Many residents of Morgantown—including students at nearby West Virginia University—rely on ridesharing vehicles like Uber and Lyft to get around town. However, the large number of ridesharing vehicles on local roads increases the likelihood of crashes involving these vehicles.
Rideshare accidents in Morgantown can occur when rideshare drivers or third-party drivers are negligent. Drivers may exhibit negligence when they engage in road rage, distracted driving, or intoxicated driving—or when they violate other rules of the road. Victims of rideshare accidents can include passengers in the rideshare vehicle and drivers or passengers in other vehicles.
If you suffered injuries in a Morgantown rideshare accident, the legal team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, is prepared to fight for your rights, advocate for your interests, and maximize the compensation you recover for your losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Morgantown rideshare accident attorney, please call us at (304) 594-1800 or contact us online right away.
Why Choose Us?
Rideshare accidents in Morgantown may cause victims to suffer debilitating injuries, not to mention incur significant medical costs and lost income. At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on making a full recovery from your injuries. Our lawyers have successfully settled and litigated countless cases in West Virginia, and we are prepared to fight hard for your rights. We also limit our caseloads, enabling us to give you and your case the full attention they deserve.
You can view our most recent client testimonials and case results on this site.
Our office headquarters is conveniently located at 211 Everhart Drive, Suite 200, Morgantown, WV 26508.
How Much Is My Morgantown Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Morgantown, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. The amount you can receive depends on several factors, including the nature and extent of your injuries and how your accident occurred.
The specific compensation you might recover falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include tangible financial losses you’ve suffered as a direct result of your rideshare accident. These can include:
- Medical Expenses – These cover the cost of your medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you need.
- Property Damage—If your property was damaged in the accident, you may be compensated for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Lost Earnings – If your injuries keep you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you lost. If you suffered a permanent injury in the rideshare accident that requires you to switch jobs and accept a lower pay rate – or prevents you from working at all – you may be compensated for loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages cover losses that aren’t as easy to quantify but still significantly affect your life. These can include:
- Pain and Suffering – This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the rideshare accident.
- Emotional Distress – If the accident has caused you mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you may seek compensation for these emotional injuries.
- Loss of Life Enjoyment – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you once loved – including spending time with family and friends – you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
In some cases, if the rideshare company or driver acted particularly recklessly, you may also receive punitive damages, which punish the wrongdoer and hopefully deter others from similar behavior. The exact amount you can recover will depend on the specific details of your case, including the strength of the evidence.
Where Do Rideshare Accidents Frequently Happen in Morgantown?
In Morgantown, West Virginia, certain locations are more prone to rideshare accidents due to negligence. These accidents can occur because of various factors like heavy traffic, road conditions, and driver behavior. Here are some of the most common locations where rideshare accidents happen in Morgantown:
- Downtown Morgantown – The downtown area, especially around High Street, is a busy spot with heavy foot traffic, numerous businesses, frequent events, and rideshare vehicles. This can lead to congestion and distracted driving. Rideshare drivers may be more likely to make sudden stops or turns, increasing the risk of accidents.
- University Avenue – As a major route leading to West Virginia University, University Avenue sees a lot of traffic from students, staff, and visitors. The influx of rideshare drivers and pedestrians in this area, combined with parking issues and frequent changes in traffic patterns, can lead to negligent driving and accidents.
- Shopping Centers and Malls – Locations like the Morgantown Mall attract significant foot and vehicle traffic. Negligence in parking lots or busy access roads can lead to accidents, especially if rideshare drivers are rushing or not paying full attention.
Types of Rideshare Accidents in Morgantown
Several common types of rideshare accidents result from negligence. Here are some frequent accident types that result from negligent behavior:
- Rear-End Collisions – These accidents often occur when a rideshare driver fails to maintain a safe following distance and rear-ends another vehicle. Negligence in paying attention to traffic signals and signs can also lead to these crashes.
- Side-Impact Collisions – Also known as T-bone accidents, these happen when a rideshare driver runs a red light or stop sign and collides with another car in the intersection. Negligent behavior, such as speeding through a red light or failing to yield, can result in serious injuries from these side-impact crashes.
- Intersection Accidents – Intersections are high-risk areas where rideshare accidents frequently occur due to driver negligence. This can involve making unsafe turns, running red lights, or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic. Poor judgment and failure to follow traffic rules are common causes of these collisions.
- Lane Change Accidents – These crashes happen when a rideshare driver changes lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling properly. This kind of negligence can result in collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes or lead to sideswipe accidents.
