Charleston Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Charleston, WV

Being hurt in a rideshare accident caused by an Uber or Lyft driver in Charleston, WV, can be devastating. As a crash victim, you have certain rights, including compensation for damages or injuries sustained by a negligent driver. A Charleston rideshare accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation while allowing you to recover from this traumatic event.

Choose the Team at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, for Your Rideshare Crash Case

Our team at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC has over 40 years of experience helping clients obtain fair settlements and full compensation following rideshare accidents. We can manage the complex legal process and negotiations with insurance companies, allowing you to concentrate on healing.

Rideshare Accidents in Charleston, WV

Rideshares are a popular choice for Charleston residents and tourists alike who want to visit the state’s capital and tour its historical buildings. Unfortunately, with heavily traveled roadways like the intersections of I-64, I-77, and I-79, and a high volume of daily commuters, there is a high risk of being involved in an accident.

If you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver for a company like Uber or Lyft, West Virginia has a unique set of laws that determines what insurance will cover the accident, depending on the status of the driver at the time the accident occurred. These phases are as follows:

• The Uber/Lyft driver has their app off. In this scenario, the driver is only covered by their own personal insurance policy. West Virginia requires a minimum bodily injury coverage, but a driver can elect more.
• The driver’s app is on, but has no active ride. In this scenario, a limited coverage insurance policy, covered by the rideshare company, would be liable to pay for damages from the accident.
• The driver’s app is on, and a ride has been accepted, or a passenger is in the vehicle. In this case, the rideshare company’s insurance policy would cover damages and carry higher coverage limits for injuries.

How Can a Charleston Rideshare Lawyer Help

If you or your loved one was injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver, it is important to seek legal counsel right away and hire a rideshare accident lawyer. West Virginia rideshare laws and determination of fault can be very complex and require extensive negotiation with insurance companies, which will often try to lowball you.

When you meet with one of our trusted lawyers at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, we can review with you the details of your case and calculate your compensation based on wage loss, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of capacity to earn money, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in West Virginia

According to the United States Department of Transportation, West Virginia had 260 crash-related fatalities in 2023, most of which occurred in Charleston. The majority of car accidents involving rideshare drivers can be avoided. They are often caused by these factors:

• Speeding
• Texting and driving
• Distracted driving, such as using a rideshare app or GPS
• Tired driving
• Mechanical failures
• Illegal turns
• Failing to stop
• Tailgating

Our rideshare accident lawyers can thoroughly investigate your car accident and determine the cause. Once we have determined what caused the accident, we can begin seeking full compensation from the insurance carrier liable at the time the accident occurred.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Car Accident Caused by an Uber or Lyft Driver in Charleston, WV?

In West Virginia, the statute of limitations to file a claim following an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver is two years. It is important, however, to report the accident immediately through the Uber or Lyft app for documentation purposes and to initiate insurance claims. An exception to this two-year period is that if the injured person is under the age of 18, the two-year clock will not start until their 18th birthday.

What Happens If I Am Partially at Fault for an Uber Accident in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, if you are partially at fault for an Uber accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. This is part of the state’s comparative negligence rule, and your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of blame you share for the accident. Uber’s insurance providers often try to shift the blame onto you so that they can pay out minimum compensation for your injuries or damages. Therefore, it is important to let your personal injury attorney handle all negotiations with them.

What Causes Most Uber Accidents in Charleston, WV?

Most Uber accidents in Charleston, WV, are caused by distracted driving, speeding to meet deadlines, or fatigue from driving for long hours. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of rideshare accidents, most often involving interactions with the rideshare app, texting riders, or using the GPS while driving. When you work with a rideshare accident lawyer, they can pull phone and app records for the driver to help determine if they were using the app at the time of the accident.

Should I Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a rideshare lawyer in West Virginia if you are involved in an accident. These cases are often very complex, involving many liable parties, complex insurance laws, and thorough investigations to determine fault and pursue compensation. Most rideshare lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are only paid if your case succeeds.

Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping our clients in Charleston, West Virginia, receive full compensation for injuries and damages caused by a rideshare accident. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly overwhelming and scary. By hiring our team, you can focus on healing while we handle all the legal aspects of your case.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you obtain compensation.