If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Virginia, you need an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. Our Fairfax-based team handles rideshare accident claims throughout Virginia. We work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Why Choose CHASENBOSCOLO for Your Rideshare Accident Claim
Rideshare accidents involve unique insurance coverage issues. You need a firm with proven experience handling these cases. General personal injury attorneys often lack the specialized knowledge these claims require.
CHASENBOSCOLO brings nearly four decades of experience to your case. Since 1986, our firm has recovered over $750 million for injured clients. We serve Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Our team includes 25 attorneys who have completed over 500 jury trials in the past five years.
Our attorneys have earned recognition as Super Lawyers. This includes Benjamin T. Boscolo (2006-2025), Tom Teodori, John Everett, and Michael D. Reiter (Rising Star 2014-2024). Managing partners Barry M. Chasen and Benjamin T. Boscolo hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. This represents the highest recognition for legal ability and ethical standards. The Maryland Trial Lawyers Association named our firm Trial Lawyers of the Year. Our attorneys teach trial advocacy at the Keenan Trial Institute.
Our track record demonstrates our commitment to results. We recovered $2.5 million in a catastrophic truck accident case. We secured $1.2 million for a client with traumatic brain injury. We obtained $1.8 million for a construction worker with permanent spinal cord injury.
Our Fairfax office serves Northern Virginia with 24/7 availability. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our Google rating is 5.0 based on over 423 client reviews. Thousands of injured Virginians have trusted our firm.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Virginia
Rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance. These layers create gaps and disputes. Understanding these coverage phases protects your rights.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide different insurance levels. The level depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. These coverage phases are:
Phase 1: App Off – When the driver has the rideshare app turned off, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. This coverage is often limited. Many policies exclude rideshare activities entirely. This leaves injured passengers with minimal protection.
Phase 2: Waiting for Ride – Once the driver activates the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, the rideshare company provides limited coverage. This phase typically includes $50,000 in liability coverage per accident. This amount is often insufficient for serious injuries.
Phase 3: En Route or Passenger in Vehicle – Once a passenger enters the vehicle or the driver has accepted a ride, the rideshare company provides $1 million in liability coverage. This provides more robust protection. However, disputes often arise about whether the driver was actually in this phase.
The driver’s personal auto insurance may also apply. Many personal policies exclude or limit coverage for rideshare activities. Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes critical if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Insurance companies routinely dispute which coverage phase applied. They argue that coverage exclusions apply. They claim that you bear partial fault to minimize their payout. Our attorneys investigate the accident thoroughly. We preserve rideshare app data. We challenge insurance company tactics. We work to maximize your recovery from all available insurance sources.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties. Identifying all liable parties maximizes your compensation.
The Rideshare Driver – The driver bears primary responsibility for safe vehicle operation. Driver negligence includes distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, and driving under the influence. We investigate the driver’s history, training records, and conduct at the time of the accident.
The Rideshare Company – Uber and Lyft can be held liable for negligent driver screening. This includes inadequate background checks and failure to remove dangerous drivers. Companies also bear responsibility for vehicle maintenance failures and inadequate safety protocols.
Third-Party Drivers – If another vehicle caused the accident, that driver and their insurance company may be liable. We pursue claims against all at-fault parties.
Vehicle Manufacturers – Defective brakes, steering systems, or other components can contribute to accidents. If a vehicle defect played a role, the manufacturer may bear liability.
Government Entities – Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or dangerous intersections may contribute to accidents. We evaluate whether government negligence played a role in your case.
Virginia follows comparative negligence law. You can recover damages even if you bear partial responsibility. You must be less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often overstate your fault. Our attorneys challenge these determinations. We negotiate fair settlements based on the actual facts.
What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
The steps you take immediately after an accident significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention – Your health is the priority. Call 911 if anyone is seriously injured. Seek medical evaluation promptly, even if you feel fine. Some injuries like traumatic brain injury may not be immediately apparent. Medical records documenting your injuries are essential to your claim.
Call Police – Request a police report for the accident. The police report provides an official record. It includes officer observations about fault, vehicle damage, and injuries. Obtain the report number and officer’s name.
Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of vehicle damage and the accident scene. Photograph road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Photograph the rideshare driver’s vehicle, license plate, and driver’s license if possible. Collect contact information from witnesses.
Preserve Rideshare App Data – Do not delete the rideshare app or your trip history. The app contains critical information. This includes the driver’s name, vehicle details, trip route, and timestamp. Screenshot your trip details and any messages with the driver.
Gather Information – Collect the rideshare driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle registration, and insurance information. Note the rideshare company and your trip ID.
Report Through the App – Use the rideshare app to report the accident. This creates an official record. It triggers the company’s insurance claim process.
Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident. Do not sign any documents or give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal review. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you.
