Introduction

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation, especially in cities like Richmond, providing affordability and convenience. However, because of individual negligence, these vehicles are frequently involved in accidents in Richmond.

Anyone involved in such an incident must understand who can be held accountable. If you’ve been injured, consulting a rideshare accident lawyer in Richmond can help clarify your legal options and identify the at-fault parties.

The Rideshare Driver

The most obvious liable party in a rideshare accident is often the driver. If negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws, caused the crash, the driver may bear responsibility. However, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, which complicates liability.

While they carry personal insurance, rideshare companies also provide coverage when the app is active. A rideshare accident lawyer can determine whether the driver’s actions meet the threshold for liability.

The Rideshare Company

Uber and Lyft may also face liability under certain circumstances. While they argue that drivers are independent contractors, they can still be held accountable for negligent hiring, inadequate background checks, or failing to fire unsafe drivers.

Moreover, their insurance policies typically cover accidents occurring during an active ride (from pickup to drop-off). Proving company liability requires a thorough investigation, making legal guidance essential.

Other Motorists

Third-party drivers can also be at fault. If another motorist’s reckless behavior caused the accident, they may be liable. For example, a drunk driver who collides with a rideshare vehicle would bear responsibility for the crash.

In such cases, victims can pursue claims against the at-fault driver while exploring rideshare insurance coverage.

Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers

Faulty auto parts or inadequate maintenance can contribute to accidents. If a mechanical issue, such as malfunctioning brakes or tire blowouts, caused the collision, the manufacturer or service shop may be held accountable.

Claims for product responsibility require demonstrating that the flaw existed and was the direct cause of the accident; this frequently calls for expert testimony.

Government Entities

Poor road conditions, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic lights can also contribute to accidents. If government negligence contributed to the accident, filing a claim against a municipal entity may be possible. These time-sensitive cases involve strict procedural rules, underscoring the need for prompt legal action.

Determining Shared Fault

Due to comparative negligence, several participants share responsibility in many rideshare incidents. For instance, a ride-sharing service driver may be held 30% accountable for speeding, whereas another driver may be held 70% responsible for running a stop sign.

State laws differ in how compensation is affected by shared fault; in many jurisdictions, recovery is prohibited if the victim bears more than 50% of the blame. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you if you need assistance with any of these situations.

Final Thoughts

Determining liability in a rideshare accident requires examining numerous factors, from individual driver negligence to corporate policies, third-party actions, and road conditions.

Each case presents unique challenges in identifying responsible parties and applicable insurance coverage.

Professional legal guidance ensures victims understand their rights and pursue appropriate compensation.

Introduction

Wildfires can turn lives upside down in a matter of hours. We face loss, stress, and tough decisions when the flames die. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While recovery takes priority, how the insurance claim is handled can shape financial stability for years. Mistakes made early can cost us coverage, money, or both.

This article breaks down the top missteps to avoid. If you’re searching for an attorney for a wildfire insurance claim, it’s likely because these claims can become complex quickly. Many law firms help policyholders understand their rights, deal with insurance pushback, and work toward fair outcomes.

1. Failing to Document Damage Thoroughly

Don’t start cleaning up until you’ve recorded everything. Take clear photos and videos of all damage—wide shots of entire rooms and close-ups of destroyed items. This visual proof makes it harder for insurers to undervalue your losses.

Create a detailed inventory of damaged belongings. When possible, include brand names, models, and purchase dates. Otherwise, your memory won’t be reliable weeks later when filing paperwork.

Without solid documentation, you might only get pennies on the dollar for what you’ve lost. If you can’t prove their original quality, burned furniture or appliances could be severely undervalued.

2. Delaying the Claims Process

Time is not on your side after a wildfire. Most policies require prompt reporting—some within 30 days. Waiting too long risks missing critical deadlines.

Delays also make it harder to collect evidence. As debris gets cleared or repairs begin, your ability to prove the full extent of damage disappears. The sooner you file, the stronger your case.

Insurers move faster when claims are fresh. Putting it off could mean waiting months longer for your payout when you need it most.

3. Underestimating the Full Scope of Damage

What you see isn’t always all you get. Smoke damage lingers in walls, electrical systems may be compromised, and foundations might need inspection. If missed, these hidden issues can cost thousands.

