Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional taxis in Seattle. These drivers complete thousands of trips across the city each day, but this increased presence comes with major risks.
When rideshare accidents occur, injured passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians face complex insurance claims and challenging legal battles while trying to recover from their injuries. If you were involved in one of these collisions, trust Malcolm Law Firm to help you navigate the aftermath.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Seattle
Seattle’s busy streets, combined with the pressure on rideshare drivers to complete trips quickly, create dangerous conditions that can lead to serious vehicle accidents. Weather conditions, mechanical failures, and road hazards can contribute to these collisions as well.
Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include:
The question of liability in rideshare accidents often creates confusion and frustration for injury victims. Unlike traditional taxi companies, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification, combined with varying insurance coverage, creates a complex web of potential liability.
Rideshare companies provide different levels of insurance coverage based on whether the driver is offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. When a driver is actively carrying a passenger, the company’s $1 million liability policy applies. However, coverage may be significantly lower or nonexistent if the driver was between rides or had their app turned off.
The rideshare driver’s auto insurance could be responsible if they were not actively working at the time of the crash. If another motorist caused the collision, their insurance policy would cover your damages.
Do You Need to Hire an Attorney After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, hiring a Seattle rideshare accident lawyer from Malcolm Law Firm can help you navigate your options and recover the compensation that you deserve. Our firm can determine which insurance policies apply, gather essential evidence from the rideshare company’s records, and document the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Your Seattle rideshare lawyer will also understand how to combat common defense tactics used by rideshare companies and their insurers, such as denying the driver was actively working or claiming the passenger contributed to the accident. Additionally, they can accurately value future medical expenses and long-term impacts of injuries to recover fair compensation on your behalf.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Seattle Rideshare Accident Lawyer
After a rideshare accident, you need an advocate who understands these unique cases. Malcolm Law Firm brings over 20 years of legal experience and a commitment to justice to these cases. Our personal injury attorneys have successfully handled numerous claims and stay updated on evolving regulations, giving us deep insight into the complexities of Uber and Lyft accidents.
If you were injured by a rideshare driver, trust Malcolm Law Firm to fight for you. Contact us at (206) 659-9514 today to speak with a Seattle rideshare accident attorney who will protect your rights and guide you through every step of your recovery journey.