Contact an Attorney – Before speaking with insurance companies, contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney. We protect your rights. We handle all communications with insurers. This ensures you don’t inadvertently harm your case.
Damages Available in Rideshare Accident Cases
If you suffer injuries in a rideshare accident caused by another party’s negligence, Virginia law entitles you to recover damages. These damages include:
Medical Expenses – All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your accident. This includes emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. We pursue compensation for both current medical bills and anticipated future medical care.
Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income. This includes wages lost during recovery. In cases of permanent disability, you can recover lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering – You can recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Permanent injuries command higher pain and suffering awards than temporary injuries.
Permanent Disability and Disfigurement – If your injuries result in permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement, you can recover additional damages. These damages reflect the long-term impact on your life.
Wrongful Death Damages – If a rideshare accident results in death, surviving family members can recover damages. This includes funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the deceased’s lost earnings.
Statute of Limitations – Virginia law provides a two-year window to file a personal injury claim. There is also a two-year window for wrongful death claims. The statute begins running from the date of your injury. Missing this deadline bars your recovery. Contact an attorney promptly.
Our attorneys have recovered millions for injured clients in motor vehicle accident cases. We evaluate your case thoroughly. We provide a realistic assessment of its value based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and liability evidence.
How Our Fairfax Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help
When you hire CHASENBOSCOLO, you gain a team committed to maximizing your recovery. We hold negligent parties accountable.
Thorough Investigation – We investigate your accident thoroughly. This includes accident scene reconstruction and review of police reports. We analyze rideshare app data and examine vehicle maintenance records. We evaluate driver history and training. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists.
Insurance Company Negotiation – We handle all communications with insurance companies. We challenge coverage disputes and contest fault determinations. We negotiate fair settlements. Our trial-ready approach pressures insurers to offer reasonable settlements.
Trial Preparation – If settlement negotiations fail, we prepare your case for trial. Our 500+ jury trials in the past five years demonstrate our trial experience. Insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial. This strengthens our negotiating position.
Contingency Fee Representation – We handle your case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We collect our fee only if we recover compensation for you. This aligns our interests with yours.
24/7 Availability – We understand that accidents happen at inconvenient times. Our Fairfax office provides 24/7 client access. You can reach us when you need us most.
Multi-Office Support – Our offices in Fairfax, Greenbelt, Baltimore, and Waldorf serve clients throughout the region. We provide local expertise and personalized attention.
Free Consultation – We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. We evaluate your case and explain your rights. We discuss the value of your claim and answer your questions.
Contact CHASENBOSCOLO today to schedule your free consultation. Call (703) 538-1138 or complete our online contact form. Our Fairfax rideshare accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the rideshare driver was at fault?
If the rideshare driver caused your accident, take these steps immediately: seek medical attention, call police to report the accident, document the scene with photos and witness information, preserve rideshare app data, and gather the driver’s information. Do not admit fault or sign documents without legal review. Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Your attorney will investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and handle all communications with insurers.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Virginia?
Virginia law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. There is also a two-year statute for wrongful death claims. The statute begins running from the date of your injury. You must file your lawsuit within two years or lose your right to recover. Contact an attorney much sooner – ideally within days of your accident. This preserves evidence, allows investigation, and begins settlement negotiations. Waiting until near the deadline risks losing critical evidence.
Can I sue the rideshare company directly?
Yes, you can sue the rideshare company directly in certain circumstances. Rideshare companies can be held liable for negligent driver screening. This includes failing to conduct adequate background checks. They can be liable for inadequate driver training and negligent retention. This means keeping dangerous drivers on their platform despite safety violations. Companies also bear responsibility for vehicle maintenance failures and inadequate safety protocols. The rideshare company’s insurance coverage applies during active rides. This provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. Rideshare companies often settle cases to avoid litigation costs and negative publicity. Our attorneys evaluate whether the rideshare company bears liability and pursue claims accordingly.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Virginia follows comparative negligence law. You can recover damages even if you bear partial responsibility. You must be less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can recover $80,000. Insurance companies often overstate your fault. Our attorneys challenge fault determinations. We present evidence supporting your version of events. We negotiate fair settlements based on the actual facts. We protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation.
How much is my rideshare accident case worth?
Your case value depends on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical expenses, the amount of your lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. The strength of liability evidence also matters. Permanent injuries command higher settlements than temporary injuries. Cases involving catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury typically settle for significantly more. CHASENBOSCOLO has recovered millions in motor vehicle accident cases. We recovered $2.5 million in a catastrophic truck accident. We secured $1.2 million for traumatic brain injury. We obtained $1.8 million for permanent spinal cord injury. We provide a realistic case value estimate after thorough investigation. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your case value.
