Hampton Uber Accident Lawyer

The popularity of rideshare services like Uber has changed the transportation landscape. With just a few taps on a smartphone, passengers can summon a ride and reach their destination quickly and efficiently. However, it is important to recognize that Uber rides, like any form of transportation, are not entirely risk-free.

You may be entitled to damages if you were injured in a rideshare accident. However, financial recovery is not always easy. As an experienced Hampton rideshare accident lawyer, I offer personalized legal support to help you receive maximum compensation.

Call my law firm today to discuss your legal options with a Hampton Uber accident lawyer. I will review your case and help you understand how Virginia laws apply to your situation. Your consultation is free, and if I am your Hampton Uber accident lawyer, you pay nothing out of your own pocket.

A Hampton Rideshare Accident Attorney Who Understands Uber Insurance

Rideshare companies try to protect their interests by distancing themselves from drivers, typically considered independent contractors. Despite this distinction, Uber provides insurance coverage to its drivers while they are using the company app. However, if the driver is not using the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance would apply.

As your Hampton car accident lawyer, I can explain which and how much insurance coverage applies to your case. My goal is to get the insurance companies to give you as much money as possible for your injury claim.

By analyzing the data collected through the Uber app, such as the driver’s status, trip details, and GPS tracking, I can determine the stage of the trip when the accident occurred. This will help identify the applicable insurance coverage. 

The Driver Is Offline

If the accident happens while the rideshare driver is not using the Uber app, their personal auto insurance will apply. However, like all other motorists, they are responsible for having the minimum insurance coverage as specified in the Code of Virginia § 46.2-472.

The Driver Is Online: Available or Waiting to Receive a Request

The rideshare company ensures drivers have the necessary auto insurance coverage in case of a covered accident. When their auto insurance policy does not apply, Uber insurance includes the following:

• $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per crash
• $25,000 in property damage coverage per crash

The Driver Is Online: En Route to a Client and During Rides

Uber maintains the following auto insurance coverage on the driver’s behalf:

• $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury up to state limits
• First-party injury insurance up to state limits
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage

You May Be Eligible to Recover Compensation After an Uber Accident in Hampton

The financial strain resulting from a car crash can be overwhelming, adding to the already distressing physical and emotional impact of the collision. As your Hampton personal injury lawyer, I will protect your right to recover damages while you focus on getting healthy.

Compensatory Damages

In most cases, you can claim compensatory damages. These are intended to “make the victim whole” by covering economic and non-economic losses incurred due to the accident.

Economic damages refer to the tangible losses caused by the accident. These are pretty straightforward and can be easily calculated based on the actual financial losses you incurred. 

You might be eligible to claim the following economic damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Car accident survivors can suffer from severe trauma like spinal cord injuries that require long-term medical care. As your Uber accident lawyer, I will help you secure funds for the future.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to intangible losses. These losses are more personal in nature and cannot be easily quantified in monetary terms.

Recoverable non-economic damages include:

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

While these damages do not have a direct monetary value, they can profoundly impact the victim’s well-being. Proving non-economic damages often relies on using a wide range of evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and personal accounts.

Punitive Damages

When the at-fault party’s conduct was reckless, intentional, or showed a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others, punitive damages may be awarded. These have two purposes: to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

In my experience as a Virginia personal injury attorney, drunk driving cases are the most common example where punitive damages come into play. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-44.5, the defendant’s behavior qualifies as sufficiently reckless if they had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% at the time of the accident.

How Long do You Have to File a Lawsuit in Virginia?

Virginia sets a strict time limit for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Under the statute of limitations, most personal injury cases, including rideshare crashes, must meet a two-year time limit.

If you fail to initiate legal action within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. As your attorney, I help you understand and comply with the statute of limitations.

Why You Should Seek Legal Representation from a Hampton Uber Accident Lawyer

An Uber crash attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case and protect your rights. I understand the unique dynamics and legal nuances involved in rideshare accidents.

As your Uber accident lawyer in Hampton, VA, I can:

• Calculate your damages and estimate future expenses: I will meticulously review your medical records, consult with experts, and consider the long-term implications of your injuries to accurately assess the full extent of your damages.
• Identify the at-fault party: Several parties can be responsible for the crash, including the Uber driver, rideshare company, or another motorist. As your attorney, I will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
• Protect your interests: Insurance companies aim to protect their interests. Adjusters will try to pay less than your case is worth to increase their own profit margins. I will fight for what you deserve, not what the insurance company will tolerate.
• Navigate commercial insurance: Due to my vast legal experience, I am well-versed in the complexities of commercial insurance policies and how they relate to rideshare services.

I founded my own personal injury law firm because I knew I could raise the bar in providing legal services. My goal is to make high-end and personalized legal assistance accessible to all injury victims in Virginia, regardless of their personal and social backgrounds.

To that end, I work on a contingency fee basis, which means I provide services without upfront fees or retainer payments. Instead, I receive a percentage of your settlement or court award if the case is successful.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you can pursue compensation. After reviewing your case, I can help you assess the different paths for financial recovery. 

Atkinson Law stands with injured accident victims, offering compassionate support and dedicated legal representation. As an experienced Uber accident attorney, I understand how overwhelming the legal landscape of a crash can be.

I, Ed Atkinson, am here to guide you through the legal process, addressing your concerns and protecting your rights. Contact my law office today to schedule a free initial consultation.