When Rideshare Convenience Turns to Crisis
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, a Richmond Uber accident attorney can help you steer the complex legal landscape and secure compensation. Here’s what you need to know:
- Free Consultation: Most Richmond attorneys offer no-cost case evaluations
- Contingency Fees: You pay nothing unless you win your case
- Insurance Coverage: Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage when the app is active
- Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years to file a claim in Virginia
- Contributory Negligence: Virginia’s strict rule bars recovery if you’re even 1% at fault
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Richmond, offering convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional taxis. However, with this convenience comes risk. During 2019, Richmond experienced 584 crashes resulting in 779 injuries and 10 fatalities.
When an Uber or Lyft accident occurs, victims face unique challenges. Unlike regular car accidents, rideshare crashes involve complex insurance scenarios that change based on the driver’s app status. Was the driver waiting for a request? En route to pick up a passenger? Or actively transporting someone? Each scenario triggers different coverage levels.
“Studies show that personal injury victims who hire lawyers recover about 40% more than people who handle these claims on their own.”
Virginia’s contributory negligence law adds another layer of complexity. If you’re found even 1% at fault, you could be barred from any recovery. This makes professional legal representation critical in protecting your rights.
What makes Uber accidents different?
- Multiple potential liable parties (driver, Uber, third parties)
- Tiered insurance coverage based on driver status
- Corporate entities like Raiser LLC (Uber’s holding company)
- Unique evidence sources including app data and GPS records
After an Uber accident, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial—even if injuries seem minor. Whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal damage may not be immediately apparent but can have lasting effects.
Don’t face the insurance companies alone. An experienced Richmond Uber accident attorney can steer the complex claims process, identify all liable parties, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
What To Do Immediately After an Uber Accident in Richmond
Those first moments after an Uber crash can feel like a blur, but what you do right now matters more than you might realize. Your health—and your potential compensation—depend on taking the right steps.
First things first: check for injuries. Take a breath and assess yourself and others involved. If someone needs immediate help and you can safely provide basic first aid, do so—but don’t move anyone with potential neck or back injuries unless they’re in immediate danger.
Call 911 right away. Here in Richmond, having an official police report isn’t just helpful—it’s essential documentation that can make or break your case later on. While waiting for first responders, start gathering evidence.
Your phone camera is your best friend at this moment. Take plenty of photos of everything—vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident location, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. These images tell a story that words alone can’t convey.
“Always photograph driver licenses, not just insurance cards. This ensures you have accurate identification information.”
Look around for people who saw what happened. Witnesses can be invaluable to your case, especially with Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rules. Get their names and phone numbers, and if they’re willing, ask them to briefly explain what they saw. These neutral accounts can help establish that you weren’t at fault.
Even if you feel “just a little sore,” get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many serious injuries—especially whiplash and traumatic brain injuries—don’t show symptoms immediately. Plus, this medical documentation creates an official record connecting your injuries to the accident.
Don’t forget to report the accident through the Uber app using the “Trip Issues” feature. This creates an official record with Uber and starts the claims process. If you’re a passenger, take screenshots of your trip details before closing the app.
Be thoughtful about what you say at the scene. Avoid apologizing or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when talking with police. In Virginia, being found even 1% at fault could bar you from recovery.
Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, contact a Richmond Uber accident attorney who understands the unique complexities of rideshare accidents. Most offer free consultations, and you’ll want expert guidance before giving recorded statements.
Handover Checklist for Victims
If you were a passenger or another driver involved in an Uber accident, safety comes first. Move to a protected spot if possible, turn on hazard lights, and use reflective triangles if available.
Make sure you gather complete information from the Uber driver, including their full name, contact details, license plate number, insurance information, and Uber driver ID. Taking a photo of their profile in the app can be helpful too.
Ask the responding officer for the crash report number and instructions on how to obtain a copy. This report will be crucial evidence for your claim.
If you were a passenger, document your rider status by taking screenshots of your trip information in the app, including driver details, route information, and receipt. This helps establish the insurance coverage that should apply to your situation.
Handover Checklist for Uber Drivers
For Uber drivers involved in accidents, your app status at the time of the crash determines which insurance coverage applies, so document your driver status immediately. Take screenshots showing whether you were offline, online waiting for a ride request, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger.
Preserve all app screenshots showing your current trip details, passenger information, and the navigation route you were following. This digital evidence can disappear quickly if not captured.
