When you step into an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you expect to be able to get to your destination quickly and safely. Rideshare has become a big part of our lives. In fact, a 2018 survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that 36% of U.S. adults have used rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, compared to only 15% in 2015.
Most of the time, rideshares can be a reliable way to get around when you don’t want to or cannot drive. Yet, sometimes accidents happen. If you are in an accident and suffered losses as a result of it, it may be critical to turn to a Tacoma Uber accident attorney for legal support.
Don’t assume you don’t have a case. Our Tacoma Lyft accident lawyer, Blake Kremer, can provide more insight into what your options and rights are, giving you the support you need to move through this process, so you get financial support for what you’ve lost due to someone else’s mistakes.
Uber Accidents
Uber is a large rideshare company first founded in 2009. It operates around the world and in many metro areas in the U.S., including in Tacoma and the surrounding areas. Those who are Uber drivers are independent contractors, meaning they are not company employees. Rather, they are able to make their own hours and decisions about their business.
Uber requires drivers to maintain a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years of age, and complete a background check. They use their personal vehicles to work. Their private insurance policy is not likely to provide protection while they work, but Uber’s liability insurance requirements, a policy created through Uber, provides up to $1 million in coverage if the Uber driver causes an accident that injures another person or causes damage to others.
If you were in an accident, work with a Tacoma Uber accident attorney to get the compensation owed to you. This is critically important since these types of claims can be hard to handle.
Lyft Accidents
Lyft is a rideshare company founded in 2012 that operates throughout the world, including in Tacoma and the surrounding areas. Like Uber, Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles to transport people around the region and are paid based on the work they do. Also, like Uber, drivers do not have coverage under their personal vehicle insurance to meet the needs of their passengers should an accident occur.
Drivers do have coverage under a $1 million liability policy. This protects the passengers and others who may suffer injury or loss due to the negligence of the driver. Keep in mind that this does not come from the driver but through a policy through Lyft.
If you are suffering after an accident with these professionals, it is important to have a Tacoma Lyft accident lawyer working for you. Lyft, like Uber, has highly experienced attorneys as well as insurance adjusters who will do all they can to reduce what they pay out to you. Having your own attorney is critical.
How Do I Handle My Rideshare Accident?
If you were in any type of accident with Uber or Lyft, your first step is to document the incident. That includes calling the police so that a formal accident report is created documenting what occurred. You will need to gather information about the driver, any other passengers, and any insights into what could have happened. Get the contact information for anyone nearby that saw what occurred as well, if it is safe to do so.
Be sure you get to the hospital after the incident. That helps to record your injuries.
Then, let your Tacoma rideshare accident lawyer work with you to complete the process. The ideal situation involves determining what all of your losses are, even those you may not be aware of or long-term needs you may not have realized yet. Your attorney will guide you in filing a claim and, if not agreed, will negotiate it for you. If that does not resolve the compensation loss you have, your rideshare accident lawyer will then work to pursue a trial on your behalf.
Don’t settle for whatever the insurance company for the rideshare company provides to you. Remember, they want you to pay less than you’re owed.
Who Can Be Compensated After a Rideshare Accident?
If you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle when an accident occurred and you were injured, resulting in financial loss, you may be able to receive compensation for those losses.
Can a Rideshare Passenger in a Car Accident Sue?
With the help of your Tacoma Uber accident attorney, you can pursue legal action against the company and driver if that party was responsible for your losses. That sounds easy to do, but it rarely is. The first step is proving negligence occurred that resulted in your losses. Then, you’ll need to work with your attorney to document what type of losses you have as a result, such as losses from medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and suffering. In many cases, your attorney can negotiate compensation for you through a settlement.
If that does not happen, it may be necessary to go to court. Suing a rideshare company may be possible in some situations, but they do have very skilled attorneys working for them to minimize the losses they have. You need to be sure you have the same, by working with an experienced Tacoma rideshare accident lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Tacoma Uber Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Blake Kremer
When you contact Blake Kremer, you will learn more about your legal options in a case like this. As an experienced Tacoma rideshare accident lawyer, Blake will work closely with you to understand what occurred, prove liability, and then pursue legal action against those responsible on your behalf. This is an area that’s complex and not like a simple accident. That’s why having legal support is so important.
Contact us now to set up a set up a consultation to discuss your case with our team. Call (253) 676-9467 today to speak with attorney Blake Kremer or (253) 368-4382 to speak with Kate, Blake’s paralegal. We serve all of the Pacific Northwest, including Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett.
