On March 14, a 42-year-old man and his 19-year-old son died in a vehicle collision in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The accident occurred at the intersection of White Oak Road and Belle Plain Road just after 7 p.m.
The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene while his father later died at the hospital. According to police, Raymond Morgan Jr., the father was speeding, lost control of the vehicle and swerved into traffic and crashed into another vehicle. Neither of the men were wearing seatbelts.
Common Myths About Uber Accidents
More and more people across Virginia are using Uber as a mode of transportation. It is a convenient and affordable way to get around. However, the increased number of Uber vehicles on the road means there are more accidents. If you have been hurt in an Uber accident, you may want to consult a Fairfax VA Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Here are a few common myths about Uber accidents.
- If you are in an Uber accident, you will likely get a huge settlement. Uber carries a $1 million insurance policy for every driver. Therefore, some people assume that those injured in Uber accidents will always get a huge payout. However, as the legal professionals at Cohen & Cohen can confirm, this is not necessarily the case. It is important to understand that Uber’s insurance policy is a secondary policy. Typically, damages are only covered by Uber if the driver has an active ride in the app when the accident occurred. If the driver got into an accident while searching or waiting for a passenger, the $1 million insurance policy likely will not pay for any damages.
- Uber Drivers Are not Covered By Uber’s Insurance Policy. While this was true in the early days of ride-sharing services, it is not the case today. Now, the law requires Uber and other ride-sharing services to cover damages in certain situations. For example, if you were involved in an accident with an Uber when the driver had an active ride, Uber may cover your losses. Before you accept any settlement,
- You Can’t File a Lawsuit If You Were Hurt in an Uber Accident. This isn’t true. If you were hurt in an Uber accident caused by a driver, you may pursue a claim. If the driver was signed into the Uber app at the time of the accident, Uber’s insurance policy may cover your damages. However, if the driver was not signed into the app, his or her personal insurance policy should cover you.
- Uber Does not Conduct Background Checks on Drivers. This is another common myth. Before someone can drive for Uber, he or she must undergo a background check. Drivers must provide their full name, birth date, driver’s license number and Social Security number.
If you have suffered injuries in an Uber accident, you may want to schedule a consultation with a qualified lawyer to discuss your legal options.