Crashes involving rideshare drivers can raise complicated legal questions. In these cases, an experienced Alexandria Uber accident lawyer can investigate the incident to determine who should pay for your injuries under Virginia’s transportation and personal injury laws.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we help clients navigate these claims by identifying responsible parties, documenting damages, and preparing claims that comply with state requirements. With over 50 years of experience, our team knows how to pursue full compensation after an Uber-related crash.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Uber Accident in Alexandria
Tronfeld, West & Durrett brings decades of experience navigating complex rideshare claims and Virginia personal injury law. Our team has helped clients across the state recover hundreds of millions in compensation after car accidents involving negligence, including those caused by Uber drivers, third parties, and corporate liability gaps.
Hiring an Alexandria injury attorney from our firm ensures your claim is filed on time, properly documented, and supported with the evidence needed to secure maximum compensation. We build every case with care and a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific injuries and losses.
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and legal options: no obligation, just honest advice from experienced legal advocates.
For answers to your questions about a uber accident in Alexandria, call:
800-321-6741
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Alexandria
When you’re injured in a rideshare accident, determining exactly what went wrong—and who’s responsible—can be far more complicated than in a standard car crash. At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, our car accident attorneys examine every angle of the case, from the actions of the driver to vehicle condition and third-party involvement.
We analyze ride history, app data, vehicle maintenance records, and police reports to build a clear picture of fault and liability. This investigative approach helps ensure that victims don’t get stuck between insurers or left paying for someone else’s negligence.
Here are frequent causes of car accidents, including those involving Uber vehicles, that we handle in Alexandria:
Distracted Driving by Uber Drivers
Because the Uber app requires smartphone use for navigation, ride acceptance, and communication, drivers can be frequently distracted.
Driver Fatigue or Overwork
Uber drivers often work irregular hours, sometimes across multiple platforms. The fatigue from long shifts can impair decision-making and reduce reaction times.
Unsafe Driving Practices
Speeding to maximize rides, failing to yield, or driving aggressively are all known contributors to rideshare accidents in urban areas like Alexandria.
Third-Party Negligence
Not every Uber accident is caused by the rideshare driver. When another motorist is at fault, that third party (and their insurance) may be responsible for covering your damages.
Vehicle Defects or Maintenance Failures
Some accidents stem from faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical failures. In such cases, manufacturers or negligent maintenance providers could share liability.
Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers investigate these incidents by reviewing crash reports, ride data, vehicle records, and witness statements. This way, we can determine who caused the accident and hold the appropriate parties accountable for your injuries.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
Knowing what to do after an Uber accident can make a big difference in both your physical recovery and your legal case. We’ve helped many injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians understand the key steps to protect their health, preserve evidence, and avoid common insurance pitfalls.
Here’s what you should prioritize after a rideshare crash.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, internal trauma or concussions may not show symptoms right away. A medical record also links your injuries to the crash.
Step 2: Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
A police report is an essential document. It verifies basic details, establishes fault indicators, and may include citations or statements from both parties.
Step 3: Preserve Rideshare Data
Screenshot the trip details, including the time of the ride request, driver information, and route. This information can be lost once the ride is completed.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
Take photos of the crash scene, vehicles, and your injuries. Ask witnesses for contact details and note any surveillance cameras nearby.
Step 5: Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer at Tronfeld, West & Durrett
Uber’s insurer may contact you quickly. Before giving any statements or accepting quick settlements, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney who can protect your interests.
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Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber Accident?
Liability can shift based on who caused the crash, what insurance was active at the time, and whether Uber’s policies or decisions played a role. Our team examines the full picture—driver actions, insurance coverage, and company responsibility—to identify all parties who may owe you compensation.
The Uber Driver
If the Uber driver caused the accident, we establish liability by showing they acted carelessly, such as speeding, failing to yield, or driving distracted, and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Whether the driver’s personal or Uber-provided insurance applies depends on their app status at the time.
Another Negligent Driver
If another driver was at fault, they may be held liable for the accident. In these cases, we pursue a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance and gather evidence to clearly establish third-party negligence.
Uber as a Company
Uber generally avoids liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. However, if the company failed to screen a dangerous driver or enforced unsafe policies, it may be drawn into the case.
Multiple Parties
In complex crashes, multiple parties may share fault. We analyze all contributing factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle defects, to identify each liability source and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
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Uber’s Insurance Coverage in Virginia
Uber’s insurance coverage depends on whether the driver is logged into the app and whether a ride is in progress:
- Driver offline: Only the driver’s personal policy applies.
- App on—No passenger matched: Uber provides contingent coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 property damage
- En route or during a trip: Uber offers $1 million in liability coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Under Virginia Code § 46.2-2099.49, rideshare companies (TNCs) must maintain these coverages to operate legally in Virginia.
Our attorneys help clients interpret which coverage tiers apply to their situation, communicate directly with Uber’s insurers, and push back if a valid claim is undervalued or denied. With our experience handling complex rideshare accident cases, we can ensure your claim is pursued through the appropriate policy and that no coverage source is overlooked.
Compensation Available in an Uber Accident Claim
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving an Uber vehicle, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Medical Bills
You can recover medical expenses like ER care, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and long-term care needs stemming from your injuries.
Lost Income
You can recover income lost due to missed work and compensation for reduced earning potential if your injuries limit future employment.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that cover emotional trauma, ongoing pain, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.
Property Damage
This includes the repair or replacement of damaged personal property, such as your car, phone, or laptop.
Wrongful Death Damages
If the crash led to a fatality, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim under Virginia Code § 8.01-50, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future earnings.
Can You Sue Uber Directly?
Uber typically avoids liability by designating its drivers as independent contractors. This classification limits direct legal exposure in most accidents.
However, you may still sue Uber in cases where the company acted negligently, such as failing to remove a known dangerous driver or allowing unsafe policies.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Alexandria Uber Accident Attorney
At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, we understand what’s at stake after a rideshare crash. Our firm has been serving Virginia clients since 1972, and we’re ready to help you move forward.
We offer free consultations to evaluate your case, explain your options, and begin building your claim. Plus, there are no legal fees unless you receive compensation.
Contact us today to get started.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form