Our Experienced Seattle Injury Lawyer Advocates for Clients Harmed in Washington Uber or Lyft Accidents
If you were hurt or your loved one died as a passenger in a Washington Uber or Lyft accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your resulting injuries and losses. However, rideshare accident litigation entails complicated and evolving legal statutes, making it challenging for Uber and Lyft crash victims to recover the compensation they deserve. At Kode Law Firm, Seattle rideshare accident lawyer Preet Kode helps clients navigate these complex cases, providing aggressive advocacy and compassionate support every step of the way.
Get the Facts on Washington State Rideshare Crashes
Since the advent of Uber and Lyft in the early 2010s, ridesharing has become an essential mode of transportation for many in the Evergreen State and throughout the country. Though some proponents hoped that, by offering alternatives to drunk, fatigued, or otherwise impaired driving, rideshare services might make roads safer, research shows they have the opposite effect. In addition to increasing congestion and the time spent in traffic jams, one study found that ridesharing accounts for a three percent annual increase in fatal accidents.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft crashes stem from many of the same causes as other motor vehicle accidents, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving, including speeding
- Alcohol- or drug-impaired driving
Some rideshare drivers may lack sufficient experience or training, resulting in errors or poor decision-making that could lead to crashes. Additionally, ride-sharing vehicles might not be adequately maintained, increasing the risk of mechanical failure-related accidents.
Uber and Lyft Accident Cases Involve Complicated Legal Matters That Can Make Recovering Fair Compensation Challenging
Rideshare accident litigation triggers unique legal issues surrounding employment, insurance coverage, and who's responsible for injuries and damages. Here's what you should know.
Potentially Liable Parties in Rideshare Accident Cases
While the responsible party or parties can vary depending on the circumstances of the crash, potentially liable parties in Uber and Lyft accident cases include:
- The rideshare driver. When a negligent Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash, victims can file a lawsuit against the driver's insurance policy, seeking compensation for injuries and losses. Your uninsured or underinsured motorist policy might provide coverage if the driver is uninsured.
- The rideshare company. Uber or Lyft might be liable for your injuries and losses if the company hired an unsafe or unlicensed driver who caused an accident.
- Another driver. If a third party caused the accident, they will be responsible for compensating you for your crash-related damages. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company's policy might provide coverage.
Insurance Issues in Uber and Lyft Accident Litigation
Though Uber and Lyft drivers carry $1 million in liability insurance, this coverage only kicks in if the driver is logged into the app and transporting a passenger when the crash occurs. If the driver accidentally logs out of the ridesharing app or forgets to indicate that they have a passenger, they could be forced to rely on their own auto insurance coverage. Unless the driver has a rideshare insurance policy, this could pose a significant problem, as traditional car insurance policies typically exclude commercial use.
Our Experienced Washington Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights and Fight for the Recovery You Deserve
Uber and Lyft accident litigation can be complex and complicated. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a Washington rideshare crash, you want Preet Kode in your corner. Leading a seasoned team of legal professionals, Preet thoroughly investigates these complex accidents, gathering essential evidence, handling communications with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys, analyzing and negotiating settlement offers, and preparing your case for trial.
Preet works diligently for clients, prioritizing speed, communication, and results. Depending on the unique facts and evidence in your case, your recovery might include compensation for:
- All accident-related medical expenses. This includes emergency transportation and treatment, hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor and specialist visits, prescription medication, rehabilitation, and the estimated cost of ongoing and future care.
- Lost wages and/or earning capacity. This compensation is for wages lost while out of work healing from your injuries or reduced or lost earning potential due to permanent accident-related impairments.
- Pain and suffering. This category of damages covers subjective losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as physical pain and suffering, mental distress, permanent disability, and reduced or lost enjoyment of life.
Wrongful death plaintiffs could potentially recover compensation for their loved one's final medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and loss of their financial contributions, love, companionship, affection, and consortium.
