The Impact of a Seattle Uber and Lyft Accident

Thanks to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, individuals in the Seattle metropolitan area can take advantage of a new variety of transportation options. Companies like these offer those who can’t or don’t wish to drive an opportunity to secure both group and private rides with little more than a few taps on a smartphone application.

Working professionals, students, and those planning a night out on the town rely on these services to help them reach their destinations safely.

But what happens when a ride with a Lyft or Uber driver goes awry? What rights do victims have, and what compensation can they pursue if they’re involved in a rideshare accident?

Many victims battle conflicting information in the days following their accidents. Drivers fearing legal penalties and not-so-transparent ride-sharing representatives may further complicate the process.

Boohoff Law: Your Seattle Uber Accident Lawyers

An experienced Seattle car accident lawyer can help guide you through the process of protecting your legal rights. Many people rely on these services when they feel they cannot or should not drive themselves.

Whether we are trying to avoid frustrating traffic or we’re unable to drive after a few drinks, it’s not uncommon for us to turn to ridesharing as an active effort to avoid accidents. When a crash occurs, it can be a terrifying and wholly unexpected experience.

The time following a rideshare accident is often riddled with confusion. Many injured victims find that they struggle to contend with complicated and excessive paperwork following their crash, and many more receive paltry settlement offers that scarcely cover medical bills and fail to account for the extent of their suffering caused by the crash.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have complex insurance policies. Most passengers are unaware of the policies and guidelines outlined for rideshare drivers, but understanding the factors that might come into play in a personal injury claim following an accident can be helpful.

Our Commitment to You

Countless rideshare accident victims are partnered with unreliable, careless, or unmotivated attorneys. If you or a loved one have been involved in a rideshare accident, you deserve to work with a knowledgeable and empathetic legal professional.

Victims injured by a rideshare driver’s negligence should seek legal advice from a reputable attorney with a deep understanding of Washington law.

At Boohoff Law, we take focused steps to ensure that accident victims receive the compensation and assistance they deserve.

Our skilled legal team works tirelessly to aid in our clients’ pursuit of legal recourse after they are involved in a rideshare accident. We rely on:

• Meticulous investigation to turn up as much evidence to benefit your case as possible.
• Comprehensive preparation to ensure that both our team and our clients are well-prepared and informed before beginning the legal process.
• Extensive personal service to help us build meaningful relationships and help clients feel at ease.
• A retained team of litigation and medical paralegals to help our clients fight for their rights with specialized knowledge and assistance.

Contact an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer at Boohoff Law today for a free case consultation.

Uber or Lyft Accident Injuries

Even a minor Uber-Lyft accident has the potential to cause serious injuries, but some crashes lead to catastrophic damage and bodily harm. 

Depending on the circumstances and the severity of the crash, victims may experience:

• Whiplash;
• Scrapes, cuts, and lesions;
• Head and neck injuries;
• Brain injuries;
• Back injuries;
• Chest injuries;
• Concussions;
• Spinal cord and nerve damage;
• Paralysis;
• Herniated discs;
• Vocal cord paralysis
• Ligament damage

An experienced medical professional must evaluate all of the injuries you sustain in a rideshare accident. Even if you don’t exhibit any negative symptoms after a rideshare accident, it’s best to visit a doctor to ensure your safety and well-being.

Doctors may be able to pinpoint injuries that have been dormant for a period of time or that haven’t worsened to the degree that they’re noticeable yet.

Potential Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

The same factors that increase the risk of all other vehicle accidents impact the likelihood of experiencing a motor vehicle collision during an Uber or Lyft ride.

Unfortunately, relying on another party for transportation means the situation is largely out of passengers’ hands. Every driver puts themselves at some risk when they head out onto the road.

Other drivers can cause accidents even if you behave and drive flawlessly. Still, drivers can generally take steps to ensure that they’ve done all they can to ensure their own safety. Rideshare passengers do not have this opportunity.

A rideshare accident may be caused by the Uber or Lyft driver, but could also be the fault of other drivers on the road. Your driver or those in the vehicles around you may:

• Be inattentive or distracted while driving;
• Make improper turns or execute other improper maneuvers;
• Park illegally;
• Drive while intoxicated;
• Exhibit signs of road rage or aggressive driving; and/or
• Have to grapple with dangerous road or weather conditions.

Distracted driving, in particular, tends to be a common issue for rideshare drivers. These drivers rely on the rideshare company’s application to view GPS maps and receive driving directions. Paying too much attention to maps, getting distracted or confused by directions, and other similar issues can all greatly increase the risk of a crash.

All of the above factors can potentially put both drivers and passengers at risk. If you notice that your driver is engaging in any of these behaviors or exhibiting signs of intoxication, it is in your best interest to leave the vehicle as soon as it’s possible to do so safely.

Never allow another individual to put your wellbeing in harm’s way, and don’t hesitate to contact authorities if you believe that your rideshare driver is doing something illegal.

Navigating the Web of Auto Insurance Coverage

A majority of rideshare automobile accidents end up involving three insurance agencies:

1. The rideshare company’s insurance company;
2. The rideshare driver’s personal and private insurer; and
3. The insurance company covering any other driver involved in the accident.

This can prove overwhelming for an accident victim who doesn’t understand where to begin pursuing compensation.

Many rideshare crash victims must endure multiple insurance companies working together with one common goal: to try to diminish the victim’s injuries in hopes of offering them a low, unfair settlement. With so many insurance companies involved in the time that follows a rideshare accident, it becomes easy to see why turning to a legal professional for help is the best choice.

A trustworthy, seasoned attorney can help you untangle the mess of paperwork and communication you may receive from these companies. Your lawyer may also help you stand up for yourself against such companies in court.

Victims’ Options When Insurance Companies Fail to Pay

Unfortunately, many rideshare accident victims find themselves being denied the compensation that they deserve after they are injured. Rideshare insurance companies can and do refuse to pay victims after some crashes.

After retaining a lawyer that you feel you can trust to keep your best interests in mind, you have a few options to help you move forward. Victims can fight the rideshare’s insurance company if they feel they may have enough evidence to prevail in court.

If you elect to follow this path, your attorney will need to help you prove that the rideshare’s insurer denied your claim illegally. A legal professional will be able to help review the terms of the relevant rideshare policy and ensure that you have a case before getting caught up in a legal tug-of-war.

Technically, you also have the option to directly sue the driver who was transporting you at the time of the accident. Some private insurance companies will cover the damages caused during an accident that can be traced back to the rideshare driver if that driver holds a personal policy with the insurance company.

Rideshare drivers are like any other drivers on the road, though, and may not have adequate insurance of their own.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Seattle Rideshare Accident?

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Seattle, you may be eligible to recover various damages. The specific damages you can seek depend on factors such as the extent of your injuries, property damage, and the circumstances of the accident. Here are common types of damages you may be able to recover:

• Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, including ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
• Lost Wages: If the accident results in missed work or a diminished ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both current and future income that you may lose due to the injuries sustained.
• Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property is typically covered. This may include repair or replacement costs.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress may also be recoverable. These damages are more subjective and often depend on the severity and impact of your injuries.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the spouse or family members of the injured party may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship or support resulting from the injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the rideshare driver, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one dies as a result of a rideshare accident, certain surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of the loss.

To pursue these damages, it’s crucial to gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any available documentation related to your losses. Working with an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Seattle can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Remember that Washington operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Speaking with a lawyer can help you understand how this might apply to your specific case.