Norfolk Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Lyft have revolutionized the way people commute. However, while hailing your next ride is easy and affordable, it is not risk-free. Like other motorists, rideshare drivers can engage in reckless behavior. If you are injured as a passenger, you have a right to recover damages.

I’m Ed Atkinson, and my personal injury law firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured victims throughout Virginia. With a strong focus on providing best-in-class legal assistance, I am the only personal injury lawyer in the area with five-star Google reviews. When dealing with the aftermath of a Norfolk rideshare accident, it’s essential to have a dedicated Norfolk rideshare accident lawyer by your side. So call me for a free, no-obligation legal consultation to discuss your Norfolk Lyft accident.

What Sets Lyft Accidents Apart from Other Car Crash Cases?

Lyft accidents differ from other car crash cases primarily due to the unique relationship between drivers, passengers, and the rideshare company. This relationship introduces a layer of complexity when determining liability and insurance coverage.

For example, Lyft drivers aren’t considered employees but rather independent contractors. This distinction can make it difficult to hold the rideshare company directly responsible for the driver’s actions.

Given the complexity of Lyft accident cases, it’s beneficial to consult a personal injury lawyer in Norfolk like me who is experienced in handling these accident claim types.

I will plan a legal strategy based on your needs. In contrast to major law firms where your voice might go unheard, I am genuinely interested in listening to your story.

I understand the unique challenges you may be facing if you were injured in a rideshare accident in Virginia. I will guide you through the complex legal process, advocate for your rights, and seek the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Norfolk Lyft Insurance Coverage

Technology plays a significant role in these case types. For example, the insurance coverage structure differs depending on whether the driver had their app turned on, indicating they were on the job, at the time of the accident.

Independent contractors driving for the rideshare company must have personal auto insurance that meets Virginia regulations. According to Lyft, they add additional insurance coverage when the app is turned on and the driver is waiting for a client, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a client.

When the Lyft App Is Turned Off

If the driver is offline when they get into a crash, their personal auto insurance company will cover damages up to the policy limit. Therefore, Lyft drivers must maintain adequate auto insurance coverage to protect themselves and potential passengers during offline periods.

When the Lyft App Is On: Drivers Can Receive Ride Requests

Lyft provides third-party liability insurance coverage for eligible accidents if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply. The coverage includes a minimum of:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
• $100,000 per crash for bodily injury.
• $25,000 per crash for property damage.

The Lyft App Is On: Drivers Are en Route or Transporting a Client to a Norfolk Destination

The rideshare company maintains insurance coverage for eligible collisions as follows:

• Third-party auto liability: Lyft provides a minimum of $1,000,000 coverage for liability towards third parties involved in the crash.
• First-party coverages: Lyft may offer additional coverages, such as underinsured motorist coverage, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), uninsured motorist coverage, Medical Payments (MedPay), and Occupational Accident coverage.
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage: If the rideshare driver has comprehensive and collision coverage on their auto insurance policy, Lyft provides contingent coverage up to the car’s actual cash value.

What Damages You Can Recover After a Lyft Crash in Norfolk

As an accident victim, you may be entitled to recover various damages. Serving as a Lyft accident attorney in Norfolk, I understand the financial impact you are experiencing after the crash. Therefore, I will closely collaborate with you to calculate all your losses and work with experts on estimating your future expenses.

In most cases, you can receive compensatory damages, which aim to “reimburse” the victim for their losses. These can be economic or non-economic damages, depending on the losses you experienced.

After reviewing your Lyft accident case, I can determine if you qualify for additional damages. My goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible to help you recover fully.

Economic Damages

Being involved in a rideshare crash can have an immediate financial impact on your life. For instance, your property may have been damaged in the crash, or you may have suffered severe injuries that require urgent medical care and extended time off work.

As Your Norfolk Rideshare Accident Attorney, I Could Help You Claim the Following:

• Medical bills for broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

The emotional scars of accident victims are often overlooked, but they can be just as devastating as physical injuries. If you experience anxiety, depression, or other psychological symptoms after the crash, I can help you claim damages for your intangible losses.

Non-Economic Damages Include:

• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Scarring and disfigurement

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be applicable in select car accident cases. These are awarded when the defendant’s actions show malice towards the plaintiff or a willful disregard for the victim’s rights, reflecting conscious and intentional misconduct.

For example, punitive damages may be awarded in a rideshare accident involving an intoxicated driver. Unlike compensatory damages that focus on the victim, these damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Under the Virginia Time Limit

If you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you must do so within a specified time frame. Under Virginia’s statute of limitations, you have two years to sue for most personal injury cases. Therefore, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible after the crash.

As an experienced Norfolk car accident lawyer, I understand these cases are time-sensitive. Therefore, I work with urgency and determination to build a strong case on your behalf and file before the deadline.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free Initial Consultation

As an injured rideshare passenger, you have a right to seek recovery for the damages you have suffered. My law firm, Atkinson Law, is dedicated to helping you prove the full extent of your losses and pursue maximum compensation.

I will thoroughly investigate the accident’s circumstances, gather relevant evidence, and assess the extent of your losses. As a Lyft accident lawyer in Norfolk, VA, I know how to navigate the intricate insurance web surrounding rideshare crash cases.

You don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. Contact my personal injury law firm to schedule a free, no-obligation case review. I will listen to your story and discuss the best action moving forward.