From handling complex insurance disputes to proving catastrophic injuries in court, our attorneys—including partners Jay Tronfeld, Elizabeth West, and David Durrett—bring the skill and experience rideshare cases demand.
Lyft-related claims present unique challenges, but our legal team can step in, protect your interests, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
How Tronfeld, West & Durrett’s Lyft Accident Lawyers in Newport News Help You After a Crash
We know that rideshare cases aren’t just about proving fault. Many people think Lyft will automatically cover their injuries, but whether Lyft’s million-dollar policy applies can hinge on a single detail, like whether the driver had accepted a ride or was waiting for a request.
Not all Newport News car accident law firms are prepared to handle the specific challenges that arise in Lyft-related accidents, and hiring a Newport News lawyer with rideshare litigation experience can make a significant difference. Here’s what sets our team apart:
- Decades of combined experience handling rideshare-related injury claims
- Deep understanding of Virginia’s legal system, including insurance and liability laws
- Personalized legal support from day one through final settlement or trial
- Clear communication and a client-centered approach
- Proven case results in recovering fair and full compensation
Our team reviews ride receipts, app data, and driver logs to make sure insurers don’t dismiss your claim or undervalue your injuries. We’ve spent decades building cases for Virginians injured in crashes, and we bring that same determination and skill to Lyft-related claims.
For answers to your questions about a lyft accidents in Newport News, call:
800-321-6741
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Newport News
Lyft accidents often stem from the intense pace of rideshare driving, where drivers are focused on juggling GPS instructions, passenger conversations, and the pressure to maintain high ratings.
Common causes of Lyft accidents in Newport News include:
- Distracted driving by Lyft drivers or other motorists
- Speeding or aggressive driving to meet ride quotas or reach destinations faster
- Fatigue from long driving hours
- Inexperienced or inadequately vetted Lyft drivers
- Poor road conditions, especially near construction zones or during bad weather
- Failure to yield or follow traffic signals
- Rear-end collisions during sudden stops or pickups/drop-offs
Who’s Responsible for a Lyft Accident in Virginia?
Liability in a Lyft crash depends on two critical factors: how the crash happened and whether the Lyft driver was officially “on the app.” These details determine which insurance policy applies, and whether you’ll be limited to lower personal coverage or can pursue Lyft’s $1 million commercial policy.
Here’s how responsibility often breaks down:
- Lyft driver: If they were negligent while on duty or actively transporting a passenger.
- Other drivers: If a third party caused or contributed to the accident.
- Lyft (the company): May be liable in certain cases involving app errors or failure to screen drivers properly.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a mechanical failure, like a brake or steering malfunction, contributed to the crash.
- Government entities: For poor road maintenance, dangerous construction zones, or missing signage.
If you’re unsure how car accident settlements work, a lawyer from our team can walk you through every step during a free consultation. From identifying responsible parties to estimating your claim’s value, we can answer all your questions to give you the clarity you need to move forward.
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Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Policy in Virginia
The state requires rideshare companies like Lyft to carry commercial insurance under Virginia Code § 46.2-2099.49, a law designed to protect passengers and third parties in the event of a crash. But this coverage changes depending on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident:
- Offline (driver not using app): Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for a ride:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride accepted or passenger in vehicle:
- Up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage.
- Includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
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What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Newport News
Taking the right steps after a rideshare crash will protect both your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and request police and medical help.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel okay (some injuries aren’t immediately apparent).
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
- Get contact info from witnesses, the Lyft driver, and other involved parties.
- Save rideshare app receipts or screenshots of your trip and report the accident through Lyft’s website.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without a lawyer present.
- Contact Tronfeld West & Durrett for legal guidance as soon as possible after the crash.
What Compensation Can You Recover from a Lyft Crash?
One of the most misunderstood parts of a Lyft crash is who actually pays for your injuries. Many people assume Lyft automatically covers all damages, but that’s not true. Whether Lyft’s $1 million insurance applies depends entirely on the driver’s status in the app at the exact moment of the crash.
After a Lyft accident in Newport News, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses, such as:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: You can recover income lost while recovering and compensation for future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long term.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the crash, you can seek repair or replacement costs.
- Pain and suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and discomfort your injuries bring to your daily life and well-being.
- Emotional distress: Psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or PTSD can be part of your claim.
- Future medical care or permanent disability: Long-term medical needs such as home care, assistive devices, or disability-related modifications.
- Wrongful death damages: If the crash resulted in death, family members may recover compensation for funeral costs, lost companionship, and loss of financial support.
But even with the $1 million policy, Lyft’s insurer may argue that certain injuries weren’t crash-related or that the driver was still “waiting for a ride.” These arguments are designed to limit payouts.
Virginia Laws That Affect Lyft Accident Claims
Personal injury claims are governed by several laws that may affect your ability to recover compensation. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. Filing after that deadline can bar your right to sue, even in serious cases.
The state also applies a strict contributory negligence rule. If you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be denied compensation altogether. That makes it essential to have legal representation capable of refuting exaggerated or false claims about your role in the crash.
Lastly, Lyft must comply with Virginia’s commercial coverage laws for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ensuring sufficient insurance coverage even in complicated scenarios.
Contact Tronfeld, West & Durrett – Newport News Lyft Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
Tronfeld West & Durrett routinely subpoenas Lyft’s digital records—like trip logs, timestamps, and GPS data—to prove the driver was officially “on the clock.” This can mean the difference between:
- Limited coverage: capped at $50,000
- Full commercial policy: up to $1 million
“App data often doesn’t lie,” explains attorney David Durrett. “If a driver claimed they were offline, but the ride receipt shows otherwise, we’ll prove it.”
We offer free consultations, and there’s no fee unless we win compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a case review!
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form