Key Takeaways
- Rideshare accidents are somewhat common in Seattle due to human error, driver negligence, and roadway defects.
- Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, so the companies typically can’t be held responsible for crashes caused by driver negligence.
- A lawsuit against Uber or Lyft might be possible if the company’s own negligence, such as lax hiring policies, is connected to the accident.
- Both companies maintain $1 million policies covering riders, third-party drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians in accidents their drivers cause.
- If the driver was logged into the app, a claim can generally go to the company’s insurer; otherwise, the driver’s private policy may apply.
Due to human error, driver negligence and roadway defects, rideshare vehicle accidents are somewhat common in Seattle, Washington. Uber and Lyft have legal responsibilities over the safety of their passengers and the public in general. Unfortunately, rideshare companies and their drivers do not always fulfill their duties. Uber and Lyft often cut corners to save money, then use investigative teams to help protect them from liability.
Injured in a Car Accident? We Can Help You Seek Compensation
If you get into an accident involving a rideshare vehicle as a rider, third-party driver, bicyclist or pedestrian, do not wait to contact the Seattle Uber/Lyft accident attorneys at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC. We may be able to help you recover. Hiring an attorney could strengthen your claim to damages against a rich and powerful rideshare company.
Why Choose Our Seattle Uber Accident Injury Lawyer?
- We always put the best interests of our clients first, assessing what they need to not only obtain compensation but truly recover.
- We are true trial attorneys, able to advocate for your rights and best interests against Uber or Lyft in a courtroom in King County, if necessary.
- We secure the results our clients need using proven legal strategies. Our attorneys have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of their clients.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis during Seattle Uber/Lyft accident injury claims. We charge $0 in fees unless we succeed in winning the case.
“At Paulson Coletti, ‘liberty and justice for all’ is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.”
Is Uber/Lyft Liable for an Accident?
Rideshare companies work hard to escape liability for accidents their drivers cause. In Washington and throughout the country, Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This safeguards the companies from having vicarious liability for the actions and mistakes of their drivers. It is typically not possible, therefore, to hold Uber or Lyft responsible for wrecks arising from driver negligence. If, however, your lawyer finds proof of the company’s negligence connected to your accident (e.g. lax hiring policies), a lawsuit against the company might be possible.
If you have injuries as a passenger or a third party outside of an Uber/Lyft vehicle, you may be able to file a claim with the company’s insurance provider. Both rideshare companies maintain $1 million policies to cover riders, third-party drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians after accidents their drivers cause. Parts of these policies may pay for your injuries, medical bills and damages if you were in a covered window of time. In general, if the rideshare driver was logged into the app when he or she caused your crash, you will be able to file with Uber or Lyft’s insurance company for damages.
If the Uber or Lyft driver was not logged in or on an official ride, you may still be able to bring a claim against his or her private insurance policy. Otherwise, you could seek damages from another at-fault party, such as a different driver, a product manufacturer or the City of Seattle for a dangerous roadway. The lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC can help you name the defendant in your case after investigating your Seattle car accident. Then, we can assist you with the claims process, from filing your initial insurance demand letter to negotiating for fair compensation on your behalf.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Contact a Seattle Uber/Lyft Accident Injury Attorney Today
The aftermath of a vehicle collision in Seattle with an Uber or Lyft car can be confusing and overwhelming for you as an injured victim. You might not know where to turn for advice you can trust or for fair compensation for your damages. Retaining a car accident attorney can give you a confidant and ally during this difficult time. Your lawyer can protect your rights at each stage of the claims process.
Our attorneys also have extensive experience representing those who have been sexually assaulted in Uber and Lyft.
If you have injuries from an Uber or Lyft vehicle accident, or if a member of your family died in a fatal rideshare collision in Seattle, please contact us for a free legal consultation. Speak to the attorneys at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC today at (503) 226-6361.