Seattle Rideshare Accident Attorneys 

Holding Rideshare Drivers & Companies Accountable for Your Injuries in Washington

Rideshare services have become part of daily life for many Seattle residents and visitors. These platforms offer great convenience, but they also introduce risks that can lead to devastating accidents. The high volume of rideshare traffic in busy areas such as Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the University District creates heightened risk of crashes. 

These risks don’t just result in typical car accidents. They often involve multiple parties, including drivers, corporations, and other external factors. Victims face complex challenges in seeking justice, often due to the involvement of large companies which are known to aggressively minimize liability.

Alvandi Law Group, P.C. is committed to advocating for rideshare accident victims in Seattle. With our in-depth understanding of local traffic challenges, Washington laws, and rideshare policies, we stand ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma. 

Rideshare accidents require knowledgeable representation. Call (800) 980-6905 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation with our rideshare accident attorney in Seattle.

Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents 

Determining who is at fault in a rideshare accident is rarely straightforward. Liability might fall on the rideshare driver, the company, another motorist, or even a government entity. 

Key Parties and Their Roles 

• Drivers: Rideshare drivers may engage in negligent behaviors, such as distracted driving to respond to app notifications or rushing to meet tight schedules. An example of fault would include a driver running a red light while focusing on app directions and striking another vehicle. 
• Rideshare Companies: Uber and Lyft often argue that they only act as technology platforms, limiting their exposure to liability. However, companies can be held responsible in certain cases. For instance, when app navigation contributed to unsafe driving behavior. 

The Independent Contractor Shield 

Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, which usually exempts them from being vicariously liable for a driver's actions. While this is a legal hurdle, pressing companies to adhere to safety obligations like providing insurance coverage can still yield compensation for victims.  Additionally, if a rideshare company fails in its duties, such as conducting proper background checks or ensuring vehicle safety, it may still be held accountable in certain cases.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Rideshare accidents involve a unique tiered insurance structure. The available coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Here’s what you need to know:

Coverage Phases

1. App Off: If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, personal insurance is generally the only coverage available. Most personal policies exclude coverage if the car is used for commercial purposes. 
2. Period 1 (App On, No Passenger Request): Limited coverage from Uber or Lyft applies at this stage. Typical coverage limits include:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury. 
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. 
• $25,000 for property damage. 

1. Periods 2 & 3 (En Route to Pick Up or During a Ride): When the driver is transporting or en route to a passenger, the company typically provides up to $1 million in liability coverage. 

Challenges in Obtaining Compensation 

Rideshare companies frequently dispute claims to minimize payouts. Common tactics include:

• Denying the driver was logged into the app at the time of the accident. 
• Arguing that the accident happened during the driver’s personal time. 
• Blaming third parties to offset responsibility. 

Navigating these disputes requires careful collection of evidence, such as app data and timestamped trip records.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Rideshare Accident 

Taking the right steps after a rideshare crash can protect your health and strengthen your claim. Here’s an expanded guide to follow:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention -Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries like whiplash may not present symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. Retain all medical records and bills, as they are crucial evidence. 
2. Document the Scene - Capture wide-angle photos of the accident site, focusing on damaged vehicles, skid marks, and traffic signals. Record audio or video of witness statements and secure their contact information. 
3. Preserve App Data - Take screenshots of the trip information in the rideshare app, such as driver details, timestamps, and payment records. 
4. Contact Authorities - File a police report detailing all relevant facts. This document can be essential when negotiating a claim later. 
5. Deal Cautiously with Insurance Adjusters - Avoid signing any agreements or making recorded statements until consulting an attorney. Insurance companies may use your words to minimize payouts. 

The Impact of Uber and Lyft on Seattle Roads

Uber and Lyft have become a central part of Seattle’s transportation options. Their convenience, especially in areas underserved by traditional transit, has made them a primary travel choice. Seattle taxicabs peaked in usage in 2012, completing slightly over 5.2 million trips per year. Today, Uber and Lyft combined are on track to provide more than 31 million trips annually.

However, this growing reliance on app-based transportation services has led to new challenges for Seattle’s already congested streets. Up to a third of rideshare drivers have been involved in a crash, according to a study from the University of Illinois Chicago. 

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents in Seattle result from several factors, many related to the unique dynamics of city driving:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers often split their attention between navigation apps, rideshare platforms, and the road.
• Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work irregular hours, with some extending their shifts to serve late-night travelers or early-morning commuters.
• Unfamiliarity with Routes: Seattle’s complex street network includes unpredictable traffic patterns and challenging highways like Interstate 5 and Aurora Avenue.
• Seattle’s Traffic Problem: Drivers in the Seattle area lose 138 hours per year to traffic. Ride-hailing services add to downtown congestion, especially in busy neighborhoods like South Lake Union.
• Unsafe Driving Practices: The need to quickly pick up or drop off passengers often prompts drivers to stop in unsafe locations, disrupting traffic flow.
• Weather Conditions: Seattle’s rainy climate causes slick roads and reduced visibility, increasing crash risks. 

A thorough understanding of these causes strengthens claims and helps advocate for changes that improve road safety.

How Washington State Laws Impact Rideshare Accident Claims 

Understanding Washington’s legal framework can significantly affect the outcome of a rideshare accident claim. 

Rideshare injury claims in Washington must address both state and local regulations. For example, Seattle requires extra licensing for app-based ride services and has strict background check rules for drivers, which can shape liability if a company failed to follow these requirements. Washington’s Department of Licensing also oversees rideshare operations to protect public safety, giving injured parties more ways to check a driver’s compliance with local and state law.

Comparative Negligence 

Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows accident victims to recover damages even if they share responsibility for an accident. The compensation awarded decreases in proportion to the claimant's share of fault. For example, if your total damages are $100,000 and you are found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

Statutory Limitations 

Victims of personal injury accidents are required to file their claims within 3 years from the date of the incident, as per statutory limitations. This deadline is crucial, as failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to pursue any compensation for your injuries or damages.

Types of Compensation in Rideshare Accidents

Victims of rideshare accidents may be able to claim compensation to address their losses. These usually fall into two main categories:

• Economic Damages. These cover tangible, measurable losses from the accident. Examples include medical bills, ongoing therapy, medications, lost income from missing work, and repair or replacement of damaged property.
• Non-Economic Damages. These include intangible losses that are difficult to quantify. Victims can seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress from the trauma, or loss of enjoyment of life due to ongoing physical or emotional impacts.

The Role of Technology in Rideshare Accident Cases 

In rideshare accident claims, having solid evidence is essential to building a strong case, and technology plays a crucial role in providing that proof. The digital tools and data associated with rideshare services can clarify what happened during an accident and who is to blame. 

• GPS Data: GPS tracking records the driver's speed, location, and route at the time of the accident. This information can help determine if the driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or following traffic rules prior to the crash. 
• Dashcam Footage: Dashcams are invaluable in accident cases, offering a real-time visual account of the collision. This footage can clear up disputes about fault, show the behavior of other drivers, or reveal unexpected hazards that led to the crash. 
• App Logs: Rideshare apps log critical details, such as whether the driver was active on the platform, picking up a passenger, or completing a trip. This is important in understanding the type of insurance coverage in effect at the time of the accident and determining liability. 

By leveraging these technologies, both accident victims and their legal teams can build a stronger case. They help verify claims, reinforce credible accounts, and expose inconsistencies in opposing parties' arguments.

Injured in a rideshare accident? Call (800) 980-6905 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Uber & Lyft accident attorney in Seattle. We’re available 24/7 to assist you.