Were you injured in a rideshare accident? Services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around easier than ever, but they also bring more traffic—which unfortunately increases the risk of collisions even more.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare-related crash, it’s common to feel stressed and overwhelmed. You might not know who to talk to or where to turn, but if you’re unsure about what to do next, know that you’re not alone—a Lynchburg personal injury lawyer can help you.
The Pendleton Law Team has decades of legal experience. Together, our attorneys have helped thousands of clients in situations similar to yours. For legal guidance and advocacy, reach out to us for a rideshare accident lawyer serving Lynchburg you can trust.
How the Classification of Rideshare Services Might Affect Your Situation
Virginia law classifies rideshare services under the term “Transportation Network Companies” (TNCs). These companies are required to provide specific insurance coverage for their drivers during different phases of a ride.
When a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, the TNC’s insurance policy is expected to provide limited liability coverage. Meanwhile, if a ride request is accepted and the passenger is in the vehicle, the level of insurance coverage increases.
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The Process of Determining Fault With Your Rideshare Accident Attorney Serving Lynchburg
Determining who’s at fault in a rideshare accident isn’t always straightforward. These cases often involve multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the transportation network company (TNC), other drivers, and additional third parties.
To fully understand liability, it’s important to consider these details:
- The actions of the rideshare driver: Was the driver distracted, speeding, or violating traffic laws at the time of the crash?
- The rideshare company’s role: What phase of the ride were they in? For example, were they waiting for a request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or transporting someone who was already in their car? How does their insurance coverage apply based on the phase of the ride they were actively in at the time of the collision?
- Involvement of other drivers or vehicles: Did any other motorists contribute to the accident or bear any amount of responsibility for the collision?
Virginia law also includes the contributory negligence rule. Under this standard, if a victim is found to be even 1% at fault for the crash, they may be completely barred from recovering compensation. That makes the process of proving fault especially critical.
Because of this strict legal framework, rideshare accident victims aren’t just dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath—they also have to navigate a highly technical and sometimes unforgiving legal landscape to pursue the compensation they may be entitled to.
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Driver Liability and Contributory Negligence
The role of the rideshare driver in an accident plays a key part in determining liability. If the driver was negligent or broke traffic laws, they may be held responsible for the damages. Key factors in evaluating liability include:
- Driver negligence: If the driver was at fault due to speeding, distracted driving, or failing to obey traffic laws, they may be held liable for the accident.
- Accident reconstruction: Establishing negligence requires a thorough understanding of traffic laws, accident dynamics, and the specific circumstances of the incident. Accident reconstruction specialists often play a critical role in these cases.
In Virginia, the state follows a contributory negligence rule, which adds another layer of legal jargon to rideshare accident claims. This rule states that if the plaintiff is found even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.
This rule can be particularly challenging in rideshare accidents, where insurance companies may aggressively argue partial fault to reduce their liability. Because of this strict doctrine, the need for strong evidence and witness testimony becomes crucial.
Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to the injured party, so presenting clear and compelling evidence is vital for the success of a claim. Additionally, the employer-employee relationship between TNCs and their drivers typically limits the company’s liability:
- Independent contractor status: Rideshare drivers are generally considered independent contractors, not employees of the TNC. This classification affects how liability is assigned in the event of an accident and can influence the approach to pursuing damages.
- Gross negligence or policy violations: However, courts have occasionally challenged this classification in cases involving gross negligence or violations of company policies, which may lead to different liability outcomes.
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Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines
Rideshare accident victims in Virginia should understand that they need to consider the state’s statute of limitations when it comes to filing personal injury claims. It’s important to make sure you file your claim within two years of the incident.
If you miss this deadline, you could unfortunately lose your right to pursue compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained. Due to these time-sensitive rules, it’s important for victims of collisions to meet with rideshare accident attorneys in Lynchburg as soon as possible.
That way, your legal counsel can make sure you have enough time to file your claim before the statute of limitations expires.
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Contact Our Rideshare Accident Law Firm Serving Lynchburg for Legal Guidance and Representation Today
If you or someone close to you was hurt in a rideshare incident, you’re likely dealing with more than just the physical injuries that followed. The stress, confusion, and uncertainty can feel like a lot to handle, but you don’t have to go through it all alone. Let the Heavy Hitters® help.
Instead, reach out to The Pendleton Law Team. Our rideshare accident attorneys who handle cases in Lynchburg know how complicated these cases can be, but we’re here for you. We have the experience it takes to handle personal injury cases like yours, and you can trust us to stand by your side.
You deserve justice, and we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to as the victim of a rideshare collision. Don’t wait to take the next step—the sooner you connect with our rideshare accident law firm serving Lynchburg, the sooner we can start helping you move forward.
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