Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, a pedestrian struck by a rideshare driver, or another motorist involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle, you’re likely dealing with pain.
Medical bills, and questions about what happens next. The confusion gets worse when you realize that rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance companies and complex liability issues that don’t exist in regular car accidents.
At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, our Morgantown rideshare accident attorneys understand the unique challenges these cases present. We know how to navigate complicated insurance policies, determine which parties are responsible, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Our team has helped countless clients in Morgantown and throughout West Virginia recover from rideshare accidents, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Schedule a free case evaluation
Why Choose Robinette Legal Group?
Robinette Legal Group boasts decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases, including the intricate world of rideshare accident litigation.
Here’s why injured clients throughout Morgantown trust us with their most critical legal matters.
Experience in Rideshare Accident Cases
Our rideshare accident attorneys have handled cases involving all the major platforms, from Uber and Lyft to smaller regional services.
We’ve successfully represented passengers who suffered an injury when their rideshare driver caused an accident, pedestrians struck by rideshare vehicles, and other drivers hurt in collisions with rideshare cars. This broad experience means we can anticipate the arguments the insurance companies will make and prepare strong counterarguments that support your claim.
Resources to Fight Large Corporations
Rideshare companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize their liability from the moment an accident happens. They’ll try to shift blame to other drivers, argue that their driver wasn’t working at the time of the crash, or claim that you were partially responsible for your own injuries. At Robinette Legal Group, we have the resources to conduct our thorough investigation, work with accident reconstruction experts, and gather the evidence needed to build a compelling case.
We partner with medical professionals who can document the full extent of your injuries, economists who can calculate your future lost earnings, and other experts who help us present the strongest possible case. Our firm invests in the tools and technology needed to compete with well-funded corporate legal teams, ensuring your case gets the attention and resources it deserves.
Personalized Legal Strategies
No two rideshare accidents are exactly alike, so we take the time to understand the specific circumstances of your case. Were you a passenger who suffered an injury when your driver ran a red light? Were you walking across the street when a rideshare vehicle failed to yield? Were you driving your own car when a rideshare driver caused a collision?
Each scenario requires a different legal approach, and we tailor our strategy to fit your unique situation.
Convenient Morgantown Locations
We understand that dealing with injuries and legal matters can be overwhelming, especially when trying to recover from an accident.
That’s why we’ve made it easy for Morgantown residents to reach us. Our offices are conveniently located at 211 Everhart Dr, Ste 200, just off Monongahela Boulevard near the Morgantown Mall, and at 256 High St., Ste 100, right in the heart of downtown Morgantown, near the WVU campus.
Rideshare Accident Compensation
When you suffered an injury in a rideshare accident, you may recover compensation for a wide range of damages. The amount you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, how the accident happened, and which insurance policies apply to your case.
Understanding Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Periods
- Content Idea: Briefly explain the three periods:
- Period 1: App on, awaiting a ride request. (Lower liability coverage from the rideshare company).
- Period 2: Ride request accepted, driving to pick up a passenger. (Full $1 million+ liability coverage is active).
- Period 3: Passenger is in the vehicle. (Full $1 million+ liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is active).
- If the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance is the primary source of coverage.
Understanding what types of compensation are available can help make informed decisions about your case.
Medical expenses are typically the most obvious type of damage in a rideshare accident case. It includes not just your immediate emergency room bills but also ongoing treatment like physical therapy, surgery, prescription medications, and any future medical care you’ll need because of your injuries.
Many rideshare accident victims don’t realize they can also recover compensation for medical expenses they’ll incur in the future, so it’s vital to work with rideshare accident lawyers who understand how to calculate these costs properly.
Lost income is another major component of most rideshare accident cases. If you’ve had to miss work because of your injuries, you can seek compensation for the lost income.
More importantly, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your earning capacity in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for that lost earning potential.
Pain and suffering damages recognize that accidents cause more than just financial harm. Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages can significantly affect your quality of life. While these damages are harder to calculate than medical bills or lost income, they’re often the largest component of a rideshare accident settlement.
Where Do Rideshare Accidents Occur in Morgantown?
Morgantown’s unique geography and traffic patterns create specific areas where rideshare accidents are more likely to occur. Understanding these high-risk locations can help explain why your accident happened and may be important for proving liability in your case.
The area around West Virginia University sees heavy rideshare traffic, especially on weekends and during special events. High Street, University Avenue, and the surrounding streets experience significant congestion as students and visitors use rideshare services to get to and from campus. The combination of pedestrian traffic, inexperienced drivers, and vehicles picking up or dropping off passengers creates conditions where accidents can easily happen.
Interstate 68 and Interstate 79, which intersect near Morgantown, also see their share of rideshare accidents. Drivers using these highways to travel between cities may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, and the high speeds involved can make accidents particularly severe. The on-ramps and off-ramps near the Morgantown exits are especially dangerous, as rideshare drivers may make sudden lane changes or stops while trying to navigate to their pickup or drop-off locations.
Downtown Morgantown, particularly around the courthouse and government buildings, experiences rideshare accidents when drivers are trying to navigate the older street layout while dealing with passenger pickup requests. This area’s narrow streets and limited parking can create hazardous conditions, especially when rideshare drivers stop suddenly or park in unsafe locations.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can take many different forms, each presenting unique legal challenges. Understanding the type of accident you were involved in helps determine liability and influences the legal strategy we’ll use in your case.
