Both Uber and Lyft are popular in Washington, especially in Seattle. These rideshare companies have completely changed how people get around town. Anyone who owns a car can apply to drive for either company as an independent contractor. Consumers then use an app on their phone to request a vehicle. Consumers can even use the app to pay their fare for a completely “contact free” experience.
With so many Ubers and Lyfts on the road, some of them are bound to get into collisions. When they do, accident victims often wonder who is to blame. Please reach out to Premier Law Group today. One of our attorneys can review all the facts to pinpoint liability for the collision. Learn more about the rideshare accident laws in this article.
Who is At Fault for an Uber/Lyft Collision?
Our firm often hears from the following people:
- Passengers who were riding in an Uber or Lyft which got into a collision.
- Motorists in other vehicles who were struck by an Uber or Lyft driver.
- Pedestrians injured in a crash with an Uber or Lyft.
Car accidents in Washington are analyzed based on fault. The person at fault will depend on the facts.
For Uber or Lyft passengers, your own driver could be liable for the accident if he or she was negligent. For example, your driver might have been speeding or following another vehicle too closely. Your driver might have run a red light or made some mistake due to fatigue or distraction. In that case, you submit a claim against your driver’s policy because your driver is at fault.
Alternatively, passengers might be hurt because another driver on the road crashed into their Uber or Lyft. For example, a speeding motorist could have run a red light and T-boned your vehicle. In this scenario, you would submit a claim on the driver’s policy.
Pedestrians and other motorists often sue an Uber or Lyft driver for causing the wreck. Of course, the rideshare driver might blame you for contributing to the wreck. Contact a rideshare attorney today to review the facts.
Evidence to Establish Fault
In many collisions, both drivers blame the other. This situation is confusing for Lyft and Uber passengers, who just want to know who is to blame. You have bills and you need compensation. We understand.
As your lawyer, we can review the evidence to identify fault. You can help yourself by trying to document an accident if you can move around. Some important pieces of evidence include:
- Names of any witnesses who observed the crash. We might talk to them to find out what they observed.
- Photographs of where the vehicles ended up after crashing. These pictures often show one vehicle slammed into another.
- Anything else that looks relevant, like branches hanging over a stop sign.
Our legal team can also find other evidence, like video of the collision. The sooner you reach out to us, the more help we can offer.
How Much Insurance is Available?
Uber & Lyft require that their drivers carry insurance. The amount will depend on whether the driver has the app on and if there was a passenger in the car.
When the driver isn’t even logged into the app, then only their personal insurance applies. Washington requires that anyone registering a car carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury/death benefits, up to $50,000 when two or more are injured in a crash. A minimum of $10,000 in property damage is required as well.
More insurance is available if the driver is logged in. In that case, Uber provides at least $50,000 in injury/death benefits, up to $100,000 when two or more people are injured. At least $30,000 in property damage benefits are available for Uber accidents.
And if the driver has accepted a ride, then up to $1 million is available. The Uber or Lyft insurance should also provide underinsured motorist benefits. These are helpful if you are an Uber/Lyft passenger but another motorist is to blame for the crash. They might only have the state’s minimum coverage.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Rideshare accidents are in many ways like other types of collisions. Occupants can suffer terrifying injuries, such as whiplash, head injuries, and rib fractures. These injuries often cost people thousands in medical care and almost as much in lost income. You should not have to suffer this heavy financial blow if you are not to blame.
Call a rideshare lawyer with offices in Bellevue, Renton, Federal Way, & Seattle. We can review all evidence and help build a legal claim for compensation.