Our Values Guide Our Work
For more than 100 years, we have recognized and honored our responsibility to our clients, members of our firm, and our community.
Our relationships are built on integrity, respect, compassion, and trust—the same values that have guided us since 1910.
At Allen & Allen, we commit to more than simply providing you with legal representation. We commit to making your fight our fight, ensuring the insurance companies treat you fairly, and obtaining justice for you.
That’s what we mean when we say, “I am an Allen.”
In Virginia, ridesharing isn’t just a convenience—it’s a part of daily life. But what happens when this modern convenience becomes a nightmare because of an accident?
It can feel overwhelming, like facing a mountain too steep to climb.
That’s where we come in. At Allen, Allen, Allen, & Allen, we get it.
We understand the hurdles you’re facing after a rideshare accident—dealing with insurance companies, figuring out who’s responsible, and fighting for the compensation you rightfully deserve is daunting.
You can rely on our Virginia rideshare accident lawyers.
Our team doesn’t just take rideshare accidents. We concentrate on every aspect.
We’re here to offer you support, advice, and the kind of professional guidance that only comes from years of experience and a thorough understanding of Virginia’s laws.
We’re lawyers, but we’re also your advocates, ready to fight big rideshare companies and insurance providers on your behalf.
Whether you were riding in the backseat, behind the wheel, or an innocent bystander caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, Allen & Allen is here for you.
We tailor our legal strategies to fit your unique situation, ensuring we’re always ready to go the extra mile through careful investigation, savvy negotiation, or fighting tirelessly for you in court.
We’re all about making this process as clear and straightforward as possible. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a rideshare accident, reach out to us for a free consultation.
Let’s take the first step together towards securing the compensation you need and deserve. Your path to justice starts with a call to us.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Virginia Rideshare Accident
- Why choose Allen & Allen for your Virginia car accident claim?
- Challenges of rideshare accidents
- Why do Uber & Lyft accidents often result in severe injuries?
- What if an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident?
- Insurance for rideshare vehicles in Virginia
- Contact Allen & Allen for Your Virginia Rideshare Accident Claim
Why Choose Allen & Allen For Your Virginia Car Accident Claim?
At Allen & Allen, we’re a group of passionate advocates who’ve turned making a difference in people’s lives into our life’s work.
Our journey through Virginia’s legal landscape is paved with stories of hope, resilience, and victory.
We bring a personal touch to each case with years of experience and a heartfelt commitment to getting our clients the outcomes they deserve.
With us, you’re not just another case file. You’re part of the Allen & Allen family, where every victory is shared, and we meet every challenge with unwavering support and dedication.
Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers have handled many complex and devastating car accident cases, with victims sustaining injuries ranging from broken bones to spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury.
Our satisfied clients speak volumes about the quality of our service.
- Attorneys Jason Konvicka and Scott Fitzgerald secured $604,219 for an accident where the plaintiff required surgery and a permanent plate and screws implanted.
- Attorney Trent Kerns secured $367,000 for a plaintiff who suffered injuries in a car crash in which the defendant attempted to deny responsibility.
At the heart of what we do is our promise to offer personal and caring legal help. We know everyone’s situation is different, and we treat every case with kindness, crafting a plan that’s just right for you.
From the initial consultation to case resolution, we prioritize our clients’ needs and concerns, ensuring they feel supported throughout the legal process.
Contact us for your free consultation with our Virginia rideshare accident lawyers.
Challenges of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents have problems that make getting compensation and navigating legal claims much harder than in a standard car wreck.
These issues stem from the nature of ridesharing services and the legal and insurance structures they use.
- Figuring out who’s to blame: You may need a lawyer to figure out who caused a rideshare accident. We know how to hold the rideshare driver, another driver, the rideshare company, or a mix of these responsible.It’s complicated because rideshare drivers work for themselves but also for the rideshare company, and the company’s responsibility for what drivers do varies.
- Insurance confusion: Rideshare companies have insurance for their drivers, but the type of coverage changes based on what the driver was doing when the accident happened (like if they were looking for passengers or already had one).You need a lawyer to determine which insurance pays for what—the driver’s insurance, the company’s, or someone else’s.
- Different rules in different places: The rules for rideshare services change depending on where you are, which changes how accidents are handled.Some places have specific rules for rideshare companies and drivers, while others don’t, which affects compensation.
- Complicated legal battles: If you’re in a rideshare accident and want to sue, the process is really complex, especially if the accident involved several people or companies.It’s tough to deal with all the different types of insurance and prove who was at fault and what your injuries are worth in a legally new situation.
- Getting the correct information: Getting evidence for your case, like the rideshare trip details, the driver’s background, or messages between the driver and the rideshare company, is brutal.Rideshare companies might not want to share this information, saying it’s private to their business, making your case harder.
- Dealing with opinions: How people see ridesharing influences a court case, including what a jury thinks.Some people might think negatively about rideshare companies because of stories they’ve heard, while others might feel more for the drivers than the passengers.