Be sure to contact Uber support through the app’s “Help” section under “Trip Issues and Adjustments.” Follow their reporting protocol completely.
Review your personal insurance policy to determine if you have a rideshare endorsement. Many personal policies exclude coverage during commercial activities unless you’ve purchased this specific addition.
Document any injuries, even minor symptoms. The adrenaline from an accident can mask pain, so get checked out even if you feel “fine.” Your health—and your Vehicle Accidents claim—depend on proper medical documentation.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we’ve guided countless Richmond rideshare accident victims through these critical first steps. The evidence gathered in those initial hours often proves decisive in determining liability and securing the compensation you deserve.
Liability & Virginia’s Strict Contributory Negligence Rule
Understanding liability in Uber accidents is crucial, especially in Virginia where the law shows little mercy to accident victims who share even the tiniest portion of blame.
Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule is like walking a tightrope without a safety net. If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you can be completely barred from recovering any compensation. This makes establishing clear liability not just important, but essential for your Richmond Uber accident attorney to build a successful case.
Potential Liable Parties in Uber Accidents
When an Uber accident occurs, responsibility may fall on several shoulders:
Your Uber driver might be liable if they were texting while driving, speeding through Richmond streets, or perhaps had one too many before getting behind the wheel.
Other drivers on the road could bear responsibility if they ran a red light or made an unsafe lane change that caused the collision.
Even Uber Technologies Inc. or Raiser LLC (Uber’s holding company) might be liable in certain situations – perhaps they failed to properly screen a driver with a history of accidents or allowed a driver to continue working after receiving multiple complaints.
In some cases, Richmond municipal entities might share blame for poorly maintained roads or malfunctioning traffic signals. And don’t forget vehicle manufacturers – a defective steering system or faulty brakes could put them on the hook too.
“In 68% of Richmond crashes, people complained of pain and injury; visible injuries occurred in 22% of crashes, and severe injuries in 8%.”
Insurance companies aren’t in the business of generous payouts. They often employ shared liability defense strategies, looking for ways to assign partial blame to victims. They know that under Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, even 1% fault can be the difference between fair compensation and nothing at all.
Proving Zero Fault as a Passenger
As a passenger, you’re rarely considered at fault, but that doesn’t stop insurance companies from trying. They might claim you distracted the driver or somehow contributed to the crash. To protect yourself:
Secure statements from eyewitnesses who can confirm you were just along for the ride, not interfering with the driver. GPS and app data can establish the vehicle’s speed and route, potentially showing the driver was at fault. If you noticed your driver texting or being distracted, make sure this is documented in your statement to police.
Don’t forget to check for traffic or security cameras that might have captured the accident – this kind of video evidence can be worth its weight in gold when fighting contributory negligence claims.
Proving Zero Fault as a Driver
If you were driving your own vehicle and were hit by an Uber driver, or if you’re an Uber driver who was hit by someone else, proving you bear zero responsibility becomes your top priority:
A dash-cam could be your best friend in these situations – video evidence speaks volumes and can clearly establish who caused the accident. Keep detailed maintenance logs to counter any claims that your vehicle wasn’t roadworthy.
Always follow traffic laws to the letter – proper signaling, appropriate speed, and complete stops at intersections help establish you were driving responsibly. If you had passengers, their accounts can support your version of events and help establish you weren’t at fault.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we understand the harsh realities of Virginia’s contributory negligence law and how it applies to rideshare accidents. Our team carefully investigates each case, building strong liability arguments that protect our clients from unfair blame-shifting tactics that could cost them everything. We’ve helped countless Richmond residents steer these treacherous legal waters, and we’re ready to help you too.
Insurance Coverage Tiers Every Rider & Driver Must Know
Understanding who pays for what after an Uber accident can feel like solving a puzzle. The coverage available depends entirely on what the driver was doing when the crash happened – and this makes a huge difference in your case.
The Three-Tier Insurance System
When you’re in an Uber accident, the available insurance depends on which “tier” the driver was in at the time of the crash.
If the driver’s app was completely off, only their personal auto insurance applies. In Virginia, this typically means minimum coverage of $30,000 per person for injuries, $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. As a Richmond Uber accident attorney will tell you, this creates a serious problem: many personal policies specifically exclude commercial driving activities, potentially leaving victims with limited options for recovery.
When a driver has the app on but is waiting for a ride request, Uber provides some backup coverage, but it’s much more limited than you might expect. This second tier includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The driver’s personal insurance may step in first if they purchased a special rideshare endorsement.