Get professional assessments from contractors and specialists. They’ll spot problems the untrained eye would miss, like toxic ash residue or weakened support beams.

Settling too soon for visible damage alone leaves you paying for hidden repairs later. A complete inspection protects you from future surprises.

4. Not Understanding Policy Details

Many homeowners are shocked to learn what their policy doesn’t cover. Landscaping, fences, and code-upgrade requirements often fall into coverage gaps.

Know the difference between “replacement cost” (what it takes to buy new) and “actual cash value” (depreciated value). That 10-year-old roof won’t be fully covered under ACV. Review your policy line by line before disaster strikes. Being underinsured means paying out of pocket for what you assumed was covered.

5. Accepting the First Settlement Offer Too Quickly

Initial offers are often lowballs. Insurers know stressed homeowners may take quick money just to move forward. Don’t let desperation cost you. Push back with your documentation. Show comparable repair estimates and demand fair valuation for lost items. Public adjusters can negotiate for you if it gets complicated.

Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more, even if you later discover additional damage. Take time to get it right.

6. Overlooking Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage

If your home is uninhabitable, ALE covers hotels, meals, and other costs while you rebuild. But many forget to claim these benefits.

Save every receipt—from takeout to laundry services. Most policies have daily or total limits, so track expenses carefully. ALE coverage isn’t forever. Policies typically limit payouts to 12-24 months. Don’t miss this crucial support when you need it most.

Introduction

A car accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Between medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, and the emotional toll of recovery, the aftermath of a crash is often more overwhelming than the accident itself. And while insurance companies may seem cooperative at first, they’re rarely on your side when it comes to compensating you fairly.

That’s where hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference.

At May Herr & Grosh, we understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts—and we know how to fight back. If you’ve been injured in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, here’s how a car accident lawyer can help you maximize your settlement and secure the compensation you truly deserve.

1. Properly Valuing Your Claim

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is underestimating the true value of their case. Insurance adjusters often encourage quick settlements—before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or long-term costs.

A skilled car accident lawyer will:

• Evaluate both current and future medical expenses
• Account for lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Factor in pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Consider property damage and out-of-pocket expenses

By taking a comprehensive approach to valuation, we help ensure you don’t leave money on the table.

2. Collecting and Preserving Evidence

The strength of your case depends heavily on the quality of the evidence. A lawyer knows exactly what to collect and how to preserve it.

This may include:

• Police reports and accident reconstructions
• Medical records and expert testimony
• Surveillance footage or dashcam video
• Witness statements
• Cell phone records or data that may prove distracted driving

We gather every piece of supporting documentation needed to build a compelling claim and prove fault.

3. Navigating Insurance Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses—motivated by profit, not fairness. They may:

• Downplay your injuries
• Shift blame onto you
• Offer lowball settlements
• Delay the claims process in hopes you’ll give up

An experienced car accident lawyer knows these tactics and won’t fall for them. At May Herr & Grosh, we handle all communication with insurers so you don’t have to—and we push back against bad faith behavior.

4. Negotiating the Best Possible Settlement

Negotiation is both an art and a science. A seasoned attorney understands how to:

• Back up claims with solid evidence
• Highlight the long-term impact of your injuries
• Apply legal pressure when necessary

Often, just having a lawyer on your side increases the value of your claim, because insurers know they’re less likely to get away with low offers.

5. Going to Court When Necessary

While many car accident claims settle out of court, sometimes litigation is the best or only option. A car accident lawyer prepares your case as if it will go to trial from day one—giving you leverage in negotiations and ensuring you’re ready if court becomes necessary.

We’re not afraid to take your case to a jury if that’s what it takes to win you the compensation you deserve.

6. Providing Peace of Mind

Beyond dollars and cents, hiring a lawyer provides something just as valuable: peace of mind. When you’re recovering from an injury, the last thing you need is the stress of battling an insurance company. Let us handle the legal side—so you can focus on healing.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

A car accident can change your life. Your financial future, your physical health, and your emotional well-being all hang in the balance. Don’t risk handling it alone.

At May Herr & Grosh, our experienced car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you’re owed—and the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next step toward recovery.