Hampton Lyft Accident Lawyer

Experiencing a Lyft crash can result in considerable distress and confusion. That’s because rideshare accident cases present a unique set of challenges. Unlike standard car accidents, these involve multiple parties, intricate insurance policies, and potential disputes over who’s financially responsible. 

However, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. I’m Ed Atkinson, and as an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in Hampton, I offer legal assistance personalized to your situation. I can protect your rights if you are a passenger, driver, or pedestrian affected by a Lyft accident. 

Call me today to schedule a free case review with a seasoned Hampton Lyft accident lawyer.

Why You Need Legal Representation After a Hampton Lyft Accident

The sudden impact of a collision and resulting chaos can leave you disoriented and unsure of what steps to take next.

From dealing with medical treatments to struggling with the financial implications of missed work, it’s easy to feel vulnerable. Handling these issues alone can be confusing and may result in insurance companies taking advantage of you.

After a Lyft accident, you might have to confront the rideshare company to recover damages. However, don’t face them without legal representation, as they can access vast resources and legal professionals. Rideshare companies and their insurance providers have established complex procedures for financial recovery, hoping to discourage victims from pursuing compensation.

As a seasoned car accident lawyer in Hampton, I dedicated my legal practice to serving injured victims. I collaborate closely with my clients to ensure their needs are heard and addressed. If a client wants daily updates about their case, that’s what they get!

Understanding Lyft Insurance Coverage

The insurance coverage for rideshare accidents varies depending on the specific circumstances of the crash.

The coverage provided by Lyft depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For instance, the coverage differs if the driver was waiting for a ride request, was actively driving to pick up a passenger, or was offline during the collision.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Offline or the app is off: When the Lyft driver is not logged into the Lyft app, Lyft’s insurance does not provide any coverage. The driver’s personal auto insurance covers any accident that happens in this scenario.
• App on, but no ride accepted (waiting for a ride request): When the Lyft driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Lyft provides liability coverage if an accident occurs, but it’s relatively limited. This coverage includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. This coverage is used if the driver’s auto insurance doesn’t apply.
• Ride accepted or passenger in the car: Once a ride request is accepted and the driver is en route to pick up the passenger, Lyft’s coverage increases significantly. This coverage continues while the passenger is in the vehicle and ends when the passenger is dropped off. During this time, Lyft provides $1 million in liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Please note that these values and categories are subject to change based on Lyft’s insurance policies. Therefore, consult a legal professional for the most accurate and current information. 

As your Hampton personal injury lawyer, I will explain how Virginia laws and insurance coverage apply to your case, and we will explore your options together. While you will benefit from my legal guidance throughout the process, you will stay in control of your case and make the final decisions.

Recoverable Damages After a Hampton Lyft Crash

You may face considerable expenses in the aftermath of a car crash, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages due to time away from work. Unfortunately, these unexpected costs can quickly accumulate, leaving you and your family in financial distress.

As a rideshare accident victim, you may be eligible to claim compensation. I understand the intricacies of rideshare crash cases and work hard to build a strong claim on your behalf. As your Lyft accident attorney in Hampton, VA, I will prove the full range of your financial losses.

Economic Damages

After the collision, you may face various expenses, like medical bills and the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property. These economic damages are easy to quantify and prove. To do this I will gather all relevant documentation, such as medical records, bills, and repair estimates.

Besides the immediate medical costs and lost wages, depending on the severity of your injuries, you might also face future expenses. Therefore, I will help you quantify the accident’s long-term financial impact.

Depending on the case, you could qualify for the following economic damages:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Loss of income and loss of earning potential
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Beyond the tangible hardships, the accident’s emotional toll can disrupt your sense of security and well-being. Even after you have physically healed, you may find it difficult to regain a sense of normalcy. These intangible losses fall under the category of non-economic damages.

While these are more difficult to quantify and prove due to their deeply personal nature, I will use a wide range of evidence to show the extent of your losses. For example, witness statements and expert witness testimony can be particularly valuable in proving intangible losses.

I can help you claim non-economic damages, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment
• Decreased quality of life

Punitive Damages

In a Lyft accident case, punitive damages may come into play under certain circumstances. These are intended to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or intentional misconduct and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

In Virginia, punitive damages can be awarded by proving that the defendant acted with malice, willful negligence, or a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

For example, punitive damages may be awarded if the rideshare driver or another driver who contributed to the accident was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the crash. If the at-fault driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, their behavior is considered sufficiently reckless to warrant punitive damages.

Virginia law limits the amount of punitive damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case. The final award cannot exceed $350,000.

The Virginia Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits

Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents. This means that you have to file a lawsuit within this time frame. If you do not meet the deadline, you may no longer be able to recover damages.

While two years may seem like a long time, acting promptly after the collision helps ensure you have sufficient time to build a strong case. As your Lyft car accident lawyer, I will handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure your lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations.

A Hampton Lyft Accident Attorney Who Represents Your Best Interest

You can recover your losses if a rideshare driver injured you or a loved one. I understand the complexities of Lyft accident claims and can help you navigate the financial recovery process.

Atkinson Law is a safe space where injured victims can share their experiences. Furthermore, you can access premium legal services without any upfront payments. Since I work on a contingency fee basis, I only get paid a percentage of the final award if I win the case.

Contact my law office today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options for your Lyft accident claim. During the consultation, I will assess the details of your case and help you understand your rights.