The best coverage kicks in when the driver has accepted a trip and is either picking up or actively transporting a passenger. This third tier is where Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage – a significantly higher amount that can make all the difference in serious injury cases.
When Uber’s $1 Million Policy Applies – Richmond Uber accident attorney insight
That million-dollar policy sounds great, but it only applies in specific situations. The good news for passengers is that you’re covered by this policy during your entire trip – from the moment your driver accepts your ride request until you’re dropped off at your destination.
“Virginia law requires rideshare companies to provide $1 million in liability coverage from the moment a driver picks up a passenger until drop-off.”
This commercial coverage offers several important benefits. The higher limits mean there’s more money available to pay for serious injuries than with most personal policies. It also provides coverage for multiple victims up to the policy limits, which is crucial in accidents with several injured people. Perhaps most importantly, it includes uninsured motorist protection, which covers you if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
But here’s the catch – accessing this coverage isn’t always straightforward. Uber’s insurance company may argue about whether the driver was truly “on trip” or challenge how badly you’re injured. This is where having a knowledgeable Richmond Uber accident attorney by your side makes all the difference.
When Only Personal Insurance Applies – Richmond Uber accident attorney insight
If the Uber driver’s app was turned off when the accident happened, you’ll likely be dealing exclusively with their personal auto insurance. This creates several challenges that victims need to be aware of.
First, there’s a significant risk of coverage denial. Many personal auto policies contain exclusions for commercial activities, meaning the driver’s insurance might refuse to cover the accident entirely if they find the vehicle was being used for ridesharing.
Some proactive drivers purchase optional rideshare endorsements specifically to cover the gaps when they’re logged into the app but not actively transporting passengers. However, many drivers don’t have this additional coverage, creating potential insurance gaps that leave victims struggling to get fair compensation for serious injuries.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we’ve helped numerous clients steer these complex insurance scenarios. We know how to identify all potential sources of coverage and fight for maximum compensation regardless of which insurance tier applies to your accident. The tiered insurance system can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Common Injuries & Damages After a Rideshare Crash
When the unexpected happens during an Uber ride, the physical and emotional aftermath can be overwhelming. Rideshare accidents often leave passengers and drivers dealing with injuries that range from mild discomfort to life-altering trauma.
Common Physical Injuries
The impact of a collision can send shockwaves through your body in ways you might not immediately recognize. Whiplash and neck injuries are particularly common, especially in rear-end collisions. That sudden jolt can stretch neck tissues beyond their normal range, leading to pain that might worsen over days.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) present another serious concern. Even what seems like a minor bump to the head can disrupt brain function, with effects that might not be immediately apparent. From mild concussions to severe trauma, these injuries can affect your thinking, memory, and emotional regulation.
Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most devastating outcomes of rideshare accidents. Damage to this vital pathway can result in partial or complete paralysis, forever changing how someone moves through the world.
“The most common types of injuries in Uber accidents include whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and psychological trauma.”
Fractures and broken bones frequently occur during collisions, particularly affecting limbs, ribs, and facial bones. While some breaks heal cleanly, others may require surgical intervention and lead to chronic pain or mobility issues.
Soft tissue injuries – damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons – might not show up on X-rays, but the pain they cause is very real. These injuries can be frustratingly slow to heal and may lead to chronic discomfort.
Perhaps most concerning are internal injuries that may not be immediately obvious. Bleeding or damage to organs can develop hours or days after an accident, which is why medical evaluation is crucial even if you feel “fine” initially.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
The toll of an accident extends beyond physical wounds. Many of our clients at Burnett & Williams have experienced significant psychological impacts that deserve just as much attention as broken bones.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a frightening accident, bringing unwelcome flashbacks, heightened anxiety, and even panic attacks when faced with similar situations – like getting into another car. This isn’t just being “nervous” – it’s a recognized medical condition that can require professional treatment.
Depression often emerges as victims adjust to pain, limited mobility, or changes in their ability to enjoy favorite activities. The isolation that can come with recovery may deepen these feelings.
Sleep disturbances, from insomnia to nightmares, commonly follow traumatic events. When you can’t rest properly, every aspect of recovery becomes more challenging.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages Breakdown
When we help Richmond Uber accident attorney clients understand their case, we explain that compensation falls into two main categories:
Economic damages represent the actual financial losses you’ve experienced or will face in the future. These include obvious costs like emergency room bills and hospital stays, but also extend to ongoing expenses like physical therapy sessions, prescription medications, and follow-up appointments.
