Being able to hail a ride with the push of a button is highly convenient, but accidents involving Uber or Lyft vehicles are not. If you’ve gotten hurt in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you might be confused about your legal rights and options for recovering compensation. An experienced Gig Harbor car accident attorney from Sears Injury Law can help. We are seasoned negotiators who understand these complex cases and how to maximize compensation for clients. Call us today at (360) 583-6636 to get started with a free case review.
Common Types of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Gig Harbor and Surrounding Communities
Various types of car accidents can happen that involve rideshare drivers, including:
- Accidents in which you are the rider and the rideshare driver is at fault due to distracted or fatigued driving
- Pedestrian or bicycle accidents in which the rideshare driver swipes a vulnerable road user while completing a ride or responding to a ride request
- T-Bone accidents or other car crashes caused by negligent vehicle maintenance or other forms of negligence when you were a driver or passenger in another vehicle
- Rear-end accidents, sideswipe collisions, or other accidents caused by negligent motorists while you were a passenger in the vehicle
- Accidents involving defective auto parts
Our experienced Gig Harbor Uber & Lyft accident lawyers understand the legal nuances of these cases and the factors that can contribute to them, such as a model that incentivizes profits over safety. We can investigate your case and explain your legal options for recovery.
If you have lost a loved one in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact our Gig Harbor wrongful death lawyers to discuss your legal options today.
Who Is Responsible for a Lyft or Uber Accident in GIg Harbor, WA?
Many people believe that Uber or Lyft will be responsible in the event of an accident, but these companies have largely succeeded in insulating themselves from liability through their business structure. First, they identify themselves as technology companies rather than common carriers, such as taxis. Second, they classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, so they are generally not held to the same legal standards as employers.
Still, Uber & Lyft do insure their drivers for up to $1 million in liability coverage. However, the actual insurance policy that covers the accident will depend on when the accident occurred. For example, if the ride share driver wasn’t on the app at the time of the accident, their personal liability insurance would apply if they were found at fault for the accident. If the app was turned on but the user had not yet accepted a ride request, a smaller policy applies. However, if they had accepted a ride request or were transporting a passenger, the $1 million liability policy would apply. An experienced Uber & Lyft accident attorney in Gig Harbor can investigate to determine when the accident happened to maximize your chances for a fair recovery.
Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Legal Rights
Sears Injury Law is dedicated to helping car accident victims obtain the financial compensation they deserve after they’re injured due to the negligence of others. We can discuss your particular situation when you call for a free case review. Contact us today at (360) 583-6636 to schedule your complimentary consultation.