West Virginia Uber and Lyft Accidents

Our experienced attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient and easy to use. People simply use the app to arrange for a ride to where they’re going, and payment is handled online. But what happens when you get into a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver? Recovering financial compensation can be a complicated process.

At Klie Law Offices, our attorneys know that injuries from a crash can affect West Virginia residents physically, emotionally and financially. Our firm believes negligent drivers need to be held accountable for what happened to you. Our lawyers fight the insurance companies to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What causes rideshare accidents?

Drivers for Uber and Lyft don’t receive any special training. Though they have to meet certain requirements, in most ways they are just like other drivers on the road. That means sometimes they speed or drive recklessly. Some text behind the wheel or look at the Uber or Lyft app while driving. Others give people rides when they are too tired to be on the road.

When ridesharing drivers are negligent, they can cause crashes that can leave people seriously injured. Common injuries in car accidents include broken bones and head and back injuries. Lives can be changed in seconds.

When people are hurt in an accident, they may be taken to the hospital. They may need X-rays, MRIs and other diagnostic tests. Treatment for their injuries may involve surgery, medication, physical therapy and multiple follow-up appointments with doctors. Medical expenses can add up quickly and become overwhelming.

Victims of car crashes may not be able to work because of their injuries, resulting in a loss of income. There is less money coming in as medical expenses continue to rise, leading to financial stress.

Who pays for accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers?

The short answer is “it depends.” If a negligent Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident that left you hurt, you shouldn’t have to pay. But determining who should pay can get complicated. It all depends on the status of the driver at the time of the crash.

Uber and Lyft drivers work as independent contractors and use their own vehicles. By state law, they must carry their own insurance, but their personal car insurance may not cover accidents while “driving for profit.” Uber and Lyft also provide insurance for drivers when there’s an accident – but it only applies to certain situations.

• For drivers who were not on duty at the time of the crash – that means not transporting a passenger or waiting for a ride request – damages should be covered by their own insurance company.
• For drivers who were on duty and waiting for a ride request, the supplemental liability insurance carried by Uber or Lyft may apply at the lower limits. These limits are $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage.
• For drivers who had accepted a ride request and were transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up, damages may be covered by the rideshare service’s $1 million liability insurance policy.

As in any other car accident, there are other parties that could be responsible in some circumstances, such as the driver of another vehicle involved in the crash or the manufacturer of a defective vehicle.

Determining which insurance company is responsible for damages following a ridesharing accident can get confusing. Negligent drivers may deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. The insurance company for the driver may claim that the driver was not on duty and they are not liable. You may be blamed for causing the crash.

You need experienced legal representation

Insurance companies will also try to minimize your claim for compensation. They may question the seriousness of your injuries or argue that your injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the crash. They may offer you a settlement – but it will fall far short of covering all of the damages you have suffered.

That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. At Klie Law Offices, we fight for maximum compensation for clients. We start by getting the facts. Our legal team investigates your Uber or Lyft accident. This involves gathering evidence such as a video from traffic cameras, reviewing accident reports and medical records and interviewing witnesses. We also consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists as needed.

Our attorneys determine whether or not the driver was on duty at the time of the crash and which insurance company or companies are responsible. We determine the total damages you suffered in the accident, including current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages if you couldn’t work and other damages such as pain and suffering.

If an insurance company won’t agree to a settlement that meets your needs, we are prepared to fight for you in court.

Call the West Virginia law firm that takes your Uber or Lyft accident seriously right from the start. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation.