If you’ve been in a serious accident with an Uber driver, you’re likely stressed and angry as you look for a solution. Rules concerning liability for rideshare accidents are complicated, so it might not be immediately clear who you can hold accountable for your injuries.
A Seattle rideshare accident lawyer from NextLaw can review your case and help you secure compensation for your losses after a rideshare accident. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost work income, and more.
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience and a desire to serve justice in everything we do. Injured in a rideshare accident? Call Dan Next for a free consultation with our Seattle Uber accident lawyers.
Why You Should Hire Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Seattle
Rideshare companies have fundamentally changed how transportation works in Washington State. But the proliferation of rideshare drivers means more rideshare accidents. Unlike a typical car accident, it’s not immediately clear whether the driver or the rideshare company is liable for injuries.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Seattle can untangle these liability issues and help you find the financial compensation you need to recover and rebuild. We are highly experienced in managing car accident claims and will explore every possible avenue towards a satisfactory resolution.
For a free legal consultation with an uber accident lawyer serving Seattle, call (253) 238-2558
Does Uber Provide Its Drivers With Liability Insurance Coverage?
Uber does provide liability insurance coverage to its drivers, but the coverage is only active in certain periods. The central challenge of rideshare accidents is figuring out which insurance coverage applies. Different coverage is active at different periods of the rideshare transaction.
App Is Turned Off
When the Uber app is turned off, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will cover the damages. Since the driver is not on duty, Uber’s rideshare driver coverage doesn’t apply. Filing a claim in this scenario would be similar to filing a claim for a typical car accident.
App On and Driver Available
When the app is on and the driver is available to accept rides, Uber provides limited liability coverage equal to state-mandated minimums. For Washington state, this amounts to:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $30,000 in property damage
Uber provides coverage during this period, but drivers may opt to use their personal auto policies if they have sufficient rideshare coverage.
Driver En Route
Once the driver is en route to a trip or actively transporting a passenger, Uber provides enhanced liability protection. This coverage includes up to $1 million for injuries and property damage. Uber also provides comprehensive collision coverage during this operational period.
Seattle Uber Accident Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Can I Sue Uber for a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, so you generally cannot sue Uber for negligence on behalf of one of its drivers. However, you may be able to sue Uber for negligence if it directly contributed to the accident.
For instance, if Uber hired a rideshare driver without a valid license or with a history of DUI convictions, you could potentially file a lawsuit against them for negligent business practices. An experienced Uber accident lawyer in Seattle can assess your case and see if grounds exist for filing a direct lawsuit.
Click to contact our Seattle Rideshare Accident Lawyers today
Compensation You Can Recover For Injuries After an Uber Accident in Seattle
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a Seattle personal injury lawyer will be able to pursue the following types of financial compensation:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost work income and employment compensation
- The value of lost earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Cost of replacement services, like childcare or transportation
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life and hobbies
The rideshare company will likely try to say that the accident didn’t happen while the driver was on the clock to minimize your payout. We can counter attempts to shift blame and hold insurance companies accountable for their payment obligations.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for an Uber Accident in Seattle?
According to RCW 4.16.080, you have three years from the injury date to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained in an Uber accident. Once the three-year timer passes, you will lose any chance to recover your losses through legal action.
While three years may seem like a long time, it can take months or even years to build a robust case. Insurance companies may also try to stall proceedings and let the clock expire to avoid their payment obligations.
Your best option is to find an attorney as soon as possible and get started. The sooner you initiate the claims process, the easier it’ll be to gather evidence and the lower the chances of facing payment delays or complications.
Call the Uber Accident Lawyer Team at NextLaw
Accidents with rideshare drivers are significantly more complicated to navigate than the typical accident, so you need a knowledgeable professional on your side. NextLaw can provide effective legal counsel on a contingency basis so that you don’t have to worry about affording legal representation.
Feel free to connect online or by phone today to schedule a free case consultation with our Uber accident lawyers in Seattle. We’ll focus on the legal legwork so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form