accident, generally their own insurance is responsible for providing coverage, regardless of whether or not they drive for a rideshare at other times.
When the Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request
Often, a driver is waiting for a ride but has not yet accepted one and does not have a passenger present. During this time, coverage is limited. The rideshare company must provide $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage, $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, and $25,000 in property damage coverage.
When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger
Once a ride has been accepted, the rideshare company is generally required to provide up to $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
These requirements are designed to protect riders, rideshare drivers, and other drivers on the road alike, ensuring that there is sufficient coverage should an accident occur. If you have been injured, our rideshare accident attorneys serving Blacksburg are here to help ensure you receive the compensation you are owed.
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How a Lawyer in Blacksburg Who Works with Rideshare Accidents Can Help
After you have been injured in a rideshare accident, your primary focus should be healing. By working with an attorney, you can feel confident knowing the legal process is being diligently covered. This can include:
- Investigating the accident
- Identifying all liable parties
- Obtaining rideshare records
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Calculating damages
- Negotiating settlements
- Preparing for trial if necessary
Rideshare accident claims often involve unique legal and insurance issues that require a thorough understanding of Virginia law and rideshare company policies. They can help you understand the process, as well as advise on mistakes to avoid after a rideshare accident.
The Pendleton Law Team is Here to Help
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you deserve an advocate who will help fight for your rights.
At The Pendleton Law Team, we are here to fight on your behalf to help secure the highest settlement possible for your suffering. Contact us today for your free consultation to get started on your claim.
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