Touted as an eco-conscious, affordable, and convenient means of transportation, ridesharing has become increasingly popular in the last decade. Ridesharing is often attributed to decreasing rates of intoxicated driving, as well. While rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are contributing to safer roadways in some respects, rideshares are still part of fatal accidents and injuries.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car crash involving a rideshare driver, you may have the legal grounds to seek compensation for your losses. A Seattle ridesharing accident lawyer can review your case and help explain your options. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
Injuries & Damages Associated with Ridesharing Accidents
Passengers in an accident may face many different types of injuries, some of which are permanently debilitating or fatal. If you have been in a car crash, seek medical attention immediately.
Some injuries commonly associated with car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
Make sure you get a thorough evaluation after your accident to determine the full scope of your injuries. In addition to the cost of emergency care, ongoing medical treatment, and rehabilitation, you may suffer lost wages if you are unable to work and reduced earning capacity if you cannot resume your previous professional endeavors.
After receiving appropriate medical attention, consider contacting a Seattle ridesharing accident lawyer. A lawyer can evaluate your case and potentially help you seek financial compensation for your losses, which might include medical bills, lost wages, emotional pain and suffering, and reduced earning capacity, among others.
A Seattle ridesharing accident lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help identify the full scope of the damages you have suffered and determine how much compensation you can reasonably request for your losses. To learn more, call us today to speak with a member of our team.
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Washington Car Accident Laws
Washington state has several traffic laws that apply to a variety of actions, including passing, turning, and following safely. These are designed to keep everyone safe on the road, including rideshare passengers.
Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) §46.61.667 and RCW §46.61.668, drivers are also prohibited from using electronic devices, including cell phones, GPS, or tablets, while driving. While rideshare drivers often need to use electronic devices to accept driving assignments and contact passengers, they must do so responsibly and in compliance with the law.
When any driver—including a rideshare contractor or employee—fails to obey these laws, they may be liable for the consequences of their actions.
Car Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers
Drivers must carry a certain amount of auto insurance coverage. While not all states have specific laws regarding rideshare drivers, Washington does. RCW §48.177 specifically mandates that rideshare company drivers must carry a minimum amount of coverage.
The rideshare company must provide at least $1 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for when a passenger is in the vehicle. The company must also insure its drivers with at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage, and $30,000 for property damage liability coverage when the driver is logged onto the rideshare network but does not have a passenger.
Statute of Limitations
You have limited time to bring a personal injury lawsuit against a rideshare company or driver. This time limit is also known as the statute of limitations. Per the RCW §4.16.080, you must file your personal injury lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident.
Seattle Ridesharing Accidens Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Liability in a Rideshare Car Accident
Generally, incidents involving rideshare vehicles follow the same guidelines as those involving any other type of vehicle—that is, the at-fault driver is responsible for the damages they caused. However, proving liability is not easy, particularly because multiple parties may carry some fault. The RCW §4.22.005 outlines the state’s car crash liability policy. According to this policy, each party involved in an accident may carry some of the blame. In some cases, one driver is entirely at fault, while in others, multiple parties are partially to blame. Even if you are partially responsible for the accident—by distracting the driver, for example—you may still be eligible to receive compensation at an adjusted rate.In addition to a police officer’s assessment at the scene, insurance companies may perform independent investigations. These are not always objective or accurate, however. With the assistance of a Seattle ridesharing accident lawyer, you can establish a fair account of events to lay the foundation for your claim.
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How Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help
Our team of Seattle ridesharing lawyers can help you in the following ways:
- Perform an independent investigation by evaluating police reports, insurance claims, and eyewitness statements
- Gather evidence to show the sequence of events that led to the crash
- Build a case for a personal injury claim
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance companies
- Pursue fair compensation on your behalf via a civil settlement or in civil court
- Keep you updated throughout the process
If you have suffered because of a rideshare driver’s negligence, consider contacting an attorney to discuss your options and determine if you have legal grounds to pursue a case. If a driver for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service is responsible for your accident, they should be held accountable for their actions. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
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