Alexandria Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Car Accidents in the DMV

Rideshare accidents are some of the most complex and confusing types of collisions. When you’re involved in a rideshare accident, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Various issues often arise, such as who is at fault, insurance liability, and the complex nature of rideshare companies, which can make it challenging to reach a settlement.

That’s where an experienced car accident attorney comes in. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we have decades of experience in representing car accident victims, including rideshare accidents. We represent injured people in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC!

If you were in a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to know what steps to take next to protect your health, your rights, and your finances. Call the Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Blaszkow Legal for a free consultation: 703-879-5910

Understanding Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can happen suddenly and leave you confused about what to do next. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the passengers, the driver, the rideshare company, and any other drivers involved, which can lead to complex insurance issues. Some common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Driver negligence: Rideshare drivers who fail to pay proper attention to the road or engage in reckless driving behavior.

• Distracted driving: Drivers distracted by their GPS, phone apps, or passenger conversations.

• Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris can cause accidents.

• Defective vehicles: Mechanical failures or malfunctions in the rideshare vehicle.

• Other drivers: Reckless behavior from other drivers on the road.

• Inclement weather: Rain, snow, or ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

• Fatigue: Drivers who drive for extended periods without rest can be as dangerous as those driving under the influence.

In Virginia, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required to provide substantial insurance coverage for their drivers, passengers, and any third parties injured during a ride. However, determining which coverage applies can be complicated.

It is critical to understand how the causes of a rideshare accident and resulting coverage liability could impact your ability to recover compensation. Our knowledgeable attorneys at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

According to a report by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, rideshare accidents have been steadily increasing. When these crashes occur, all parties involved can suffer serious injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by victims of rideshare accidents include:

• Lacerations

• Muscle strains, sprains, tears, and contusions

• Burns

• Broken or fractured bones

• Head and neck injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Spinal cord damage

• Internal organ damage or internal bleeding

• Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you or a loved one suffered any injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Speak with an experienced rideshare accident attorney at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC to discuss your case.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you were involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. These steps include:

1. Seek medical help: It’s crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation, even if you feel fine immediately after the accident. Remember that your health and well-being should always be the top priority, and some injuries may not be readily apparent without expert medical evaluation.

2. Document everything: Document the accident as accurately and thoroughly as possible. Take photographs or videos of the rideshare vehicle, the other vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any visible injuries you may have sustained. Gather the contact and insurance information of any other drivers, as well as the contact information of any eyewitnesses.

3. Contact an experienced attorney: Before contacting your insurance company about the accident, reach out to an experienced rideshare accident attorney. Often, what you say to your insurance company can be used against you when determining fault or when seeking compensation. An attorney can handle communication with insurance adjusters on your behalf and advocate for the best outcome for your case.

4. Contact your insurance: Once you’ve spoken with an attorney, call your insurance. Some insurance companies may want to take a statement (beyond the mere facts of the collision). Always consult with your attorney before providing information to your insurance company, and be sure never to admit fault.

Important Considerations for Virginia Rideshare Car Accident Claims

Determining Fault

In Virginia, determining fault in a rideshare accident involves identifying the negligence of the parties involved in the accident. Negligence can include reckless driving, violating traffic laws, distracted driving, and other careless behaviors.

Virginia follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, meaning that if a victim is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This makes it crucial to determine the fault of each party accurately.

In rideshare accidents, the responsibility may lie with the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company if, for example, a vehicle’s maintenance issue contributed to the crash.

Remember that your claim is against the negligent party – not their insurance company!

Insurance Coverage

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger.

It may be necessary to determine whether the driver was “online” and engaged in an official rideshare activity at the time of the accident to establish the applicable insurance coverage.

Statute of Limitations

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a rideshare accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. You must file your claim within this two-year window or you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

However, the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specifics of your case, such as whether the claim involves an injured driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist. If the accident results in a fatality, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is also two years, beginning from the date of the deceased person’s death.

Navigating rideshare accidents often requires the help of a seasoned rideshare accident attorney who can analyze the case, negotiate with insurance companies, and make sure the rights and interests of the injured parties are adequately protected.

Compensation After Lyft Accident

Part of receiving compensation after a Lyft accident is proving liability. Rideshare accidents occur for the same reasons that other car collisions happen. There are many forms of driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, moving violations, and other illegal or intoxicated driving behaviors. Fault for your accident may point to the rideshare driver or another driver on the road who hit you. If you were writing as a passenger, it is unlikely that you are going to be found at fault unless you had interfered with the driver’s ability to control their vehicle. What we can do is help you gather evidence and prove exactly what happened. After you have evidence gathered, you can proceed with initiating a claim for compensation against the rideshare company or the driver’s insurance.