- Figuring out injuries and costs: It’s hard to figure out how much money you should get for your injuries, lost pay, and pain and suffering, significantly if your injuries will affect you for a long time.
Addressing these challenges effectively requires concentrated legal knowledge, experience in rideshare law, and a strategic approach to litigation considering the nuanced aspects of rideshare operations, insurance, and liability.
Why do Uber & Lyft Accidents Aften Result in Severe Injuries?
When cars that weigh thousands of pounds crash into each other, the impact is massive, and this is true for all car accidents, including those involving Uber and Lyft.
There are a few reasons why accidents with these ridesharing services lead to particularly severe injuries:
Distracted driving. Uber and Lyft drivers often must use their phones to accept rides, meaning they’re more likely to be looking at their screens instead of the road. This distraction causes accidents where the driver doesn’t even have time to hit the brakes, leading to high-speed crashes.
Drunk driving. Uber and Lyft are popular options for people who’ve been drinking and want to avoid driving drunk, especially in nightlife-heavy areas.
Sadly, this means that Uber and Lyft cars are often on the road alongside drunk drivers, who are more likely to cause accidents due to high speed, ignoring traffic rules, and slower reaction times.
When a drunk driver hits an Uber or Lyft, the force of the crash causes serious injuries to everyone in the rideshare.
Pedestrian accidents. Rideshare vehicles often operate in busy areas with lots of pedestrians. Both drivers and pedestrians might be distracted by their phones, leading to accidents at pick-up spots, parking lots, or crosswalks.
These types of accidents are hazardous for pedestrians.
Unfamiliar areas. Uber and Lyft drivers rely on GPS to navigate, especially to unfamiliar areas. This leads to missed traffic signs or signals, increasing the risk of high-speed accidents.
Speeding. Since rideshare drivers make more money by doing more rides, some might speed to complete rides faster. Speeding increases the risk of severe accidents.
These distressing factors contribute to the severity of Uber and Lyft vehicle accidents.
What if an Uber or Lyft Driver Causes an Accident?
If an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident, you can hold both the driver and the company’s insurance company accountable.
Figuring out who you can hold responsible may require your lawyer to look at several details.
In Virginia, you can hold a company accountable for its workers’ mistakes if they happen while they are doing their jobs.
The problem is that Uber and Lyft say their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, to avoid being blamed for accidents.
These companies may still be found responsible if they didn’t do the necessary background checks on their drivers, as Virginia law requires.
Before someone can drive for Uber or Lyft, the companies must:
- Make sure the driver is 21 or older.
- Check that the driver has a valid driver’s license.
- Run a criminal background check on the driver every two years.
- Check if the driver is on the sex offender registry.
- Get and look at the driver’s driving record every year.
- Enforce a strict rule against drivers using drugs or alcohol while driving.
We’re well-versed in handling cases involving Uber and Lyft accidents in Virginia and are committed to ensuring they take responsibility for the harm caused by their drivers.
Insurance For Rideshare Vehicles in Virginia
If you’re in an Uber or Lyft accident in Virginia, whether as a driver or a passenger, a good amount of insurance coverage is available to help with your injuries.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of how insurance works in different rideshare situations:
If you’re an Uber or Lyft driver:
When the app is off:
- The insurance of the driver who caused the accident will cover damages.
- Your own car insurance may also kick in to cover additional costs.
- If you live with family, their insurance might cover you too.
- You might have access to Medpay (medical payments coverage) which helps with medical expenses regardless of who’s at fault.
With a passenger in your car:
- The insurance of the driver at fault applies first.
- Uber or Lyft adds $1 million in extra coverage if the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough.
- Your personal insurance and any from family you live with can also add more coverage.
- Medpay might be available for medical expenses.
If you’re hit by an Uber or Lyft driver (and not a passenger):
Driver is using the app but hasn’t accepted a ride:
- Uber or Lyft offer $50,000 in coverage.
- The driver’s personal insurance may also apply.
- Your insurance and any from family members can add coverage.
- Medpay might be available.
Driver is on a ride or going to pick up a passenger:
- $1 million in coverage from Uber or Lyft.
- The driver’s personal insurance may apply as well.
- Your own insurance and any from your family can add more protection.
- Medpay might be available for medical expenses.
This coverage ensures that you’re protected financially if you get hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, regardless of the circumstances.
Richard Armstrong, Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Virginia
Contact Allen & Allen for Your Virginia Rideshare Accident Claim
After a rideshare accident in Virginia, don’t navigate the complexities of the legal process alone. At Allen & Allen, our experienced team is ready to provide the support you need.
Our team of accident lawyers has a proven success record in Virginia rideshare accident claims. We provide personalized and compassionate representation, skilled negotiation, and courtroom experience.
Let us advocate for the compensation and justice you deserve after a car accident. Your path to recovery starts with a simple call. Call 866-388-1307 or fill out the contact form on our website.
Our Richmond office
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
1809 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA 23230