Virginia Lyft Accident Lawyer

Virginia residents have embraced Lyft as a convenient transportation option, but accidents involving rideshare services can result in complex liability issues. If you’ve been injured in a collision through no fault of your own, you need an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer to represent you.

Whether you were a Lyft passenger or were driving another vehicle that a Lyft driver hit, I can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. I’m attorney Ed Atkinson, and as your Virginia rideshare accident lawyer, I can help you identify the liable party and win the settlement or verdict you deserve.

I work on a contingency basis and will gladly travel to meet you for your free consultation. Contact me anytime.

What Kind of Insurance do Lyft Drivers Have?

After being injured in a crash caused by a Lyft driver, it’s important to understand the insurance coverage available to you. Three distinct situations determine Lyft’s insurance coverage:

When the App Is Off

When the rideshare app is off, the Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance typically covers the accident. This is because rideshare drivers are independent contractors who drive their own vehicles. So if the at-fault driver was inactive on the app, I can help you file a claim with the driver’s insurance company.

When the App Is on for Receiving Ride Requests

Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance for covered incidents if the Lyft driver’s insurance does not apply. This coverage includes:

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

When the App Is on for Passengers

When the app is on, and a driver is transporting a passenger or on their way to pick someone up, Lyft maintains the following insurance for covered incidents:

• At least $1,000,000 for third-party liability
• First-party coverage, which may include underinsured motorist coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, or occupational accident coverage
• If a driver has comprehensive and collision coverages on their auto policy, Lyft then maintains contingent comp and collision coverage up to the actual monetary value of the car

The following table illustrates the three types of Lyft driver insurance:

Knowing the specific insurance coverage available in each situation can help prevent you from agreeing to a lowball settlement. This is especially true when a rideshare company like Lyft is the liable party due to the app being on. 

Available Damages in a Rideshare Accident Case

Serious car wrecks can cause life-altering physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses. Therefore, injured parties have the right to seek financial compensation for these damages when an accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence.

The following damages may be available in your rideshare accident case:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other expenses related to your injuries.
• Lost income: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you can claim your lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced due to your injuries.
• Property damage: If your car or any other property was damaged in the crash, you could claim the cost of repairing or replacing it.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly heinous or reckless, such as drunk driving, they may be ordered to pay punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages.

It’s important to note that the available damages will vary depending on the circumstances of your accident and the insurance policy limits that may apply to your claim. When you call my office, I can evaluate your case and explain how much compensation we could pursue.

Identifying Liable Parties in a Lyft Accident Claim

Several parties may be liable for the damages when a Lyft accident occurs. Therefore, identifying all liable parties is crucial to ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and accident-related losses.

The following parties may be held liable in a Lyft accident claim:

• The Lyft driver: If the Lyft driver was at fault in a collision, they could be liable for the damages, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash. 
• Lyft: Lyft can be held liable in certain situations, especially if the at-fault driver was active on the app and carrying a rideshare passenger.
• Other drivers: If the accident involved other vehicles, the drivers of those vehicles could be held liable if they were at fault.
• Vehicle manufacturers: The auto manufacturer could be liable if the incident were caused by a defect in the Lyft driver’s vehicle.
• Local government: In rare cases, a government entity may be liable for a car accident if a road defect, such as a pothole or faulty traffic signal, causes a crash.

While determining liability in a Lyft accident claim can be complicated, I can help you identify the legally responsible parties and their insurers. 

What an Experienced Attorney Can Do for Your Case

I understand that dealing with a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from an accident. However, I can alleviate some of that burden and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

As your Virginia Lyft accident lawyer, here’s what I can do for your case:

• Provide legal advice: I can evaluate your case during our initial consultation. I handle cases on contingency, so you’ll only pay if I get you compensation. As your lawyer, I’ll explore all available options for compensation and keep you updated throughout the process. 
• Investigate your case: I will investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather evidence, and interview any available witnesses to build a strong case. When preparing a case, I believe “overkill is still a kill.” In other words, I would rather have too much evidence than to be even slightly underprepared.
• Calculate damages: I will help you calculate the damages you are entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiate with insurers: I will negotiate with the involved insurance companies for a fair settlement. As an attorney who spent years representing insurance companies, I understand how to counter their defense tactics. 
• Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, I will represent you and fight for justice there.
• Provide peace of mind: You can relax and focus on your recovery while I work to get you a favorable settlement or court award. 

Unlike many personal injury attorneys, I don’t treat your car accident case like it’s on an assembly line, passing you off to an unqualified “intake specialist” or “case manager.” Instead, I am here to give your case the personal attention it needs to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Contact Virginia Lyft Accident Attorney, Ed Atkinson

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a Lyft driver, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney. I have extensive experience handling car accidents throughout Virginia and am committed to getting justice for injured victims. There’s a reason Atkinson Law gets five-star reviews every time.

I understand the complexities of cases involving Lyft and Uber drivers and will work hard to protect your rights. I am available for consultations and can provide the legal advice and representation you need to navigate your case.

Contact me today for a free case review.