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Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Huntington, WV
Plenty of people in Cabell County and Wayne County rely on rideshares to get home safely. Even though many Uber and Lyft drivers are cautious and earn their five-star ratings, accidents can happen at any time. All it takes is a bad decision on Interstate 64 or a drunk driver near Marshall University to cause a major crash. If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, we’re here to help.
Warner Law Offices, PLLC has represented accident victims in West Virginia since the year 2000. Our attorneys can assist people injured in major car wrecks, and we’re ready to take on Uber or Lyft if their practices contributed to a collision in any way.
We’re ready to fight for you if you were hit by an Uber, injured while riding in a Lyft, or are a rideshare driver who got in a wreck through no fault of your own. To request a free consultation with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Huntington, WV, contact our law firm today. You can also reach our rideshare crash attorneys by phone at (304) 345-6789.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Rideshare Accident?
In West Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the Uber or Lyft accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Once the two-year statute of limitations has expired, you will no longer be able to file a legal claim.
There may be some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations, and you may even have a shorter time to take action. This is why it’s best to contact our Huntington rideshare accident lawyers as soon as possible. We can evaluate your claim, help you understand what steps to take next, and make sure you hit critical deadlines.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Requirements Affect Claims
Figuring out compensation in a rideshare wreck case can be complicated. While there is Uber insurance and Lyft insurance for crashes, the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance may apply. This all depends on when the collision occurred and whether the rideshare driver was on duty at the time of the crash.
- The Rideshare Driver Had a Passenger or Was Picking One Up: If the Uber or Lyft driver was on duty and had a passenger or was driving to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- The Rideshare Driver Was on Duty Without an Active Trip: If the Uber or Lyft driver was on duty but did not have an active trip, the rideshare company’s insurance provides up to $25,000 in property damage, up to $50,000 per person for bodily injuries, and up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries.
- The Rideshare Driver Was Not on Duty: If the driver was not on the rideshare app and looking for a passenger, their personal insurance policy will apply to the crash.
Our team can review the time the collision happened and the circumstances of the collision to help determine the proper path forward.
How Our Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help
Founded in 2000, Warner Law Offices, PLLC has helped people all over the Mountain State seek compensation after major accidents. You have many law firms to choose from after an Uber or Lyft accident in Huntington, but here’s what sets our lawyers apart.
- We’re a Boutique Firm with Big Results: Our rideshare lawyers offer the close attention you’d expect from a small and local legal practice, combined with the experience and resources that rival national law firms.
- We Know How to Negotiate with Insurers: Many insurers try to lowball accident survivors and take advantage of them when they need help with bills. Our attorneys can help negotiate with strength so you aren’t pushed around.
- We Help Our Clients Feel Supported: Car wreck cases involving Uber and Lyft can be confusing. Our attorneys are here to offer clear answers to all of your questions as your claim unfolds.
- We’re West Virginia Born and Raised: Our lawyers grew up in West Virginia and have deep ties to the community. We know dangerous roads in the area, local events, and the needs of our neighbors.
- We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis: Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we can secure a settlement or win damages for you in court. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Rideshare Attorneys in Huntington, WV
If you were hurt in a rideshare wreck in Cabell County or Wayne County, Warner Law Offices, PLLC in on your side. Let us lend you a helping hand during this difficult time. For a free case review with our Huntington Uber and Lyft accident lawyers, contact Warner Law Offices, PLLC.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Crashes
Our Huntington rideshare accident attorneys can help you hold the negligent party or parties accountable. Here are a few common reasons why Uber and Lyft collisions happen.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
We expect Uber and Lyft drivers to be safe and follow the rules of the road. That’s unfortunately not always the case. Many rideshare drivers are in a hurry to drop passengers off and pick up their next fare, which could lead to risky behaviors on the road. When Uber and Lyft drivers aren’t careful, it puts their passengers and others on the road at risk.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a motorist’s attention from the road or involves the removal of a driver’s hands from the steering wheel. Common examples of distracted driving in rideshare accidents include texting while driving, making a call without a hands-free kit, looking up directions, eating while driving, and rubbernecking.
Rideshare Driver Fatigue
Uber and Lyft drivers often spend long hours out on the road getting passengers to their destinations. This can lead to varying levels of fatigue behind the wheel. The fatigue may be greater for rideshare drivers who work at night. Exhausted drivers could fall asleep behind the wheel or may not be fully alert, which can lead to catastrophic car wrecks.
Drunk or Intoxicated Driving
Many people in Cabell County and Wayne County use rideshares to avoid getting a DUI. Unfortunately, there are cases in which Uber and Lyft drivers work while they are intoxicated. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause serious car wrecks, putting rideshare passengers and other motorists in danger.
