Being involved in any type of accident with injuries can be traumatic. Because rideshare companies like Uber are a relatively new phenomenon, the laws in many states have not yet caught up with this new form of transportation. What this means is that there can be many different scenarios in an Uber accident and that it can be more difficult to identify the liable party. If your injuries are severe following an Uber accident, it can be extremely beneficial for you to speak to an experienced Richmond Uber accident lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett. We will be the advocate you need during a difficult time, ensuring you receive the settlement you need and deserve while giving you time to heal.
About Tronfeld, West & Durrett
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have more than four decades of experience helping victims of accidents caused by negligent parties. Whether you have been involved in an automobile accident (large commercial truck, passenger vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian), a slip and fall on another’s property, a work accident, or you are the victim of medical malpractice, the Tronfeld West & Durrett attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and your future. We are dedicated to pursuing your claim with the goal of obtaining the best possible settlement or verdict.
Our attorneys can practice in both state and federal courts and will work hard to calculate your damages, then secure a full and fair settlement. Along with distinguished academic careers, our attorneys have a vast amount of litigation experience and are committed to zealously representing each client. The Tronfeld West & Durrett attorneys never represent insurance companies, we represent injured people.
For answers to your questions with a uber accident serving Richmond, call:
800-321-6741
How to Handle the Various Situations Following an Uber Accident
The approach to your Uber accident will depend on whether you were a passenger in an Uber, an Uber driver, or a driver in a vehicle involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle. It will further depend on whether the Uber driver had the Uber app open and had accepted a fare.
What Should You Do if You Are a Passenger in an Uber Accident?
If you are a passenger in an Uber that is involved in an accident, your driver had the app turned on and it was active. Uber drivers are required to carry insurance that fully meets Virginia state minimum insurance requirements. Uber drivers in Virginia can also carry extra insurance if they choose. Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning you will seek damages from the at-fault driver, whether that is the Uber driver or the other driver. If your injuries are extensive, the Uber driver was at fault, and his or her insurance limits do not fully cover your damages, your attorney may file a claim against Uber—which carries much higher liability limits on their insurance. If the accident was caused by another driver and that driver has no insurance, you will need to check your own insurance policy to determine whether you carry uninsured/underinsured coverage. Whether you plan to file against Uber or not, it’s a good idea to notify Uber of the accident—after hiring a Richmond Uber accident lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett.
What Should You Do if You Are a Driver Involved in an Accident with an Uber Driver?
If you are the other driver involved with an Uber vehicle in an accident, and you were not at fault for the accident, you will file against the Uber driver’s personal insurance policy. If that policy fails to fully cover your damages, you may choose to file a claim against Uber for damages above and beyond the Uber driver’s policy.
What Should You Do if you are an Uber Driver Involved in an Accident?
If you are the Uber driver but you had not turned your Uber app on, any accident you are involved in will be handled as a “normal” accident. If your app was turned on, you are driving to pick up a passenger, or you have passengers in your vehicle when you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, the other driver will be held liable if they were at fault, and you will file against their insurance. If their insurance is not sufficient to cover your damages, you will first check to determine whether your policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If so, you will file against your own insurance company. If you do not have this type of coverage, you may be able to file a claim against Uber for damages. to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses.
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Who Can Be Held Liable in a Richmond Uber Accident?
The other driver in the accident, the Uber driver, or Uber itself may all be held liable for your damages, depending on the situation, who was at fault, and whether all parties are fully insured. Catastrophic injuries may not be fully covered under a regular insurance policy; if your damages are not fully covered, your Richmond Uber accident lawyer may file against Uber to ensure your losses are recouped.
Once the accident has been made known to Uber, they will likely reach out to all those involved in the collision to confirm everyone is okay, gathering information at the same time. You should always direct such calls to your attorney. It’s very easy to say something that could be taken out of context and used against you to deny your claim. If you end up filing against Uber and liability is not perfectly clear, your claim could take a while.
Like most big companies, Uber is likely to go out of their way to avoid accepting responsibility for your injuries. Negotiations are often dragged out as long as possible. While a “normal” claim can take up to six months, if you have a claim against Uber, it could take up to two years or more.
How Can a Lawyer Help Following an Uber Accident?
Uber accidents can be quite complex and you can benefit greatly from having a Richmond Uber accident lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett assisting you. We will conduct a full evaluation of the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident. We will then gather the necessary evidence to prove liability, calculate your losses, then negotiate with the insurance company for a full, fair settlement. If the insurer does not want to pay a reasonable amount, we will take your case to trial for a jury verdict. The best thing we will do for you is allow you the time you need to heal from your injuries and determine your new future.
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Hiring a Knowledgeable Richmond Uber Accident Lawyer Near You
Whether you were the Uber passenger, the Uber driver, or the other driver involved in an Uber accident, the Tronfeld West & Durrett legal team will represent you with zealous commitment. We are well thought of in the legal industry, always approaching each case with integrity and respect for the client. Contact Tronfeld West & Durrett today.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form