What Happens If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Virginia?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a routine way to get around Virginia. But when a crash involves a rideshare vehicle, figuring out which insurance policy may cover your injuries can be more complicated than in a typical car accident.

Whether you were a rideshare passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, the coverage available may depend on what the rideshare driver was doing when the crash occurred.

Why Rideshare Accidents Can Be More Complicated

A typical car accident generally involves the insurance policies of the drivers involved. A rideshare accident can add another layer because coverage may depend on the driver’s status within the rideshare app at the time of the collision.

For example, there can be important differences between a driver who was using the vehicle for personal purposes, a driver who was logged into the app and waiting for a request, and a driver who had already accepted a trip.

Determining the driver’s status at the time of the crash can therefore be an important part of identifying potentially available insurance coverage.

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage May Apply

Rideshare coverage generally changes depending on what the driver was doing when the accident happened.

App off. If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app, the accident may generally be handled like a typical car accident involving the driver’s personal auto insurance. The specific coverage available will depend on the policies and circumstances involved.

App on and waiting for a request. Different coverage may apply when a driver is logged into a rideshare platform and available to accept a trip but has not yet done so. Determining which policy applies and the amount of available coverage requires reviewing the driver’s status and applicable insurance policies.

Ride accepted or passenger being transported. Additional rideshare insurance coverage may be available after a driver accepts a trip and while a passenger is being transported. The specific coverage and limits available depend on Virginia law, the rideshare company’s policy, and the facts of the accident.

Because these distinctions can affect the insurance available after a serious crash, evidence showing the driver’s app status may be particularly important.

Who May Be Responsible for a Rideshare Crash?

Liability still depends on how the accident happened.

A rideshare driver may be responsible if negligent driving, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield, caused the collision.

Another driver could instead be responsible for hitting the rideshare vehicle. In some crashes, the actions of more than one driver may need to be investigated.

Claims directly involving a rideshare company can raise additional legal questions. The relationship between rideshare companies and their drivers differs from a traditional employer-employee relationship, so potential company liability depends on the circumstances and applicable law.

What If You Were a Rideshare Passenger?

Passengers injured while using a rideshare service may have access to one or more sources of insurance coverage depending on who caused the accident and the policies involved.

Because a passenger ordinarily isn’t controlling either vehicle, determining fault may focus primarily on the drivers involved. However, identifying the appropriate insurance coverage can still be complicated, particularly when multiple vehicles or insurers are involved.

Keep your ride receipt, confirmation, and any information available through the rideshare app. These records may help establish that you were a passenger and document the trip at the time of the collision.

What If a Rideshare Driver Hits Your Vehicle?

If an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver causes a collision with your vehicle, determining available coverage may require establishing whether the driver was using the rideshare platform at the time.

Do not assume that the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance will automatically cover your losses. The driver’s app status, applicable policies, fault for the collision, and your own insurance coverage may all need to be evaluated.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

Call 911 when appropriate and report the accident. If you can safely do so, photograph the vehicles and crash scene and collect contact and insurance information from the drivers and witnesses.

If you were a rideshare passenger, save screenshots or records showing your trip and driver information. Report the accident through the appropriate rideshare platform and keep copies of any communications you receive.

Seek medical attention for your injuries and keep records of your treatment and expenses. Before accepting a settlement or providing a detailed recorded statement, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney about the insurance coverage and liability issues involved.

DBWLE Represents Rideshare Accident Victims Throughout Virginia

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, the attorneys at Davies, Barrell, Will, Lewellyn & Edwards, PLC can help you understand the insurance and liability issues involved and determine what options may be available.

We serve clients throughout Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Warrenton, Fauquier County, Louisa County, Orange County, Rappahannock County, Madison County, Stafford County, Greene County, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, Caroline County, and surrounding Virginia communities.

Our auto accident attorneys offer free consultations with no obligation, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Contact DBWLE today to speak with a member of our team.