- Parking Lot Accidents – Parking lots can be hazardous environments where negligent behavior, such as speeding or failing to observe pedestrian crossings, leads to accidents. Rideshare drivers may also be involved in fender benders or collisions while maneuvering tight spaces.
- Driving Under the Influence – Although less common, some rideshare accidents involve drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Negligence in not being sober while driving significantly increases the risk of causing a serious accident.
Common Injuries in Morgantown Rideshare Accidents
Victims of rideshare accidents can suffer from a range of injuries, varying in severity. The nature of these injuries often depends on the type of accident, the speed of the collision, and the safety features of the vehicles involved. Here are some of the most common injuries that victims of Morgantown rideshare accidents may suffer:
- Whiplash – A frequent injury in rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the accident victim’s head is suddenly jerked backwards and then forwards. This can strain the neck ligaments and muscles, often causing stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion.
- Concussions – Concussions result from a blow to the head or a violent jolt that causes the brain to move within the skull. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. These injuries can have lasting effects and often require careful medical monitoring.
- Fractures – Broken bones are common in serious rideshare accidents. Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, ribs, or spine, depending on the nature of the crash. These injuries often require immobilization with casts or surgery and can lead to long-term pain and disability.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – These include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and tears can result from the sudden forces experienced during a rideshare crash. These injuries can be painful and may require ongoing physical therapy for recovery.
- Back and Spine Injuries – Injuries to the back and spine can be severe, including herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and fractures. These injuries may result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Internal Injuries – Blunt force trauma in a rideshare collision can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are sometimes life-threatening and may require prompt medical intervention after an accident.
- Facial Injuries – These can include cuts, bruises, or fractures to the face due to impacts with airbags, steering wheels, or other parts of the vehicle. Facial injuries may require reconstructive surgery and can have long-lasting effects on appearance and function.
Each of these injuries requires appropriate medical treatment and, in many cases, long-term care and rehabilitation. The effects on a victim’s life can be significant, affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, and daily activities.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Morgantown Rideshare Accident Case
If you’ve been in a rideshare accident in Morgantown, Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can fight the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve. In a rideshare accident case, several insurance companies may be involved – including the rideshare driver’s personal insurer, the rideshare company’s insurer, or a negligent third-party driver’s insurer. Our role is to guide and support you through the complex process of dealing with insurance companies, which can often be challenging and frustrating.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Experience and Knowledge – We have significant experience handling rideshare accident cases and understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize their payouts. We can use our knowledge to effectively counter these tactics and advocate for your rights.
- Gathering Evidence – To build a strong case, we will gather essential evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. This evidence is crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and the liability of the rideshare driver or other parties involved.
- Negotiation – Insurers – especially for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft – frequently offer low settlements, hoping you’ll accept a quick, inadequate offer. We can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Filing Claims and Paperwork – We’ll handle the complex paperwork and ensure all necessary forms are filed correctly and on time. This helps prevent delays or issues that may affect your claim.
- Legal Representation – If necessary, we can represent you in court. Our goal is to fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to receive, ensuring that your case is presented effectively.
By working with us, you gain access to professional support that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your rideshare accident claim or lawsuit.
Steps to Take after Involvement in a Morgantown Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, taking the right steps can greatly affect your recovery and compensation. Here are the most important actions to take:
- Finish Your Medical Treatment – Ensure you complete all recommended medical treatments and follow-up visits. This is crucial not only for your health but also for thoroughly documenting your accident-related injuries.
- Retain Documentation – Collect and keep copies of all relevant documents. This includes the police report, which provides an official account of the accident, as well as your medical records and medical bills. These documents are essential for proving your injuries and the costs associated with them.
- Document Medical Expenses – Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, including hospital bills, medication costs, and any future medical needs. This will help calculate the total amount of compensation you may be entitled to recover.
- Speak with a Morgantown Rideshare Accident Attorney – At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we can advise on your rights and guide you through filing a claim or lawsuit.
Talk with a Knowledgeable Morgantown Rideshare Accident Attorney Right Away
If you recently sustained injuries in a Morgantown, West Virginia, rideshare accident, the knowledgeable attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can go over your available legal options with you, fight for your interests, and pursue the maximum monetary recovery you deserve for your rideshare-accident losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Morgantown personal injury lawyer, please call us at (304) 594-1800 or contact us online today.
Robinette Legal Group, PLLC – Morgantown Office Location
211 Everhart Dr Ste 200,
Morgantown, WV 26508,
United States
Contact Number – (304) 403-7504
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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