Winchester, Virginia Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers for People Injured in Accidents With Lyft or Uber Drivers in Winchester, VA

Due to the popularity of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, more people than ever are using these apps when they need transportation. However, as the number of rideshare drivers on the road continues to increase, more car accidents involving Lyft or Uber drivers are likely to take place. These accidents can leave rideshare passengers, pedestrians, or people in other vehicles with serious injuries.

Because rideshare drivers own and operate their own vehicles and work as independent contractors rather than employees, determining liability in these cases can be complex. When a rideshare accident occurs in Winchester, Virginia, injury victims may be unsure of how to proceed and whether companies like Uber or Lyft may be held responsible for their damages.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, our firm helps people who have suffered injuries in rideshare accidents take steps to obtain compensation for damages like medical expenses and lost income. Our legal team understands the nuances of these cases and the laws that may affect liability. We work to hold negligent drivers or companies accountable for the harm suffered by victims of rideshare accidents, and we fight to maximize the compensation that our clients can receive in these cases.

Determining Liability in a Winchester Rideshare Accident

In any accident or injury case, it is essential to establish liability and determine who may be held responsible for a victim's injuries. In many situations, the employer of a person who was responsible for an accident can be held liable for their employee's negligence. However, unlike traditional taxi companies, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This may make it more difficult for injury victims to hold these companies responsible for rideshare accidents, but victims still have options.

People injured in motor vehicle accidents will usually be covered by insurance policies, and they may file insurance claims to secure compensation for the damages they have suffered. Fortunately, Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage to ensure for passengers or other victims. However, the amount of coverage that is available may be different depending on whether a driver was transporting passengers when they were involved in an accident.

In general, the highest levels of coverage will apply if an Uber or Lyft driver had passengers in their vehicle or was on their way to pick passengers up. If a driver had not yet accepted a ride request at the time of an accident, insurance coverage may be more limited. If a rideshare driver was responsible for causing an accident while they were not working, their personal auto insurance policy would provide coverage.

In some situations, it may be possible to take legal action against a rideshare company to address harm that occurred because of their policies or their failure to protect the safety of passengers or other people on the road. For example, if Lyft or Uber allowed a person to work for them even though they had a history of unsafe driving, an injury victim may take steps to make sure the company is held responsible for this negligence.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we can help victims understand the insurance coverage that will apply in a specific situation, and we can negotiate with insurance companies to help victims obtain settlements that will fully address their injuries and losses. If necessary, we can determine what other options may be available, and we can provide representation in the courtroom as we fight for the maximum amount of compensation that will address our clients' needs.

Contact Our Winchester Rideshare Accident Lawyer

After being injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and your options for recovering financial compensation. Determining how liability will be addressed after a rideshare accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and handling other legal concerns can be challenging, but the Winchester, VA Uber/Lyft accident attorneys at Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC can provide the guidance needed to resolve these matters successfully. Contact us at 540-662-4222 to arrange your free consultation and begin the process of pursuing a claim.