If you’ve missed work during recovery, those lost wages count too. For those with more serious injuries, reduced earning capacity – the difference between what you could have earned before the accident and what you can earn now – becomes a significant factor.
Property damage, transportation costs to medical appointments, and home modifications for accessibility all contribute to the economic impact of your accident.
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate but equally important. How do you put a price tag on pain? Or the inability to hold your child? Or the depression that comes from losing activities you once loved?
These quality-of-life impacts – pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, strain on relationships – deserve recognition and compensation. Permanent disfigurement, scarring, and loss of independence also fall into this category.
In the most tragic cases involving wrongful death, families may seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the irreplaceable loss of companionship.
Estimating Future Costs With Experts
For serious injuries, understanding future needs is crucial. One of our clients initially dismissed their neck pain as minor after an Uber accident in Richmond. Days later, imaging revealed a herniated disc requiring surgery. Because we insisted on thorough medical evaluation before settling, we secured compensation that covered not just current bills but future treatment needs as well.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we bring in specialized experts to help build comprehensive claims:
Life-care planners project the lifetime cost of medical care, assistive devices, and support services you may need. Vocational economists calculate exactly how your injuries might impact your earning potential over your career. Medical specialists provide critical testimony about your long-term prognosis and treatment requirements.
Insurance companies often press for quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Having a Richmond Uber accident attorney on your side ensures that your immediate and long-term needs are accounted for in any settlement discussion.
Protecting—and Maximizing—Your Claim
After an Uber accident, the steps you take can make or break your compensation claim. As your Richmond Uber accident attorney, we’ve seen how small decisions in the days and weeks following a crash can dramatically impact outcomes.
Evidence Preservation
Building a strong case starts with preserving evidence. Keep every medical record—from emergency room visits to follow-up appointments. These documents tell the story of your injuries and recovery journey.
Missing appointments or ignoring doctor recommendations can seriously undermine your claim. Insurance companies love to point to treatment gaps as “proof” your injuries weren’t serious.
Many of our clients find keeping a daily symptom diary invaluable. Jot down your pain levels, limitations, and how injuries affect everyday activities like sleeping, working, or playing with your children. These personal accounts often provide compelling evidence of how the accident changed your life.
Don’t forget to save all communications related to your accident—texts, emails, and especially notifications from the Uber app. And if your personal property was damaged, resist the urge to repair it immediately. Those damaged items may contain crucial evidence about how the accident occurred.
“You should never give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer until you speak first with an experienced car accident attorney.”
Filing a Claim & Lawsuit Sequence
The path from accident to compensation follows a fairly predictable sequence. First comes prompt notification to all relevant insurance companies—though we recommend keeping these initial reports brief until you have legal representation.
Next, you’ll need comprehensive medical assessment to document all injuries. Only then can your attorney prepare a detailed demand letter outlining your damages and requesting appropriate compensation.
Most cases involve a negotiation phase where your attorney and insurance representatives discuss settlement terms. If these talks don’t yield a fair offer, we’ll file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Once litigation begins, both sides exchange information through the findy process and take depositions. Many cases reach resolution through mediation or settlement conferences before trial. If not, we’ll thoroughly prepare your case for court presentation to a judge or jury.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we guide our clients through each step of this Case Process, ensuring you’re informed and involved in all key decisions.
Negotiation Traps to Avoid
Insurance companies employ trained adjusters whose job is to minimize payouts. They’re skilled at using seemingly innocent conversations against you. Be particularly wary of:
Quick settlement offers that come before you fully understand your injuries. We recently helped a client who initially received a $5,000 offer while handling her own claim. After we got involved and properly documented her herniated disc requiring surgery, we secured over $150,000—enough to cover her medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages.
Blanket medical authorizations give insurers access to your entire medical history, which they may use to argue your injuries existed before the accident. Always have legal counsel review any documents before signing.
Recorded statements without preparation can be dangerous. Adjusters ask carefully crafted questions designed to elicit responses that undermine your claim. Never give recorded statements without attorney guidance.
Social media posts can seriously damage your case. Insurance investigators routinely monitor victims’ accounts looking for photos or comments that contradict injury claims. Consider taking a social media break while your claim is pending.
