Renton Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Renton, WA, understanding your legal rights and how to handle the aftermath is crucial. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be more complex than typical car accidents because they often involve multiple insurance policies and legal factors unique to ridesharing.

In these cases, determining liability can be challenging. You may need to navigate policies from Uber, Lyft, and the driver’s personal insurance, which is where experienced legal help comes in. A Renton car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you gather the necessary evidence, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. Contact the Renton Uber & Lyft accident lawyers at Brumley Law Firm today to receive a free case consultation. Call (833) 832-2727.

Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Renton, WA

Rideshare accidents can result from various factors, including:

  • Distracted driving from using the associated app or talking to passengers.
  • Driver fatigue due to long or late-night shifts.
  • Driver impairment from alcohol, drugs, or medications.
  • Inexperience with routes or over-reliance on GPS.
  • Interactions with pedestrians and cyclists in busy urban areas.
  • Other drivers’ negligence, which can contribute to rideshare accidents.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance leading to mechanical failures.
  • Poor weather conditions, like rain or snow, increasing accident risks.
  • Speeding and reckless driving to complete rides quickly.
  • Sudden stops and unpredictable driving for passenger pick-ups/drop-offs.

These factors, individually or combined, increase the likelihood of accidents in rideshare services.

Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents

In Renton, as in the rest of Washington State, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a rideshare accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file a claim seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, or other losses resulting from the accident. After this period, it becomes very difficult, if not impossible, to pursue a legal claim.

It’s important to act promptly, as evidence may become harder to gather over time, and witness memories may fade. Additionally, certain exceptions can extend the statute of limitations, such as if the injured party is a minor or incapacitated at the time of the accident.

For the best outcome, it’s advisable to contact a Renton personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and all necessary steps are taken within the legal timeframe.

renton uber & lyft accident attorney

Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have specialized insurance policies that provide coverage for drivers, passengers, and third parties involved in accidents. These policies vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident (whether they were logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, en route to a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger). Here’s a breakdown of typical rideshare insurance policies:

Offline (Driver Not Logged Into the App)

When the rideshare driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the only policy in effect. Uber and Lyft do not provide coverage during this time.

Available for a Ride (Driver Logged In, No Passenger Yet)

When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, both Uber and Lyft offer contingent liability coverage:

  • Bodily Injury: Up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident.
  • Property Damage: Up to $25,000 per accident.

This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal auto insurance doesn’t cover the accident.

En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride

Once a driver accepts a ride request and is either en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting them, the rideshare company provides higher insurance coverage:

  • $1 million third-party liability coverage: This covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties (e.g., pedestrians or other drivers).
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage: This kicks in if the rideshare driver or passengers are injured by another driver who doesn’t have enough insurance.
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage: This coverage is available if the driver has their own comprehensive/collision policy and covers vehicle damage with a deductible (usually $1,000).

Contact Our Renton Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Today

Injured in a rideshare accident and unsure where to turn? Brumley Law Firm is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Call our Renton Uber & Lyft accident lawyers today at (833) 832-2727 or fill out our easy online form to schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced attorneys handle the hard work while you focus on healing.