Why Lyft Drivers Must Carry Insurance

Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, which means that they are not technically employees for the company. This is a way for the company to create some distance between themselves and liability when it comes to accidents. These rideshare companies hope that the driver has their own insurance that would cover losses in the event of an accident. Lyft drivers must have insurance if they are going to operate under the business of a rideshare company. However, there is the option to file a claim for compensation directly with Lyft. If you need help with this, please contact us today so we can make sure that you’re taking all the steps that you need to get maximum compensation.

Why Medical Care Is Important

It is important to get medical attention after a rideshare accident not only for your health, but also for your compensation eligibility. If you do not have medical documentation that supports your injury claims, it can be more difficult to get payment back for your losses. It is strongly advised that you get a medical examination even if you don’t have any symptoms yet for injuries. Despite leaving the scene of the accident without any visible injuries, this does not mean that your body did not sustain some degree of damage. Seeking medical care is essential to your health and your claim. If you need further help with this, our Alexandria, VA lyft accident lawyer is ready to hear from you.

Contact Us Now For Consultation

Aftermath of a rideshare accent can be difficult to manage alone. This is especially true when you consider that rideshare companies are likely to try to avoid liability by using various strategies or ignoring the claim altogether. But when you have a legal team representing your situation, these companies are more likely to negotiate fairly and respond to your claim. Our team is ready to get to work for you as soon as we speak with you. Reach out to Blaszkow Legal, PLLC for a consultation appointment so we can learn more about what has happened and get started right away.

What To Do After Uber Accident

Put your safety first. The Uber driver should move the vehicle out of the way from traffic to a safe area, but don’t hesitate to remind them if they don’t do so. Pull off to the shoulder of the road or out of the flow of traffic. Examine yourself and others for injuries and call 911 so that an ambulance and an officer can arrive to help. If anyone has been seriously injured, request medical attention. Even if you are not visibly injured, it is a good idea to have the ambulance personnel examine you anyway. You may be in a state of shock and are not aware of the extent of your injuries just yet. The officer can file a police report of what happened which you can get a copy of in the days to follow. Gather evidence in the form of photographs and video footage, and exchange information with the driver. Once all these things are done, contact our team so that we can start working for you and your compensation.

Why You Must See A Doctor

It is very common for accident victims to not have any symptoms or pain hours or days after the accident, only to suddenly have severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, not seeking medical care right away can also hurt your case. By having a paper trail of medical treatments, this is powerful evidence that can influence the outcome. As our Alexandria, VA uber accident lawyer explains, visiting a doctor ensures that your health is taken care of and that you have evidence to support your injury claims. If you do not have medical care coverage and are concerned about the costs of visiting a doctor, contact us so that we can get you treatment. But do not delay in getting emergency care if that is what you need. We can work to get you payment back for your costs. We are ready to speak with you today about your situation.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Complicated

Uber and rideshare accidents are more nuanced to handle due to the fact that the drivers are hired by the company but are not technically employees. This creates some distance in liability for the rideshare company, since the driver is responsible for carrying insurance that would cover anyone in the event of an accident. These rideshare companies do often have claims you have filed directly to them requesting coverage after an accident. However, actually receiving this compensation is more difficult than it may seem. Contact us today if you need assistance with this.

Contact Our Team Today

Our team has handled many rideshare accident cases. We understand that these tend to be more complicated than your typical car accidents, because it involves a third party company. Because Uber or Lyft hires their drivers as independent contractors, it can get a little bit confusing when it comes to identifying liability and who should provide compensation. If you have questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can get you the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, property damage, and other losses. If you’re ready to get help, our team at Blaskow Legal, PLLC is prepared to assist you today.

Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents

Our Alexandria, VA Lyft accident lawyer knows that when people rely on rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, they expect a safe and convenient experience. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we’ve worked with many clients who were hurt in rideshare crashes, and we’ve seen the same patterns emerge time and time again. We offer free consultations, so give us a call today. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common causes of these incidents.

