Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have made it convenient to hire a comfortable, private vehicle at the touch of an app. Fortunately, most Uber and Lyft rides end with the passenger safely dropped off at their destination, but it only takes an instant for an accident to have temporary or permanent life-altering consequences. If you or a close family member were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact a trusted Arlington personal injury attorney at Wells Trumbull at (360) 435-1663 to learn about your right to compensation.
Why Choosing Wells Trumbull Might Be Right for You
The lead attorneys at Wells Trumbull have dedicated their careers to advocating for injury victims, including against powerful defendants and their large insurance companies. With our team behind your Uber or Lyft accident claim, expect the following:
- Access to key resources, such as medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists
- Our years of experience navigating complex rideshare insurance means we target the appropriate policy and seek the maximum available compensation for your losses
- We take the time to get to know you and personalize a strategy based on your unique claim instead of using a cookie-cutter approach that might not have the best possible result for your case
After your free consultation, we work at no cost until we’ve first recovered your compensation.
What Causes Most Uber & Lyft Accidents In Arlington?
With more people choosing rideshares rather than using public transport, the overall increase in traffic congestion has caused a 3% rise in traffic accident fatalities. Because Uber and Lyft operators have a strong financial incentive to complete as many rides as possible per shift, accidents may be caused by the following:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving due to app use
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Tailgating
- Illegally passing
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Improperly merging
- Running through red lights or stop signs
- Inexperienced driving
- Impaired driving
As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft car, you are never held liable for accident-related damages. However, if your injuries occurred in another vehicle, the rideshare insurance company could try to devalue your claim by shifting fault to you unless you have experienced legal representation.
What Makes Arlington Uber & Lyft Accident Claims Uniquely Complex?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are rarely liable for accidents because they use independent contractors rather than employees as drivers. Fortunately, they do require their drivers to carry specialized rideshare insurance. However, the coverage available depends on the stage of the rideshare. For instance:
- When an Uber or Lyft driver uses their vehicle for private reasons, their personal auto insurance is in place, typically with standard Washington car insurance coverage
- Once the driver turns on the Uber or Lyft app and seeks a booking, their lower-level rideshare insurance coverage is effective, with up to $25,000 in property damage coverage, $50,000 per person in injury coverage, or $100,000 total available per accident
- Once the driver is on the way to pick up a scheduled passenger, during the trip with the passenger in the car until drop-off, the top level of insurance is in effect with up to $1,000,000 in coverage available
Because of this multi-level coverage, insurance companies often dispute liability or point to other policies. It takes an experienced Uber & Lyft accident attorney to make a compelling claim for the full compensation available to a rideshare accident victim in Washington.
Call or Contact Wells Trumbull About Your Right to Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident In Arlington
You have the right to the full value of your losses, including total past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact Wells Trumbull to learn how we can help you with your financial recovery while you focus on your physical one.