Virginia’s Strict Deadlines
Virginia’s statute of limitations gives you just two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to pursue compensation—period.
This deadline is especially important with Transportation Network Companies like Uber, where determining liability can be complex and time-consuming. Starting the legal process early gives your attorney time to thoroughly investigate and build your case.
When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes your accident, additional steps are necessary to protect your rights. Your Richmond Uber accident attorney can help identify all possible coverage sources, including Uber’s $1 million policy when applicable.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses motivated to protect their bottom line. Having experienced legal representation ensures someone is fighting just as hard to protect yours.
Working With a Richmond Uber accident attorney
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident, having the right legal partner can make all the difference. The complex nature of these cases demands specialized knowledge and experience that not all attorneys possess.
Benefits of Professional Representation
After an Uber accident, you deserve an advocate who understands the unique challenges you’re facing. At Burnett & Williams PC, we’ve helped countless Richmond residents steer these complicated cases.
Did you know that accident victims who hire attorneys typically recover about 40% more compensation than those who handle claims on their own? This isn’t surprising when you consider the resources a dedicated Richmond Uber accident attorney brings to your case.
Our team conducts thorough investigations that go far beyond what most individuals can do themselves. We gather critical evidence like accident reconstruction analysis, witness statements, and electronic data from the Uber app. We even work to secure traffic camera footage that might otherwise be unavailable to you.
“The difference between a good settlement and a great one often comes down to the evidence your attorney can gather and the experts they can bring to your case.”
Perhaps most importantly, we maintain relationships with medical specialists, economists, and life-care planners who can provide expert testimony about how your injuries will affect your life long-term. These professional connections help us build stronger cases that insurance companies take seriously.
When insurers see that you have experienced representation behind you, their approach changes. They know we understand the true value of your claim and won’t settle for less than you deserve.
Cost & Fee Structure Explained
Money worries shouldn’t keep you from getting the legal help you need. That’s why we’ve created a fee structure designed to make quality representation accessible to everyone.
First, we offer free initial consultations where we’ll discuss your case and answer your questions with no obligation. This gives you a chance to understand your options before making any decisions.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you receive compensation. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery that we’ll agree upon upfront – no surprises. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
We also advance all the expenses needed to build your case. From expert witness fees to court filing costs and medical record retrieval, we cover these upfront so you don’t have to worry about them during your recovery.
Before you sign anything, we’ll clearly explain our fee structure in plain language. We believe in transparent billing with no hidden charges or unexpected costs.
Do Most Cases Settle or Go to Trial?
While every Uber accident case is unique, the reality is that most claims are resolved through settlement rather than trial. Settlements offer faster resolution, guaranteed compensation, and typically less stress for everyone involved.
However, there’s an interesting dynamic at play: cases that are thoroughly prepared for trial often result in better settlements. Insurance companies pay attention when they see a legal team investing in expert witnesses, detailed accident reconstruction, and comprehensive medical documentation.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, even while actively pursuing settlement options. This approach has consistently yielded better results for our clients.
One Richmond client came to us after suffering serious injuries when her Uber driver ran a red light. Initially, the insurance company flat-out denied liability, trying to blame another vehicle. Our investigation, which included obtaining traffic camera footage and expert testimony, proved the Uber driver’s negligence beyond doubt. Faced with our compelling evidence, the insurance company agreed to a settlement that fully covered our client’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Whether your case ultimately settles or goes to court, having a Richmond Uber accident attorney who’s prepared for either outcome puts you in the strongest possible position. At Burnett & Williams PC, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond Uber Crashes
What is the statute of limitations for an Uber accident in Virginia?
In Virginia, the clock starts ticking immediately after your accident. You have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a legal boundary that, when crossed, typically means losing your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
While there are a few rare exceptions that might extend this timeline (such as cases involving minors or injuries finded later), Virginia courts interpret these exceptions very narrowly. I’ve seen too many people wait until it’s too late, thinking they had more time.
The wisest approach is to connect with a Richmond Uber accident attorney as soon as you’re able after your accident. This gives us time to properly investigate, gather evidence, and build your strongest possible case.
“Missing Virginia’s two-year filing deadline isn’t just a minor setback—it often means permanently losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case might have been.”
What evidence should I collect at the scene?
The moments immediately following an accident are precious for evidence collection. If you’re physically able, try to document everything you can.