• Distracted Driving. One of the leading causes of rideshare accidents is driver distraction. Rideshare drivers often rely heavily on their phones for navigation, accepting new rides, and communicating with passengers. This split attention increases the risk of missing a red light, failing to yield, or reacting too slowly to sudden changes in traffic.
• Fatigue. Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive late at night to make ends meet. Driving while tired slows reaction times and affects judgment, creating conditions similar to impaired driving. Fatigue is especially common among drivers who work multiple jobs or drive during overnight shifts.
• Speeding. Speed limits exist for a reason, and exceeding them puts everyone at risk. Some drivers speed to complete more trips and earn more money. Others may misjudge traffic or time constraints. Regardless of the reason, speeding remains a top factor in rideshare-related crashes.
• Unsafe Lane Changes. We’ve handled many cases involving accidents caused by sudden or improper lane changes. Rideshare drivers may quickly change lanes to make a turn or pick up a passenger, without checking blind spots or signaling properly. This can lead to sideswipe collisions or force other drivers to brake suddenly.
• Failure to Yield. Rideshare drivers often face unfamiliar streets and heavy traffic, which can make it difficult to follow the rules of the road. Failing to yield at intersections, roundabouts, or crosswalks is a common issue, especially in busy downtown areas.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance. Our Alexandria Lyft accident lawyer knows that some rideshare drivers use their own cars without regular inspections. Worn brakes, bald tires, or broken taillights all increase the risk of an accident. Although platforms like Uber and Lyft require basic standards, they don’t always catch everything, especially if drivers skip maintenance to save money.
• Impaired Driving. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol remains a serious problem, even among rideshare drivers. Although the major platforms have policies in place, those rules depend on drivers being honest and passengers reporting problems. Impairment, even mild, can dramatically impact driving ability.
• Inexperience or Poor Driving Skills. Not every rideshare driver is a seasoned professional. Some may have limited experience behind the wheel or poor driving habits. A lack of familiarity with local traffic patterns, aggressive driving, and difficulty handling stressful situations can all lead to dangerous outcomes.
• Road Conditions and Weather. Bad weather and poorly maintained roads can increase the chances of an accident. Potholes, limited visibility, and slippery surfaces require caution. Rideshare drivers, especially those unfamiliar with an area, may not adjust their driving to suit these conditions.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, it’s important to protect your rights and take the next step toward recovering compensation. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we help people who’ve been hurt in crashes caused by negligent rideshare drivers. We have over 40 years of experience with personal injury cases and are ready to help you with your claim. Reach out today to our Alexandria Lyft accident lawyer to learn how we can help you move forward.

Ways To Prepare For Your Uber Accident Lawyer Meeting

Meeting with an Alexandria, VA Uber accident lawyer after a rideshare accident can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from injuries. Being organized and prepared can make the first meeting more productive and help move your case forward. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we recommend taking a few simple steps before your appointment so we can focus on what matters most — getting the support and compensation you deserve. We give our clients small firm attention with big firm results.

• Bring All Accident-Related Documents. Gather all documents related to the accident, including the police report, insurance information, medical records, and any correspondence with Uber or the insurance companies. If you received any treatment after the crash, bring hospital or doctor visit summaries. These records help us understand the scope of the incident and your injuries.
• Make a Timeline of Events. Write down everything you remember, from the moments before the crash to what happened afterward. Include the date and time of the accident, where you were going, what you saw, and what the rideshare driver did. This timeline helps us get a clear picture of what happened without relying on memory during the meeting.
• Collect Photos and Videos. If you took photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or vehicle damage, be sure to have those ready for your Alexandria Uber accident lawyer. Visual evidence can be very helpful in building your case. If anyone shared videos with you, including dashcam or surveillance footage, bring those files too.
• List All Parties Involved. Make a list of everyone connected to the incident: the rideshare driver, any other drivers involved, passengers, and witnesses. Include their names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details if available. This makes it easier for us to follow up and gather supporting information.
• Record Your Expenses. Track any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. This might include medical bills, rides to appointments, prescription costs, or car repairs. If the accident caused you to miss work, bring documentation showing the time missed and your lost wages. These details help us assess the financial impact of the crash.
• Note Any Ongoing Symptoms. If you’re still experiencing pain or other effects from the accident, write them down. This includes physical symptoms like headaches, back pain, or trouble sleeping, as well as emotional stress. We need to understand how the accident has affected your day-to-day life to present a full picture of your injuries.
• Bring Questions You Want to Ask. It’s normal to have questions about the process, the timeline, and what to expect. Write them down ahead of time so you don’t forget them during the meeting. We’re here to provide clear, direct answers so you feel informed and confident.

Getting ready for your first meeting doesn’t have to be difficult, and taking these steps will help us get to work right away. Your lawyer can help ensure you don’t make common mistakes following your accident. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we’re here to help you take action after an Uber accident. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so we win if you win. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, reach out to our Alexandria Uber accident lawyer to schedule a time to talk.

Call the Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Blaszkow Legal today!

If you have been hurt in a rideshare car accident, then you need representation right away. The insurance companies have two goals: 1) to minimize your claim, or 2) to deny it completely. You want someone on your side who can battle in your name, and get you the compensation that you deserve.

Call Blaszkow Legal today for a free consulation, and get Justice with Joe!

Alexandria/Northern Virginia Office:
5270 Shawnee Road #102, Alexandria, Va. 22312
703-879-5910

Richmond Office:
7824 Shrader Road, Richmond, Va. 23294
804-273-8929

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Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Alexandria, Virginia

Joe Blaszkow is the Uber Accident Lawyer. He has battled the rideshare insurance companies for his clients, and has recovered millions on their behalf! If you have been hurt in a car accident, then call today and Get Justice with Joe!

703-879-5910