Manassas, Virginia Uber Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for Collisions With Uber Drivers in Manassas

Rideshare services like Uber have become part of many people's daily lives in Northern Virginia. For many Manassas residents and visitors, Uber may serve as a way to get to work, go to an airport, or travel home after an evening out. As Uber's popularity has increased, the presence of more rideshare vehicles on the road has led to more opportunities for accidents involving those vehicles. When these accidents happen, the legal concerns and insurance-related issues that arise may be more complex than in other types of car accidents.

People injured in Uber accidents may need to deal with multiple insurance companies and disputes about the level of coverage that may be provided. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, we work to help our clients cut through the red tape involved in these cases and make sure they can receive compensation for their injuries. We will take steps to establish liability, determine what insurance coverage applies, and negotiate settlements that will meet our clients' needs.

Why Uber Drivers May Cause Accidents

Uber drivers are not professional drivers in the traditional sense. They are private people who use their personal vehicles to earn income, and they operate under conditions that may lead to risks for others on the road. Uber accidents may occur due to issues such as:

Distractions From Smartphone Apps

Aside from their car, the primary tool every Uber driver uses is their smartphone. A driver will need to monitor the Uber app for incoming ride requests. They may also use the app to follow navigation instructions, communicate with passengers, and perform other tasks, all while operating their vehicle in traffic. This constant interaction with a handheld device can increase the risks of distracted driving accidents.

Fatigue From Extended Driving Shifts

Many Uber drivers spend many consecutive hours behind the wheel to maximize their earnings. Driver fatigue is a well-documented issue that can lead to motor vehicle accidents. Fatigue can impair a driver's reaction times and coordination while affecting their ability to pay close attention to the road. A driver who has been on the road for multiple hours or who drives for Uber after working a shift at another job may be too tired to drive safely.

Navigating Unfamiliar Areas

Uber drivers will often travel to locations they have never visited before. Relying on directions from a smartphone app while also monitoring traffic, interacting with passengers, and watching for the correct pickup or drop-off location can make it more difficult for a driver to operate their vehicle safely. Drivers may take actions such as sudden lane changes or illegal turns that could lead to accidents.

Other Risks

Uber drivers may engage in other forms of negligence. Speeding, intoxicated driving, tailgating, disobeying traffic signals, or other traffic violations or unsafe behaviors can lead to accidents.

Who May Be Liable in an Uber Accident

Our attorneys can take steps to identify all parties who may be responsible for the injuries a person has suffered in an accident involving an Uber driver. The liable parties may include:

The Uber Driver

A driver who caused an accident through negligent or reckless behavior may be held personally liable for the harm they have caused. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, a victim may be covered by the driver's personal auto insurance policy.

Uber's Insurance Coverage

Uber has a commercial insurance policy that provides coverage when a driver is either transporting passengers or on their way to pick someone up. Lower levels of coverage may apply in cases where a driver is involved in an accident while they are logged into the Uber app and are waiting for a ride request. Our attorneys work to ensure that the maximum applicable coverage will be available in a client's claim.

Other Negligent Drivers

In some cases, another driver may have caused a crash with an Uber driver, and the at-fault driver may be held liable for a victim's injuries. Passengers in an Uber vehicle who are injured by a third-party driver have claims against that driver. Pedestrians or others involved in an accident may also be able to file claims. Our lawyers will evaluate an accident to determine who was at fault and help our clients secure compensation from the liable parties.

Vehicle Manufacturers

If a defect in a vehicle, such as a brake failure, a tire defect, or a steering malfunction, contributed to a car accident, the manufacturer of that component or vehicle may be held liable for the injuries suffered by victims. Our attorneys can determine whether product liability claims may be an additional source of compensation for our clients.

Compensation Available to Uber Accident Victims

People injured in Uber-related accidents may receive compensation for all of the damages a crash has caused. Medical expenses may be addressed, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and any future treatment needs. Lost wages during a person's recovery and any reduction in their earning capacity due to lasting disabilities may also be addressed through compensation.

A victim may also be compensated for pain and suffering, which will address the physical and emotional impact of their injuries. Compensation may cover chronic pain, disruption to a person's daily life, anxiety or other mental health issues, and a diminished quality of life. Our lawyers work with our clients to gain a full understanding of their damages and ensure that they can receive full compensation.

Contact Our Manassas, VA Uber Accident Lawyers

Uber accident cases can be legally complex, especially when Uber attempts to avoid liability for an accident or when disputes related to insurance coverage arise. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, we provide our clients with thorough, aggressive representation, working to hold Uber, insurance companies, or other parties liable for the damages that occurred in an accident with a rideshare driver. Contact our Manassas Uber accident injury attorneys at 703-392-6686 to set up a free consultation.