A Lyft accident can turn a normal day upside down. The crash may happen suddenly, but the aftermath can last far longer. Many victims face medical bills, missed time from work, pain, confusion about insurance coverage, and disagreements between Lyft, the driver, and other motorists.
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Virginia law. The attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson and DePaolis LLP have represented rideshare passengers, Lyft drivers, and pedestrians throughout Northern Virginia. Our team understands how rideshare insurance works, and we know what it takes to help accident victims rebuild their lives.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Northern Virginia
Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies and a number of decisions that can affect your claim. What you do immediately after the crash can protect your health and strengthen your case.
1. Get Medical Attention
Always get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries do not appear right away, especially concussions, whiplash, and soft tissue injuries. Early medical treatment protects your health and creates the documentation needed for your claim.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
2. Call the Police and File an Accident Report
Contact law enforcement at the scene. The police report will document important details such as:
- Time and place of the accident
- Driver and witness information
- Road and weather conditions
- Initial statements about fault
Your Northern Virginia Lyft accident lawyer will rely on this report when building your case.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you can safely do so, collect as much information as possible, including:
- Names and contact information for all drivers and witnesses
- Photos of all vehicles involved
- Photos of your injuries
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Screenshots of your Lyft trip details
- Information about the Lyft driver, vehicle, and ride status
Record your own recollection of events while everything is still fresh in your mind.
4. Speak with a Northern Virginia Lyft Accident Lawyer
Lyft accident cases are more complex than typical car crashes because insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status on the app. A lawyer can determine which insurance policies apply and pursue the full amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
The Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accidents in Virginia
In Virginia, most personal injury claims, including Lyft accidents, must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. Wrongful death claims also have a two year deadline.
If you miss the deadline, you may lose your ability to recover compensation. It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Proving Liability in a Northern Virginia Lyft Accident
To win your case, you must prove that someone else was negligent. Negligence may involve:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driver fatigue
- Traffic violations
- Improper vehicle maintenance
Multiple parties can be involved, including other drivers or the Lyft driver. Strong evidence is necessary to show how the accident happened and who is responsible.
What Compensation Is Available After a Lyft Accident in Northern Virginia
Victims of Lyft accidents in Northern Virginia may be able to recover money for:
- Emergency room care and hospital bills
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Permanent injuries or disability
- Wrongful death damages
Once a settlement or verdict is finalized, you cannot request additional money later. This makes it important to work with a lawyer who can fully evaluate your losses.
How Virginia’s Insurance Rules Affect Lyft Accident Claims
Virginia is a fault-based insurance state. This means the party who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.
Because rideshare claims often involve questions about driver status and overlapping insurance coverage, insurance companies may try to reduce their responsibility by disputing fault or minimizing the value of your injuries. Your lawyer can handle these communications and hold the insurance company accountable.
Contributory Negligence in Virginia
Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even 1 percent at fault for the accident, you may be denied compensation.
Insurance adjusters often use this rule to their advantage by attempting to shift blame onto injured passengers. They may argue that you were not wearing a seatbelt, distracted the driver, or contributed to the crash in another way.
Your attorney’s job is to protect you from unfair accusations and keep the focus on the responsible party.
Lyft Insurance Coverage Explained
Lyft uses a tiered insurance system that depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Driver offline
Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Driver online but waiting for a ride request
Lyft provides limited liability coverage.
Passenger in the vehicle or ride accepted
Lyft provides up to 1 million dollars in liability coverage.
A lawyer will obtain driver records, app data, and trip logs to identify the correct coverage and pursue the available compensation.
Contact Our Northern Virginia Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a Lyft accident in Northern Virginia, you do not have to deal with insurance companies on your own. The legal team at Koonz McKenney Johnson and DePaolis LLP can investigate the crash, communicate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Northern Virginia Lyft accident lawyer.
You should be able to focus on healing. We will handle everything else.