Seattle Rideshare Accident Attorneys

How Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?

Rideshare accidents can occur due to a variety of factors and can involve multiple parties. Potential sources of liability in a rideshare accident may include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company that contracts the driver, another motorist involved in the accident, or even a third-party entity such as a vehicle manufacturer or a city municipality if poor road conditions contributed to the accident. When you hire our Seattle rideshare accident lawyers, part of our role will be to investigate the crash to figure out why it happened and which parties could be named as liable defendants.

Several forms of negligence can contribute to a rideshare accident, such as:

• Driver error: Driver mistakes are among the most common causes of rideshare accidents. Simple errors like speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving (such as using a phone or GPS while driving) can be all it takes for a rideshare driver to cause a crash.
• Rideshare company negligence: If the rideshare company failed to conduct a thorough background check on its drivers, it could be held liable for any accidents caused by its drivers. There have also been arguments that Uber and Lyft require their drivers to be distracted behind the wheel because they must use a smartphone app while picking up and ferrying passengers, which could add to the companies’ liabilities.
• Third-party driver negligence: Another motorist's negligence, such as failing to yield the right of way or running a red light, can cause an accident involving a rideshare vehicle.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, insufficient signage, or lack of proper lighting can contribute to an accident. In these situations, a government entity could potentially be held liable for failing to maintain safe road conditions, which will only add complications to the legal situations to follow.

Why are Rideshare Accident Claims Complicated?

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft consider their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction can complicate matters as the companies often attempt to deflect liability for accidents, arguing that they are simply intermediaries between passengers and these independent drivers. 

Furthermore, Uber and Lyft each carry a $1 million liability policy, but this is often secondary to the driver's personal insurance. Understanding when each policy applies, and dealing with insurance companies that may attempt to minimize payouts, can be a challenging process if you aren’t represented by an attorney.

You also need to be aware that the statute of limitations in Washington state adds a time-sensitive element to a rideshare accident claim. In Washington, a lawsuit for personal injury must generally be filed within three years of the date of the accident. When filing against certain defendants – like a government entity – the statute of limitations can be even shorter, so you must not delay when seeking legal counsel.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

Seven steps to take after a rideshare accident in Washington are:

1. Ensure safety: The first priority is to check if you and others involved in the accident are safe. If anyone needs medical help, call 911 immediately.
2. Call the police: Regardless of the extent of the damages or injuries, it's important to report the accident to the police or the local sheriff’s department. Officers will document the accident, which can be crucial for your claim later on, and direct traffic away from the crash so no one else gets hurt.
3. Document the scene: If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs. This evidence can be valuable in establishing what happened and who was at fault.
4. Collect information: Gather as much information as you can about the rideshare driver, other drivers involved, and any witnesses. This information should include names, contact details, insurance information, and the rideshare driver's app status at the time of the accident.
5. Inform the rideshare service: Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app or website. Both Uber and Lyft, for example, have procedures for reporting accidents that occur during a trip. You don’t need to go into details or opinions at this point, so try to stick to what you know objectively.
6. Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the accident, it's advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and a medical record can be important evidence in your claim.
7. Consult an attorney: Once all other steps are completed, you should contact our Seattle rideshare accident lawyers. The sooner we can start on your case, the simpler it can be for us to find and use important pieces of evidence.