Washington Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing services, like Uber and Lyft, have changed the way people travel, offering convenience and flexibility to navigate around Washington State and beyond. Although this form of transportation provides easy access to get from one place to another, it does have some downsides that could ultimately contribute to rideshare accidents.

Passengers or other drivers involved in a collision can face complicated legal situations such as trying to determine liability and insurance coverage. But, with the help of a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, going through the process of filing a claim will be more manageable. Our Washington Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will assess the evidence provided and create a personalized approach with your needs and priorities in mind to ensure we get you satisfactory results.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can contact us by calling 206-222-8860 or completing our convenient online contact form.

What Can Cause Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber and Lyft accidents can be caused by numerous factors, each involving unique experiences that can result in minor to severe outcomes. Understanding the different causes can help determine liability even in the most complicated and severe crashes. 

Driver Negligence

Drivers are required to provide a duty of care when on the road. If they fail to comply with traffic laws, a car accident is likely to occur. This includes doing either of the following actions:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving

If such behavior caused you to get into a rideshare accident, you can hold the driver accountable for the damages they caused.

Road Hazards

Road hazards can affect a rideshare driver’s ability to properly control a motor vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision. Common obstacles that can have this effect include the following:

• Debris
• Potholes
• Wet or slippery surfaces

Inadequate signages and markings can also create confusions or influence motorists to make sudden maneuvers. It is encouraged for rideshare drivers to remain alert during trips and to adjust accordingly to prevent themselves, their passengers, and other road users from accidents and injuries.

Defective Motor Vehicle

A defective motor vehicle can increase the likelihood of a rideshare accident as it can compromise performance and safety. For instance, if brakes are unresponsive, an Uber or Lyft driver will not be able to react promptly to hazardous conditions or abrupt movements. Other specific components that can impair driving skills include the following:

• Defective tires
• Steering system issues
• Flawed charging system

In such a case, liability will vary depending on the circumstances involved. Some possible defendants may include rideshare companies, the vehicle manufacturer, and even the car dealership. To learn how to move forward, you can reach out to our Washington rideshare accident lawyers for legal guidance. We will identify the responsible party and pursue compensation on your behalf to ensure you are granted a favorable outcome.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries

Common rideshare accident injuries can range from minor to severe based on the intensity of the impact. Some common forms of bodily harm that may appear after the incident are:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

How Insurance Coverage Works in Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft offer rideshare insurance coverage to their drivers. But, it will be effective based on the driver’s status before the collision. If they were not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance will apply in the event of an accident.

If a rideshare driver is logged in and has not accepted a ride, third-party liability insurance may come into play. This typically covers:

• $50,000 per individual for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

But, if the rideshare driver’s personal insurance offers more extensive protection, it will usually act as the primary coverage.

If the driver is logged in and is en route to pick up or drop off passengers, Uber and Lyft will provide $1 million in liability coverage and may include first party coverage (uninsured motorist coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, or Occupation Accident coverage). However, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage included in your personal auto insurance policy, both rideshare companies will maintain contingency comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the vehicle (with a $2,500 deductible).

What to Do if Your Uber or Lyft Driver Gets in an Accident?

When using rideshare services, like Uber or Lyft, it is important to prepare yourself for the unexpected. This includes the possibility of a collision. While it is a commonly safe form of transportation, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to incorporate the steps sectioned below can make a big difference as it can ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights.

Contact Local Authorities

If you notice any injuries or damages, you should contact local authorities for immediate assistance. They will arrive at the accident scene and conduct a police report. Emergency medical care will also be presented to those who need it. 

Report the Incident

If you were a passenger at the time of the collision, you should report the incident using the Uber or Lyft app. Be sure to share information about the trip, like the date, time, the driver’s name, and license plate number.

Exchange Information

No matter what kind of car accident you have been involved in you always should exchange contact, insurance, and/or vehicle information with all parties involved.

Gather Evidence

Try to acquire the following evidence to strengthen your rideshare accident claim:

• Photos of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Seek Medical Attention

After a rideshare accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries may not appear soon after, it is still important to get it checked to detect any notable concerns. Any form of diagnosis will be documented and treated. You can request a copy of your medical records to use as proof that you endured injuries and sought out care to recover.

Consult with a Washington Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Speak to a Washington Uber or Lyft accident lawyer for legal assistance. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team will evaluate the information provided and identify the liable parties. From there, we will work diligently on your behalf by handling communication and negotiations with the insurance company to secure a reasonable settlement.

Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability can be challenging in an Uber or Lyft accident. Typically, whoever has caused the accident is the one at fault, however if a rideshare driver causes an accident, they would be responsible for any damages, not the rideshare company itself. This is primarily due to the fact that rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors (HB 2076), and as such, the respective company will typically not face accountability for injuries or damages. 

Additionally, since Washington State follows the pure comparative negligence rule, all parties involved in the rideshare accident will be evaluated to determine percentage of fault. For instance, if the defendant is 70 percent liable and you are 30 percent liable, you may still recover compensation. But, it will be reduced based on the amount of negligence you contributed to the incident.

However, in more complex and rare cases, other third parties may be liable if they were responsible for causing the accident. For example, vehicle manufacturers, government entities, and other road users can easily cause an accident and make the situation more difficult to handle. In such instances, pursuing such a claim is not an easy task to fulfill on your own, so be sure to seek assistance from a qualified rideshare accident lawyer to ease the legal process.

Available Damages in Rideshare Accidents

Available damages in rideshare accidents will vary due to the unique challenges involved in each case. The court will consider the following factors when determining the settlement value:

• The extent of your injury
• Degree of fault
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Current and future medical expenses

You can use our personal injury settlement calculator to get an estimate of what you could be awarded simply by entering the expenses you incurred after the Uber or Lyft accident. Generally, compensatory damages are granted and they are categorized into two sections: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are financial expenses, like medical bills and property damage, you endured as a result of the collision whereas non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses (emotional distress and pain and suffering).

Our Washington Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Rideshare accident victims are entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our knowledgeable Washington team is here to offer legal guidance and support. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our team has handled a variety of rideshare accidents from the simple to the complex. As a result of our dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our clients and no matter what kind of case you have we will protect your rights, advocate on your behalf, and represent you in court, if needed, to ensure you are granted fair compensation.

To schedule a FREE consultation with an experienced attorney, you can reach out to us by calling 206-222-8860 or filling out our easy online contact form.