Olympia Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have provided a safe and convenient alternative to traditional transportation—not to mention cost-effective, as well. However, rideshare proliferation and the relatively thin training and regulation of drivers have increased the incidence of rideshare accidents.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, speak to a personal injury lawyer in Olympia from NextLaw. Our team has 100 years of combined experience, and we are ready to help you navigate the claims process to recover your losses. Call Dan Next today to schedule a case consultation with our Olympia rideshare accident lawyers.

Why Rideshare Accidents Require a Lawyer

Whether you’re a passenger or another motorist, filing an insurance claim after a rideshare accident is not a straightforward task. Rideshare companies offer liability coverage to their drivers, but coverage is limited and has restrictions on use. Rideshare coverage is only active at certain times, and rideshare companies will likely try to deny that drivers were on duty when the accident happened.

NextLaw understands the nuance of these cases and how to navigate rideshare policy requirements and limitations. We can help you understand relevant insurance coverage and represent you during settlement negotiations. We can also escalate your case to a formal trial if insurers are unresponsive to demands.

Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Olympia

Rideshare companies don’t really offer driver training, so many inexperienced drivers hoping to make money may take the wheel. Below are some of the common accidents that can be caused by rideshare driver negligence:

• Driver fatigue. Rideshare companies give incentives to complete as many trips as possible, so drivers may fatigue themselves by driving for too long.
• Distractions in vehicle. Rideshare drivers contend with several distractions in the vehicle, like using GPS and looking for passengers to pick up.
• Unfamiliar locations. Navigating unfamiliar locations can make rideshare drivers more prone to accidents.
• Unsafe pickup/drop off spots. Rideshare drivers can pick up and drop off passengers at unsafe spots, like medians, intersections, and parking lots.
• Substance use. Rideshare drivers must maintain a high pace of work to make money and may turn to substances to cope with the stress of the job.

How Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents Works

The requirements for insurance coverage for rideshare operators are found in RCW 46.728.180. There are three periods of the rideshare transaction that are relevant for insurance coverage:

Driver Wasn’t Logged Into the App

If the rideshare driver wasn’t logged into the app, then their personal auto policy applies. The driver’s personal auto policy must meet state minimums for coverage, the same as all other non-commercial drivers on the road.

Driver Logged In, Waiting to Accept Ride

If the driver was logged into the app but hadn’t accepted a ride yet, rideshare companies are legally required to provide at least $50,000 for injury, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 in property liability coverage. The policy must also provide equal amounts of uninsured motorist coverage.

Driver En Route or Transporting Passenger

Once the driver accepts a ride and picks up a passenger, liability coverage increases to a combined $1 million limit for injuries and property damage, as well as equal amounts of uninsured motorist insurance.

Can I Sue the Rideshare Company Directly?

Rideshare drivers are not employees, so you typically cannot sue the rideshare company under vicarious liability if one of its drivers causes an accident. However, suing the rideshare company directly may be possible if they engage in negligent practices that contributed to the crash.

For instance, if the driver had a history of DUIs or passenger complaints, the rideshare company could be liable if it failed to take action. Rideshare companies are required to vet their drivers and take action if they find issues that could impact passenger safety.

Compensation You Can Recover from a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in Olympia

Injuries from a rideshare accident can leave you with expensive medical bills and unable to work. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Olympia can help recover compensation for the following injury-related losses:

• Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses, like prescriptions or rehabilitative services
• Lost work income and other forms of employment compensation, like bonuses, commissions, tips, and perks.
• Reduced lifetime earning capacity due to permanent disability/impairment
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
• Quality-of-life reductions from scarring and disfigurement

It’s impossible to predict the average personal injury settlement amount as it varies significantly by case. We aim to be as comprehensive as possible and will look at your case from every angle to identify potential sources of financial recovery.

NextLaw: Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Olympia

It can be difficult to know your options after a rideshare accident, but there are options for help and relief. NextLaw can investigate your case and gather evidence proving your injuries and lack of fault. We have a proven track record of successful case results and a dedication to serving justice for our clients. We promise to use every strategy and resource at hand to seek a favorable outcome.

Injured in an Olympia rideshare accident? Call Dan Next! Contact us online or call today to schedule a free case consultation with our rideshare accident lawyers in Olympia.