Virginia requires drivers who work for what state laws call transportation network companies (TNC) to carry full auto insurance liability and collision coverage. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft require this of their drivers, as well, and the companies also offer separate liability insurance.
One of the things this means is that victims of car accidents caused by Uber drivers can potentially file insurance claims against the at-fault driver and the rideshare company. Consulting with a knowledgeable Virginia personal injury lawyer will help the crash victim determine whether filing multiple claims makes sense.
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In Virginia, no one can drive for a TNC unless he or she carries an auto insurance policy that provides at least
- $25,000 in liability coverage for bodily injuries to each person injured by the driver’s negligence or recklessness
- $50,000 in total liability coverage per accident
- $20,000 in total coverage for property damage
Uber and Lyft supplement any insurance carried by one of their drivers with blanket liability coverage that can compensate crash victims up to $1 million for injuries and property damage. That maximum settlement is not available in most cases. First. insurance claims must be based on the actual harms suffered. That is, low medical bills and vehicle repair costs will yield low settlements.
Further, Uber and Lyft offer situational insurance coverage to their drivers. Without going too far into the details, the companies only co-insure drivers who are logged into the app and the coverage limit is much lower if the rideshare driver has not picked up a client.
Knowing that a rideshare driver has insurance is not enough, of course. To obtain a settlement on claims, an accident victim must present evidence that the Uber or Lyft driver caused the wreck, that injuries resulted directly from the wreck, and that seeking treatment for or experiencing a disability from the injuries cost the victim money. Partnering with a dedicated Virginia personal injury lawyer will help the accident victim gather and present such evidence.
EJL
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