Lack of Familiarity with the Area
Uber and Lyft drivers pick up many passengers, but they are not always familiar with the Huntington area, especially outside of the city center. Rideshare drivers may get into car wrecks because they missed a turn, didn’t notice a stop signal, or were looking up the proper route while driving.
Dangerous or Poorly Maintained Vehicle
Uber and Lyft drivers should have their cars, vans, or SUVs regularly inspected and serviced. If a vehicle is in poor condition, it could lead to serious crashes. In these situations, the problem could involve vehicle parts or components, or general issues with steering systems, brakes, electronics, and software or digital systems.
Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident Case?
Liability in a rideshare car wreck varies depending on what happened during the accident. Common liable parties include:
- The Rideshare Driver: If an Uber or Lyft driver was speeding, aggressive, or reckless in any way, they may be held responsible for causing a car wreck.
- The Rideshare Passenger: Uber or Lyft passengers who are disruptive or distracting could be held liable for their role in a rideshare crash.
- A Negligent Motorist: Another driver who is reckless or distracted may be held liable for their role in an Uber or Lyft collision.
- A Negligent Mechanic or Technician: If a mechanic failed to identify an issue or make proper repairs to a rideshare vehicle, they may be held liable for an accident.
- Automakers or Part Manufacturers: Poor vehicle design, bad tires, or faulty auto parts could contribute to a crash. The maker of the vehicle or part can be held accountable.
- Local Road Authorities: Local authorities in Cabell County or Wayne County may be held liable for bad road conditions or failing to prevent dangerous driving conditions.
- Uber or Lyft: Though rare, it’s possible for rideshare companies to be held responsible for injuries and losses caused by their rideshare drivers.
Why Rideshare Accident Liability Can Be Complicated
Multiple parties could be liable or partially liable for a rideshare vehicle accident. You may also have to contend with multiple insurance companies and differences in coverage and policy limits.
Our Huntington Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have the knowledge to navigate the complexities of rideshare wreck claims. We will negotiate with insurers and help keep you updated as your case unfolds.
Motorists, Passengers, and Rideshare Drivers All Have Legal Options
Rideshare accidents can involve different parties when it comes to liability and legal accountability. These claims can also involve different injured parties who are simply trying to seek compensation after a wreck.
- If you are a driver or pedestrian who got hit by a rideshare vehicle, you’re just trying to cover medical bills and other losses
- If you are a rideshare passenger who got seriously hurt in a wreck, you’re also trying to get compensation for your hospital bills and changes to your life
- If you are an Uber or Lyft driver who got hit by a reckless motorist, you’re looking for compensation for medical expenses and vehicle repairs so you can earn a living
At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we proudly represent regular hard-working people all over Cabell County and Wayne County who’ve been injured and just need a little guidance as they heal. We’re ready to lend a helping hand after a crash, whoever you are.
Damages in Uber and Lyft Accident Cases
Compensation for an Uber or Lyft accident will help cover all kinds of losses related to the collision. These often include a mix of economic damages and non-economic damages.
The lawyers at our Huntington law office can help you understand how much your rideshare accident case is really worth by carefully reviewing your bills, injuries, and changes in overall quality of life.
Economic Damages in a Rideshare Crash
Economic damages compensate accident survivors for the calculable losses related to an Uber or Lyft collision. This includes:
- Hospitalization and emergency medical care
- Ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy
- Cost of vehicle repairs or replacement
- Damage to other personal property in the accident
- Lost wages and income while recuperating
- Loss of future earning potential due to disability
Non-Economic Damages in a Rideshare Crash
Non-economic damages compensate accident survivors for subjective losses that aren’t as easy to calculate. This includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Reduced overall quality of life
Legal Options After a Fatal Rideshare Crash
If you lost a loved one in a fatal Uber or Lyft accident here in Huntington, you have our deepest condolences. When you are ready to share what happened, our lawyers can discuss filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party.
The compensation from a wrongful death claim can help cover funeral costs, grief counseling, loss of a loved one’s income, and the pain of losing their companionship.
Legal Options for Rideshare Sexual Assault Survivors
In addition to representing Uber and Lyft accident survivors, Warner Law Offices, PLLC can also represent rideshare passengers who were sexually assaulted.
These kinds of cases require confidentiality, compassion, and a high level of sensitivity. We can provide the support you need as a survivor, and we are ready to hold Uber and Lyft accountable for their hiring practices and driver screening processes.
Our lawyers stand with survivors throughout Cabell County and Wayne County. You are not alone.
Contact Our Huntington Uber and Lyft Accidents Attorneys
Warner Law Offices, PLLC can help whether you were hit by a reckless Uber driver, got hurt while riding in a Lyft, or you’re a rideshare driver who was injured in a crash with a reckless motorist. We’re ready to hear you out and offer help. To set up a free consultation with experienced rideshare accident lawyers in Huntington, WV, contact our law office today. You can also call our attorneys at (304) 345-6789.
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