Have you been in a recent accident with an Uber rideshare driver? Rideshare companies like Uber have radically changed transportation. But the influx of Uber drivers means that accidents are more likely.
If you have injuries from a recent car crash with an Uber driver, you should speak to a Tacoma rideshare accident lawyer. The rules surrounding liability for rideshare accidents can be complicated, and you’ll need help filing an insurance claim for your medical bills, lost work income, pain and suffering, and more.
The team at NextLaw has over 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law and a dedication to serving clients, no matter the circumstances. Injured in a rideshare crash? Call Dan Next today to schedule your free consultation with our Tacoma Uber accident lawyer team.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Accident With an Uber Driver
No matter what kind of collision you’ve been in, you’ll want to work with a Tacoma car accident lawyer to navigate the aftermath. Rideshare accidents, in particular, raise complicated questions about driver and company liability, and multiple insurance claims might be involved.
An attorney from NextLaw can represent you during the entire insurance claims process and manage evidence gathering, sending demand letters, negotiating settlements, and representing you at trial. Insurance companies are notorious for unfairly disputing and denying claims, but a lawyer can counter their arguments and protect you from predatory tactics.
A rideshare accident can leave you in pain and enormous medical debt, but there are options for relief. Let NextLaw be your legal advocate and help you find the financial compensation you need to move forward.
For a free legal consultation with an uber accident lawyer serving Tacoma, call (253) 238-2558
How Does Insurance Coverage Work for Uber Drivers?
Insurance coverage in rideshare accidents is a thorny issue, as different coverage can apply, depending on when the accident happened. There are three distinct periods of the rideshare transaction process, and different insurance coverage applies in each.
App Is Off
When the app is off and the driver is off duty, their personal auto coverage applies. This is the same kind of auto coverage that Washington requires all other drivers to carry.
Driver Accepting Rides
When the app is on and the driver is waiting to accept a ride, Uber offers limited liability coverage at least equal to state minimums. For Washington, this would be:
- $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $30,000 for property damage
Driver En Route
When the driver has accepted a trip or is actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s enhanced liability coverage kicks in. This coverage provides up to $1 million for injury, death, and property damage.
Tacoma Uber Accident Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Unique Difficulties with Uber Accidents
In Uber accident claims, there is often conflict over whether the driver was covered under the rideshare company’s policy or not. Uber will likely try to deny that the driver was on duty, so they won’t have to use their rideshare insurance coverage.
Also, Uber’s contingent liability coverage usually requires you to first file with the at-fault driver’s personal auto coverage. If you receive a denial, you can then appeal the claim to Uber and use the company’s coverage. This means that you may have to deal with more than one insurance claim.
A Uber accident lawyer in Tacoma can investigate the accident and gather evidence proving the at-fault driver was on duty and covered at the time. They can also handle the load of filing multiple insurance claims and coordinating payments between them.
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What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover?
Depending on your circumstances, a Tacoma personal injury lawyer can pursue compensation for the following kinds of losses after an accident with an Uber driver:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost work income and employment compensation
- Reduced lifetime earning potential due to permanent disability
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish
- Diminished capacity to enjoy life
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Can I Sue Uber Directly for My Injuries?
Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors in Washington state, not employees, so vicarious liability doesn’t apply. This means that you usually cannot sue Uber directly for injuries due to negligent drivers.
However, you may be able to sue Uber if it engaged in unsafe business practices that contributed to your accident. For example, if Uber hired a driver without a valid license or with a history of drunk driving convictions, they could be liable if the driver caused injuries.
Filing a direct lawsuit is challenging, but it may be the right choice in your circumstances. You can consult with our Tacoma Uber accident lawyers about your options for filing a lawsuit against the rideshare company.
Time Limit for Filing an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Tacoma
RCW 4.16.080 gives you three years to file a claim for injuries due to an Uber accident. The three-year timer starts counting on the day you received your injuries or discovered you had them.
Once this statute of limitations expires, you will lose your chance to file for compensation forever. Even if you’re one day late, the courts will automatically dismiss any lawsuit you file, no matter how severe your injuries.
As such, you should get started on your case as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can hit the ground running to ensure you have an advantage during the claims process. Starting early will reduce the risk of payment delays or complications.
Call Dan Next: Uber Accident Lawyers in Tacoma
A rideshare accident can be a nightmare to litigate, but having an attorney on your side can streamline the process. A car accident lawyer from NextLaw can manage all the legal legwork of filing a claim and deal with the rideshare company and insurers. All you have to worry about is recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life.
Call our offices today to connect with our Uber accident lawyers in Tacoma.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form