Attempting to recover compensation after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, as complicated and changing laws apply that can impact your case. Your damages after an accident can be substantial, and securing financial compensation can be critical for your recovery. Fortunately, a rideshare accident lawyer in Kirkland can help.
At Premier Law Group, we keep up to date on all changes in rideshare accident laws so we can provide the best possible representation to our clients. Our experienced team of Kirkland car accident lawyers comes equipped with over 55 years of combined experience.
We’re ready to help get you the money you need. Reach out to us today by phone or online to schedule a free case review with a member of our team. It’s not a consultation; it’s a conversation.
What a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Serving Kirkland Can Do to Help You Establish Liability
Liability can be murky after a rideshare accident. Rideshare companies generally go to great lengths to limit their liability in the event of a crash. They set several barriers that help protect them from having to pay injury victims the money they need after a crash.
One of the main ways these companies limit their liability is by classifying their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. Labeling their drivers in this way helps to limit their exposure in the event of a crash and also means they are not obligated to provide their drivers with all the benefits that regular employees receive.
Despite the efforts of rideshare companies to distance themselves from their drivers and limit their legal exposure, there are still many situations in which these companies have to pay out after an accident. In addition to rideshare drivers and the companies they work for, several other parties could also hold a level of liability for your injuries, including:
- The manufacturer of one of the involved vehicles or car parts
- Another driver who was involved in the crash
- A government body responsible for road maintenance where the accident occurred
- A third party whose actions caused the crash to occur
An experienced Kirkland personal injury lawyer can help you determine who is at fault so you can recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage After an Accident
Once you have determined who was responsible for causing the accident, the next step is to file a claim against the liable party or their insurance provider. If a rideshare driver causes your accident, you need to be aware of your options for filing a claim with the rideshare company’s insurer.
Whether the company’s insurance coverage applies depends on the status of the driver at the time of the accident.
The Rideshare Driver Is Not Signed Into the App
In situations where a rideshare driver gets into an accident while they are not logged into the rideshare app, the rideshare company is not liable for any damages caused by the crash. In this scenario, the driver is considered to be off duty and on their own time, which means the responsibility for a crash lies solely with them.
To recover compensation, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider or file a lawsuit against the driver if they don’t have sufficient insurance coverage.
The Rideshare Driver Is Signed Into the App but Has Not Accepted a Ride
When the driver has logged into the rideshare app but has yet to accept a ride request, the insurance coverage for the rideshare company kicks in with limited coverage. In this situation, the company has limited liability.
However, before you can file a claim with their insurance provider, you must first file with the driver’s insurer. If your damages exceed the cover limits of the driver, you will be able to submit a claim to the company’s insurer, who will cover your damages in a limited capacity.
If your damages still exceed the coverage limits of the rideshare company’s policy, you can pursue further compensation through a lawsuit.
The Rideshare Driver Is Signed Into the App and Has Accepted a Ride
As soon as a rideshare driver accepts a ride, the insurance policy of the rideshare company takes full effect. This is true whether the driver has picked up their passenger yet or not. Once activated, the company’s policy covers damages up to $1,000,000.
As with the other situations, though, you must first file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider and can only tap into the rideshare company’s coverage if your damages exceed the policy limits of the driver’s insurance.
Pay Attention to the Statute of Limitations When Pursuing Compensation After an Accident
When attempting to recover compensation for damages suffered in a rideshare accident, it is critical that you pay attention to all filing deadlines that apply. Under RCW 4.16.080, the personal injury statute of limitations in Washington is three years. If you fail to file before the three-year deadline has passed, you may be out of options for recovering compensation.
Hiring a knowledgeable Kirkland rideshare accident attorney can be critical for ensuring you meet all deadlines. It’s important to note that exceptions may apply that alter the amount of time you have to file. Your lawyer can identify any exceptions in your case and ensure all paperwork is filed accurately and on time.
Another benefit of hiring a lawyer soon after your accident is that your attorney will be well-positioned to collect evidence before it can become lost or corrupted. It also allows them to speak with witnesses while they can still clearly remember the details of the crash.
For a FREE legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Kirkland, call (206) 285-1743
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Secure the Services of an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney in Kirkland Today
After suffering damages in a rideshare accident, it is important to hire an experienced rideshare accident attorney serving Kirkland. At Premier Law Group, we have recovered over $100 million in damages since opening our doors in 2001.
Contact us by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team. We will listen to your story, answer all your questions, and advise you of your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.