Vehicle Accidents /

Rideshare Accidents

Helping Those Involved in A Rideshare Accident Get Maximum Compensation

Tacoma Rideshare Accident Lawyers

You Can Recover Compensation If You’re Injured In A Rideshare Accident

Hitting the town in Tacoma and relying on a rideshare for a safe ride home? Unfortunately, accidents can happen, leaving you or a loved one injured or just confused about what to do next.

Who’s responsible?

How do you get the compensation you deserve?

These are crucial questions and rideshare accidents can involve complex legal issues.

Here at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler (RHHK), we understand the ins and outs of rideshare accidents in Washington State. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys can explain your rights, navigate the claims process, and get you fair compensation. As personal injury lawyers we can help you deal with with issues such as:

  • Insurance Coverage
  • Liability Determination
  • Driver Negligence or Impairment
  • Vehicle Safety and Road Conditions
  • Compensable Damages

Let’s take a closer look at rideshare companies and some key things that happen during and after a Lyft or Uber accident.

 

Rideshare Companies: A Closer Look

Often referred to as transportation network companies (TNCs), rideshare services like Uber and Lyft connect freelance drivers using personal vehicles with passengers via a smartphone app. While these services offer significant convenience, they raise questions about passenger safety and driver vetting processes.

Are rideshares dangerous?
There have been instances of criminal activities by individuals posing as Uber drivers or rideshare drivers, as well as concerns about the increase in traffic accidents and fatalities linked to the rise of these platforms.

 

How Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Accidents

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents involve additional parties and insurance policies. Determining liability depends on the specific circumstances of the crash, such as whether the rideshare app was active at the time of the accident.

What are key factors in rideshare accident claims?

Driver Status: The crux of many rideshare lawsuits revolves around driver classification. Rideshare companies often categorize drivers as independent contractors, not employees, limiting their liability for driver actions.

Insurance Coverage: Ridesharing companies provide contingent insurance for drivers, meaning coverage levels vary depending on the app’s status (on or off) and the ride stage (before, during, or after a trip).

Establishing Fault: Similar to any car accident case, proving fault in a rideshare accident hinges on demonstrating negligence – the other driver breached their duty of care (driving safely and obeying traffic laws) which caused your injuries.

How can I build a case against a rideshare company?
While employers are typically liable for their employees’ actions during work, this is less clear-cut with Uber and Lyft drivers who are considered independent contractors. However, there are circumstances under which a rideshare company can be held accountable:

  • Allowing a driver with a known poor record or criminal history to operate
  • Failing to adequately inspect or maintain vehicles
  • Negligence in conducting background checks

All drivers are expected to operate their rideshare vehicles with reasonable care and abide by traffic laws. If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, whether as a passenger or as a third party affected by the crash, proving fault involves two key elements similar to any motor vehicle accident:

  • The at-fault driver failed to uphold this duty by driving carelessly or violating traffic laws.
  • You sustained bodily injuries or property damages due to the driver’s breach of duty.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Do your best to move away from the accident scene and get to a safe location. After, call 911 to get medical care for you and other accident victims involved in the crash.

Get a thorough checkup, regardless of how you initially feel. Sometimes serious injuries don’t show until the adrenaline wears off.

Report the Incident: Notify the rideshare company through their app immediately. Both Uber and Lyft have specific protocols for dealing with accidents, which include insurance that may cover damages incurred during the ride.

Document the Accident: Gather evidence while you wait for the police to arrive. This includes driver details, vehicle information, and any witness statements and contact information. Photos and videos of the scene can also be great evidence for your personal injury case.

Get a Police Report: Request a police report to document the Uber or Lyft accident details.

Get Legal Advice From A Car Accident Lawyer: A skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options. If you decide to hire a lawyer they can help you navigate complicated insurance policies, big time insurance companies, and the other side’s attorneys.

 

How Is Liability Established In A Rideshare Accident?

Liability in a rideshare accident depends on various factors including who was the at fault driver, the status of the rideshare app during the accident, and the specific circumstances of the crash.

Rideshare companies provide insurance coverage that varies depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or driving with a passenger.

 

What You Can Recover in Rideshare Accident Cases

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

Medical Bills: Past, present, and future medical expenses related to your accident injuries.

Lost Wages: Income you lose due to your injuries and inability to work.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your goods.

 

Get A Free Consultation and Case Evaluation with Tacoma’s Personal Injury Lawyers

Our personal injury law firm has over 60 years of experience handling car accident cases, including those involving the most complex situations. Our legal team understands the nuances of Washington State law and rideshare insurance policies so we can help you make the best choices for your claim.

Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions.

Contingency Fee: You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case.

Aggressive Representation: We’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

You can complete the contact form below or call us at 253-383-5388 for a free case review and consultation.

START
Get Started

Do you have a case?

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

See if you have a case
Results
Our Results

The Proof

See All Case Results

Winning is when clients get the closure and compensation they deserve. We haven’t settled for less in the last sixty plus years. And we won’t for the next sixty.

$972,807
Client was involved in a rear end car accident and a herniated neck injury that required multiple surgeries. After settling with the insurance company for the responsible driver she recovered her $500,000 UIM benefit from her own insurance company.
$748,000
Client was involved in a rear end car accident on the freeway resulting in multiple injuries to client’s shoulder, neck, and wrist requiring multiple surgeries.
$600,000
As the result of a head on car accident, client suffered neck injury and underwent surgery.
$525,000
Client was involved in a rear end car accident on the freeway. He sustained a traumatic brain injury that significantly interfered with his ability to be employed.
$437,952
Client was involved in a car accident on the freeway which forced her vehicle off the road and into the shoulder. She suffered a closed head injury.
$300,000
Client was involved in a car accident where she was struck from the rear by a large van. Client suffered a neck injury which required surgery.
$275,000
Client involved in a car accident where another driver failed to yield the right of way and pulled in front of him at an intersection. Client suffered injuries to his neck and back.
$150,000
Client was involved in a rear end car accident resulting in a shoulder injury. Obtained insurance policy limits from all insurance carriers.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.

See All FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?

It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.

 

Learn More

What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?

A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.

 

Learn More

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.

 

Learn More

How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.

 

Learn More

Impact
Our Impact

3,000+
Success Stories

The change you want to see happens when your story goes beyond the courtroom and makes an impact after the case is closed.

  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
Justice

Let Us
Fight
For Your Story

We will demand the justice you deserve with relentless pursuit. On your side, is a firm ready and able to win.

Learn More About Our Attorneys