Start by capturing the scene visually—take photos of all vehicles from multiple angles, focusing on damage areas, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries you’ve sustained. Weather conditions and skid marks can tell important parts of the story too.
Next, gather identification details from everyone involved. Don’t just settle for insurance cards—get driver’s license information, license plate numbers, and if it was an Uber ride, take screenshots of the driver’s profile in your app.
Witnesses are golden in accident cases. Collect names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened. If they’re willing, ask for a brief statement while memories are fresh.
Before leaving the scene, make sure you have the police report information and the names of responding officers. This official documentation becomes a cornerstone of your claim.
If your injuries prevent you from gathering this evidence yourself, don’t hesitate to ask someone else for help, or reach out to us as soon as possible so we can begin investigating while evidence is still fresh.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Finding out the driver who caused your accident lacks adequate insurance can feel like hitting another roadblock in your recovery journey. Fortunately, you still have options.
For Uber passengers, there’s good news: Uber provides uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to $1 million when you’re on an active trip. This safety net protects you regardless of whether the Uber driver or another motorist caused the accident, though it primarily covers bodily injuries rather than property damage.
If you were driving your own vehicle when hit by an Uber driver, your coverage options depend on the driver’s status at the time. Was their app active with a passenger on board? If so, Uber’s $1 million liability policy should apply. If they were merely waiting for a request, the lower $50,000/$100,000 coverage might be your limit. And if their app was off completely, you might need to rely on your own UM/UIM coverage.
Uber drivers themselves have different protections. When you’re carrying a passenger or heading to a pickup, Uber provides UM/UIM coverage. Your personal insurance with a rideshare endorsement may offer additional protection, and in some circumstances, you might even qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we leave no stone unturned when searching for recovery sources after an accident with an uninsured driver. We often find additional parties who share liability or find insurance policies that weren’t immediately apparent. Our goal is always to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Conclusion
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident in Richmond can feel overwhelming. Between complex rideshare regulations, multi-tiered insurance coverage, and Virginia’s unforgiving contributory negligence rules, the path forward isn’t always clear. But you don’t have to walk it alone.
At Burnett & Williams PC, we’ve stood beside countless rideshare accident victims throughout Richmond and Central Virginia, helping them rebuild their lives after unexpected trauma. We understand that the hours and days following your accident can define your recovery journey—both physically and financially.
What makes the difference in rideshare accident cases? First and foremost, quick action. Gathering evidence at the scene, seeking prompt medical care, and properly reporting the incident create the foundation for a strong claim. Many of our most successful cases began with clients who had the presence of mind to document their accidents thoroughly, even while dealing with pain and confusion.
Understanding insurance coverage is crucial. That $1 million policy Uber advertises? It only applies during active trips. If the driver was merely waiting for a request, coverage drops dramatically to $50,000/$100,000/$25,000. And if the app was off entirely? You’re likely dealing with just the driver’s personal insurance. We’ve helped clients steer these shifting coverage landscapes to find every dollar available for their recovery.
Virginia’s strict contributory negligence rule adds another layer of complexity. Being found even 1% at fault could mean receiving nothing—zero compensation regardless of how severely you’re injured. This harsh reality makes professional representation not just helpful, but essential.
“The right legal team doesn’t just fight for your compensation—they protect you from being unfairly blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault.”
Documentation becomes your lifeline after an accident. Every medical appointment, prescription, therapy session, and workday missed tells part of your story. We help clients create comprehensive records that capture not just the financial impact of their injuries, but also the human cost—the missed family gatherings, the hobbies set aside, the daily activities that suddenly become painful challenges.
Working with a Richmond Uber accident attorney typically results in significantly higher compensation. It’s not just about knowing the law—it’s about understanding insurance company tactics and having the resources to counter them effectively. When insurers see you have experienced representation, lowball offers tend to disappear.
Our team at Burnett & Williams PC provides more than legal expertise. We offer compassionate guidance through what might be one of the most difficult periods of your life. We involve you in every significant decision about your case while handling the complex legal work that would otherwise fall on your shoulders during recovery.
From our conveniently located offices, we serve clients throughout Richmond, Central Virginia, and the Greater Richmond area, providing personalized attention to each person who trusts us with their case.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or deny you fair compensation. The impacts of a serious accident—physical, emotional, and financial—can echo through your life for years. Your settlement should reflect these long-term consequences.
Take the first step toward recovery by reaching out for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options in clear language, and help you chart the best path forward—all without any upfront cost to you.