Everett Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular across the United States, providing a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional taxis and public transportation. However, accidents involving rideshare drivers can lead to complicated legal situations, especially when determining liability isn’t straightforward.

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities can be crucial, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance claims, liability, and compensation. Contact our Everett Uber & Lyft accident attorneys to assist you throughout the legal process. Call (833) 832-2727 today for a free case consultation.

Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Everett, WA

Rideshare accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, just like any other traffic accident. However, certain factors are more common among rideshare drivers due to the nature of their work. Here are some primary causes of rideshare accidents that our Everett car accident attorneys typically see:

Distracted Driving

Uber & Lyft drivers can become distracted for a number of reasons:

• App-related distractions: Rideshare drivers frequently interact with their phones to accept rides, follow GPS navigation, or communicate with passengers. This constant use of apps can divert attention away from the road.
• Passenger interactions: Engaging in conversation with passengers or dealing with passengers entering and exiting the vehicle can also distract drivers.
• Multitasking: Rideshare drivers may try to manage multiple tasks at once, such as checking for new ride requests while driving.

Fatigue

Tiredness can also play a role.

• Long hours on the road: Many rideshare drivers work long shifts or have irregular hours, especially if they drive part-time in addition to another job. Driver fatigue is a major contributor to accidents, as it impairs reaction times and decision-making.
• Late-night driving: Driving at night, particularly in cities, can be exhausting and increases the risk of accidents due to reduced visibility and driver fatigue.

Speeding

One of the leading causes of car accidents, drivers may speed for reasons including:

• Pressure to complete more rides: Rideshare drivers may feel pressure to complete as many trips as possible in a short time to maximize earnings, leading to speeding or aggressive driving.
• Rushing to pick up or drop off passengers: The incentive to quickly pick up passengers or meet deadlines for drop-offs can result in dangerous speeding, especially in busy or congested areas.

Inexperience with Roads or Areas

Rideshare drivers, especially those who work in multiple cities or regions, may be unfamiliar with local streets, road signs, or traffic patterns. This can lead to confusion or poor navigation decisions.

While GPS is helpful, it can also lead drivers to make sudden stops, turns, or lane changes as they follow directions, sometimes without giving proper signals or checking their surroundings.

Aggressive or Reckless Driving

Rideshare drivers often operate in high-traffic areas and may become frustrated or aggressive, leading to reckless driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or cutting off other vehicles.

In an attempt to avoid delays, some drivers may roll through stop signs, run red lights, or ignore other traffic signals, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Liability in Rideshare Accidents

Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complex because multiple parties could be at fault: the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company itself. Law firms specializing in these cases are well-versed in investigating fault and determining who should be held accountable.

The driver’s status at the time of the accident (whether they were on duty, actively transporting a passenger, or simply logged into the app) affects how insurance coverage applies. Most major rideshare companies, like Uber or Lyft, have different insurance tiers based on these statuses.

Insurance Coverage Tiers

When a driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride, there’s typically contingent liability coverage. If the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or already transporting someone, the coverage increases.

Many rideshare drivers rely on their personal auto insurance, which may not cover commercial activities like ridesharing. In these cases, the rideshare company’s insurance kicks in. Law firms can help navigate this to ensure victims get the maximum compensation possible.

Rights as a Passenger

If you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you’re usually covered by the company’s insurance policies in the event of an accident. Law firms specializing in rideshare accidents can help you ensure that you receive the compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Law firms can also guide you through the process of filing a claim against both the rideshare company and any at-fault parties, making sure all potential sources of compensation are pursued.

Injuries and Medical Costs

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured right after the accident, it’s vital to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, but delayed treatment could lead to complications down the road and weaken your legal case.

Brumley Law Firm can assist you in ensuring that all of your medical records are properly documented and organized, as these records are essential in proving the extent of your injuries. Having detailed medical documentation allows your attorney to accurately calculate the damages you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and the impact of the injuries on your daily life.

Certain injuries from car accidents, such as whiplash, brain injuries, or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent. These types of injuries can take days or even weeks to fully manifest, and without proper medical care, they can worsen over time. We can help ensure that your case accounts for these potential complications and that your claim reflects any future medical expenses that may arise as a result of these delayed injuries. This includes the cost of long-term treatments, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care that may be required to recover.

Additionally, if the injuries from the accident affect your ability to work, a law firm can assist in calculating lost earning capacity. This means that if you are unable to return to your previous job or need to take time off due to the accident, your legal team will factor this into your compensation claim. They will help build a case to demonstrate how the injuries have impacted your ability to earn income, ensuring you are compensated for future financial losses as well.

How an Everett Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help

There are many reasons you may want to hire an Everett Uber & Lyft accident lawyer, including:

• Expertise in Rideshare Laws: Law firms experienced in rideshare accidents understand the nuances of rideshare company policies and how they interact with state laws. They can help you navigate tricky legal territory, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
• Maximizing Compensation: Law firms can help you secure compensation not just for immediate medical expenses but also for long-term damages, emotional distress, and lost wages.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle claims for as little as possible. A law firm will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the settlement you deserve.
• No Upfront Costs: Brumley Law Firm works on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you win your case, making legal help accessible even if you’re facing financial hardship after the accident.
• Complexity of Multi-Party Cases: Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties – other drivers, the rideshare company, and even the vehicle manufacturer. A skilled attorney can navigate these complexities, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable.

A law firm’s involvement in a rideshare accident case can significantly impact the outcome, ensuring that you’re properly compensated and protected in a complex legal landscape.

Contact Our Everett Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Today

Involved in a car accident? Don’t navigate the legal process alone. At Brumley Law Firm, we understand the stress and uncertainty that follow an accident. Our experienced Everett Uber & Lyft accident attorneys are here to guide you through every step, from dealing with insurance companies to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today at (833) 832-2727 or complete our easy online form to schedule your free consultation. An Everett injury attorney from our firm will review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights – all at no cost to you. Don’t wait, your path to recovery starts with a simple call.