Norfolk Uber Accident Lawyer

Uber has undeniably revolutionized the way we travel. Yet, with increased rideshare use, accidents involving Uber vehicles have also risen, resulting in injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma.

But remember, you are entitled to compensation for your losses, and as your attorney, I’m here to facilitate that process. I’m Ed Atkinson, and I bring my extensive experience and knowledge to the table to help get the best outcome for my clients. 

As a Norfolk rideshare accident lawyer, I aim to empower you to fight for justice by helping you make informed decisions about your case. So call me today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Uber Insurance for Rideshare Drivers

One of the most complicated aspects of an Uber accident case is clarifying the insurance coverage. This is closely tied to the company’s digital platform and depends on whether their app is active or turned off.

The rideshare company extends auto insurance for drivers when they are online. However, if the driver is offline, their personal auto insurance applies.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage in the Event of an Accident Is As Follows:

The legal strategy for financial recovery and how much you receive largely depend on which of the above scenarios apply to your case. As your Norfolk personal injury lawyer, I will present evidence of liability to the insurance adjusters to ensure they have a clear picture of your losses and who is responsible. 

If the driver was offline, you could receive damages up to the policy limits of their personal auto insurance. However, if the accident occurred while the app was on, you could claim damages up to the auto insurance policy limits maintained by Uber.

Types of Damages You Could Claim After an Uber Accident in Norfolk

Being involved in a rideshare accident can lead to substantial and unexpected expenses. During a time when you should focus on your physical and emotional recovery, you likely feel weighed down by medical bills and covering the cost of property damage.

In addition to your immediate expenses, you might also face long-term financial repercussions. For example, you might require ongoing care if you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As your Norfolk auto accident attorney, I will calculate your accident-related expenses and estimate your future losses.

Victims can usually recover compensatory damages, which aim to “reimburse” their accident-related losses. These are called economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Tangible losses, such as medical bills for accident injuries, fall under economic damages. These are generally easy to quantify and prove with the help of supporting documents. Make sure to save all your receipts and hand these over to your Uber accident lawyer in Norfolk.

Economic damages cover:

• Medical costs
• Cost of future medical care
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earnings
• Property damage

Collect property damage estimates or repair invoices for damaged vehicles or personal belongings. For example, if your phone was damaged beyond repair in the Uber crash, retaining documentation, such as receipts, can help substantiate your personal injury claim for economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to the financial burdens, a car accident can result in intangible losses that profoundly impact your life. For example, mental and emotional struggles can affect relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.

While non-economic damages significantly impact your life, they can be difficult to quantify since they do not have a specific monetary value attached to them. However, a Norfolk auto accident attorney will help you show the full extent of your losses.

Depending on Your Case, You Could Qualify for the Following Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

Proving non-economic damages requires a thorough and detailed approach. Therefore, I will gather relevant evidence, including medical records, expert opinions, and testimony from healthcare professionals, to establish the extent of the accident’s impact on your life and well-being.

Punitive Damages

This is an additional form of compensation that may be awarded in certain personal injury cases. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to “reimburse” the victim for their actual losses, punitive damages serve a different purpose.

These are intended to punish the at-fault party for their reckless or intentional conduct and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. In Virginia, punitive damages are only awarded when the defendant’s actions demonstrate a willful and wanton disregard for the rights and safety of others.

Only a few cases meet the required criteria to qualify for punitive damages. For example, according to Virginia Code § 8.01-44.5, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver knew or should have known that their ability to operate a vehicle was impaired by drinking or drugs and then drove anyway.

File a Lawsuit within Virginia’s Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations sets a specific time frame for filing a lawsuit against the liable party. If you fail to meet the deadline, you may be barred from pursuing legal action. In Virginia, the limit for most personal injury cases, including car crashes, is two years from the date of the accident.

It is important to mention that certain circumstances may affect the statute of limitations, such as cases involving minors or situations where a government entity caused the injury.

To ensure compliance with the applicable statute of limitations and protect your rights, consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Norfolk, VA.

Increase Your Chances of Winning a Large Uber Accident Award or Settlement in Norfolk

The steps you take immediately after the rideshare crash will impact your chances of recovering compensation. Your priority should always be your safety and well-being. Once you are out of harm’s way, focus on the following:

• Call the police
• Get the contact details of everyone involved in the crash and witnesses
• Report the crash to the insurance companies and Uber
• Seek medical care
• Take photos and videos documenting your injuries and damages at the accident scene
• Contact an Uber accident lawyer

During my legal career, I have established a proven record of achieving favorable case results for my clients. I’ve helped many injured victims in Virginia receive the financial resources they needed to move forward.

I understand the importance of obtaining the funds to cover medical expenses, rehabilitative treatments, and other damages incurred due to an accident. Therefore, I will fight to secure the maximum compensation through skilled negotiation or litigation.

A Norfolk Uber Accident Attorney Who Protects Your Rights

When you hire Atkinson Law, you will directly communicate with me, an accomplished personal injury lawyer and a dedicated business owner. As your Norfolk Uber accident attorney, I personally talk to all my clients and return every call and email.

This direct line of communication enables me to manage your case effectively and fosters a relationship of trust and understanding. All it takes to start our collaboration is a phone call or a visit to my law office. Contact me today to review your legal options.