Uber drivers are everywhere on the roads in Virginia.
Unfortunately, sometimes these drivers take dangerous risks or violate safety rules and cause accidents to occur.
When this happens, those who were harmed have legal rights.
Uber accident claims can be complicated for many reasons, including that there are often multiple insurance companies that could potentially be liable for covering your losses.
Because of the added challenges of these types of claims, you need to make sure you have the right legal representative.
An Arlington, VA Uber accident lawyer at Monge & Associates is here and ready to help you.
Our firm has a long history of fighting for victims of rideshare accidents, and we’re ready to put our legal experience to work for you.
Give us a call or contact us online today to find out more.
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Get Your Free Consultation with an Arlington Uber Accident Lawyer
Why Choose Monge & Associates for Your Arlington Uber Accident Case
If you are injured by an Uber driver, you need a personal injury lawyer who has the experience and skill to stand up to big insurance companies and app developers and you need someone who understands the laws governing third-party insurance claims and can effectively navigate the complexities of who to hold liable for your losses.
Monge & Associates has extensive experience with these types of cases, and we are the firm for you because:
- We’ve been representing injured victims since 1993, so we have a long history of standing up to insurance companies even in complex claims.
- We’ve been called one of the Most Influential Law Firms in America by Trial Magazine.
- Our knowledge of the law is unparalleled, and our many five-star reviews and successful past cases speak for themselves
- We are both talented negotiators and top-notch litigators ready to see your case through to the end.
Common Causes of Arlington Uber Accidents
Uber accidents can happen for many different reasons, but some of the most common causes of crashes involving these rideshare vehicles include:
- Drivers who are distracted by using the app or navigating unfamiliar roads
- Drivers who are tired from staying on shift for too long
- Drivers who speed or make unsafe moves on the road to try to transport passengers as quickly as possible to make more money
- Poorly maintained vehicles by Uber drivers who drive their own vehicles, and who want to keep costs down
- Driver impairment by Uber drivers who consume illegal substances on the job.
These are some of the most common reasons why Uber drivers become involved in collisions.
If the negligence or wrongdoing of the driver played a role in the accident, the driver and Uber’s insurers could be on the hook for damages.
Determining Liability in Arlington Uber Accidents
Virginia is one of very few states that is a contributory negligence state, which means that if you played a role in causing your own accident, you may not be able to recover compensation.
However, if you are a passenger in an Uber car or another vehicle struck by an Uber car, then this rule may not affect you as long as the Uber driver was clearly to blame.
In these situations, the driver who was negligent or who violated a safety rule is at fault and is liable for losses.
Vicarious liability rules, unfortunately, do not apply to hold Uber liable in these circumstances because the driver is not an employee of Uber.
However, Uber still carries third-party insurance that can pay out your claims.
The amount of the insurance depends on what the driver was doing at the time, but as long as the driver was on the app and active, waiting for a ride, en route to a ride, or transporting a passenger, Uber’s insurance will provide at least some coverage.
Steps to Take After an Arlington Uber Accident
In the aftermath of an Arlington Uber accident, you should:
- Obtain the contact details of their driver and their insurance company
- Contact the police to come to the scene of the accident
- Get the contact information from witnesses at the crash scene
- Take pictures of the Uber vehicle, the area where the crash happened, debris in the road, and other vehicles involved
- Notify your own insurance company
- Get prompt medical help to treat and document your injuries
- Begin keeping records of all medical bills, time missed from work, and other losses
- Keep a pain diary if you have been injured
- Contact a Uber accident lawyer at Monge & Associates
Taking these steps can help you to ensure you have the necessary evidence to pursue a claim and demonstrate both the cause of the accident and the damages done.
Compensation Available for Uber Accident Victims
Uber accident victims should be made whole for their losses. This includes recovering compensation for:
- Economic Damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, and lost earnings
- Non-Economic Damages: This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are extremely rare but could be ordered to punish defendants who showed reckless disregard for life
Virginia Laws Affecting Your Accident Claim
You should make sure you work with an attorney who understands Virginia laws that could affect your accident claim. This includes the following rules and regulations:
- Contributory Negligence Rule: If you share responsibility for the accident, you cannot pursue a claim. However, specific rules, such as the last clear chance doctrine, may give you more options to take legal action.
- Statute of Limitations: You have two years to make an Uber accident claim in Virginia.
- Wrongful Death Claims: When an accident is fatal, sVirginia wrongful death laws allow for a claim after an Uber accident victim has passed away.
Why You Need an Arlington Uber Accident Attorney
Finding an Uber accident attorney is important to:
- Determine which insurance companies are liable for losses
- Prove the cause of the accident by fathering evidence such as data from the Uber app and cell phone records
- Negotiate a settlement or go to court to get compensation
Monge & Associates has helped many Uber accident victims and we are the right firm to turn to in your pursuit of justice.
Contact Our Arlington Uber Accident Lawyers Today
To find out more about how an Arlington Uber accident lawyer can help you, give Monge & Associates a call today to schedule your free consultation.