Rear-end collisions are common in rideshare accidents, often occurring when drivers are suddenly distracted by their app notifications or are unfamiliar with the area and brake. These accidents can cause serious neck and back injuries, even at relatively low speeds.
Side-impact crashes frequently happen when rideshare drivers make sudden turns or lane changes while trying to reach their passengers. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear.
Pedestrian accidents involving rideshare vehicles often occur when drivers are focused on their phone screens instead of watching for people crossing the street. The areas around popular pickup locations like bars, restaurants, and shopping centers see higher rates of these accidents.
Multi-vehicle accidents can happen when a rideshare driver’s mistake causes a chain reaction involving several cars. These cases become complex quickly because multiple insurance companies and potentially multiple at-fault parties may be involved.
Accidents during pickup or drop-off present unique challenges because passengers may be injured while getting into or out of the vehicle, or other vehicles may strike passengers standing near the rideshare car.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, injuries suffered in rideshare accidents can range from minor to life-threatening. Understanding the types of injuries commonly seen in these accidents helps explain why proper medical treatment and legal representation are so important.
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are among the most common rideshare accident injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions. While these injuries might seem minor at first, they can cause chronic pain and mobility issues that affect your daily life for months or years.
Back and spinal cord injuries can occur in any type of rideshare accident but are especially common in side-impact crashes. These injuries can range from herniated discs that cause ongoing pain to complete spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis.
Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are serious complications that can occur even in seemingly minor accidents. A blow to the head or sudden jerking motion can cause brain injuries that affect cognitive function, memory, and personality.
Broken bones and fractures often occur when passengers are thrown around during an accident or when pedestrians are struck by rideshare vehicles. These injuries typically require immediate medical attention and may need surgery to heal properly.
Internal injuries can be life-threatening but may not be immediately apparent after an accident. Damage to internal organs can develop slowly, which is why it’s important to seek medical attention even if you feel fine immediately after a rideshare accident.
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Fighting the Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident is complex. Rideshare companies provide varying levels of coverage depending on whether the driver was working at the time of the accident. They often try to minimize financial exposure by arguing that the driver wasn’t working or their insurance doesn’t apply.
Insurance adjusters may claim you’re partially at fault, your injuries aren’t serious, or your medical treatment was unnecessary. They might pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t fully compensate you. Our rideshare accident attorneys know how to counter these tactics.
We gather evidence to prove the driver’s status, document your injuries, and build a case for full compensation. We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovering.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve suffered an injury in a rideshare accident, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights. Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor injuries, as some may worsen over time. Keep detailed records of medical bills, missed work, and expenses related to your injuries. Take photos of your injuries and keep a journal describing your pain levels and daily activities. Preserve evidence from the accident scene, including photos, screenshots of the rideshare app, and witness contact information.
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without an attorney. Contact our Morgantown rideshare accident attorneys as soon as possible to protect your interests and begin investigating your case. West Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations, but evidence can disappear quickly, so act fast.
How Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help You
When you choose Robinette Legal Group for your rideshare accident case, you’ll get a team of advocates fighting for your rights. Our rideshare accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, examining the accident scene, reviewing police reports, and gathering evidence. We’ll also obtain records from the rideshare company to determine the driver’s status and identify available insurance coverage.
We’ll work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries and their impacts on your life.
Our experienced attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies, using their knowledge of rideshare insurance policies to counter their tactics and reach a fair settlement. If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
We’ll comprehensively calculate your damages, considering not just medical bills and lost income but also future medical needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our goal is to fully compensate you for your injuries and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Questions and Answers About Rideshare Accidents in Morgantown
What if the rideshare driver who hit me did not have their app on?
If the rideshare driver’s app was off at the time of the crash, the accident is treated like any other car accident. You would file a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
The rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy only becomes a factor when the driver is logged into the app and available to accept rides.
Our attorneys can investigate the driver’s status at the time of the accident to identify all sources of potential coverage.
Do I file a lawsuit against the rideshare driver or against a company like Uber or Lyft?
The answer depends on the specifics of your case. Initially, the claim is directed at the at-fault driver. However, because that driver acts as a contractor for the rideshare company, the company’s substantial insurance policy often comes into play.
In many situations, we pursue compensation from both the driver’s applicable insurance and the rideshare company’s policy. We determine the correct legal strategy after analyzing the facts of your accident.
The insurance company offered me a settlement right away. Should I accept it?
You should never accept an initial settlement offer without first consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often make quick, low offers to resolve claims for less than their full value. They count on you not knowing the true cost of your future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Accepting an early offer requires you to sign away your right to any future compensation for the accident, even if your injuries prove more severe than you first realized.
How much does it cost to hire a rideshare accident attorney from your firm?
We handle all rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or hourly rates.
Our fee is a percentage of the total compensation we recover for you. If we do not secure a financial recovery in your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services. This arrangement allows you to access dedicated legal representation without any financial risk.
Call a Morgantown, WV Rideshare Accident Attorney at Robinette Legal Group Today
Jeff Robinette, Morgantown Rideshare Accident Lawyer
After you suffer an injury in a rideshare accident in Morgantown or elsewhere in West Virginia, don’t wait to get legal help. Insurance companies are working to minimize liability, and evidence can disappear quickly.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win. Call our Morgantown personal injury lawyer at (304) 594-1800 for your free consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free case evaluation
Robinette Legal Group, PLLC – Morgantown Office Location
211 Everhart Dr Ste 200,
Morgantown, WV 26508
Ph: 304-509-3444
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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