Getting a ride to work or social events through a rideshare app is definitely convenient and usually safe. Still, “usually” is not “always.” Rideshare accidents happen. If you experience one, be sure to connect with a Seattle car accident lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen.
Our team has been representing injury victims for 30 years and has experience handling all kinds of cases successfully, including rideshare accidents. A Seattle rideshare accident lawyer from our firm is ready to give you the help you need and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
To reach a favorable case outcome, proving negligence and liability after a car crash is a critical early step. You can only collect compensation by identifying the at-fault party and presenting evidence to show that their act of negligence caused the accident and your resulting injuries. There are actions to take at the scene of a car accident to start building your case, and these steps apply to rideshare accidents, too.
Take pictures of the cars involved, the damage to them, and their positions. Get contact information from the drivers involved. Save the rideshare driver’s profile information and gather contact details from witnesses. Photograph the entire scene, being sure to note mounted traffic and security cameras.
Get medical attention right away–do not wait more than a few hours or a day. Having your injuries documented and treated, and then following those treatment orders, protects your health and strengthens your case.
Possible Negligent Parties
There are several possibilities for at-fault parties that the evidence may reveal. They include:
- The rideshare driver or third-party driver, if either of them violates traffic laws, demonstrates reckless behavior, drives while distracted or fatigued, or commits any other unsafe action
- The rideshare company, though only under very specific circumstances, such as if the company did not properly vet or train drivers, or take an unsafe driver off the road
- A car or part manufacturer, if a mechanical failure or defect led to the crash
- A government entity, if poor road conditions, inoperative traffic signals, or other elements of travel under an office’s purview caused the crash
Whatever the circumstances, you can count on a Seattle rideshare accident attorney from our team to perform a thorough and productive investigation.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Seattle, call (801) 266-0999
Damages Available to Rideshare Accident Victims
Rideshare accident victims face significant and expensive consequences following a rash. Injuries require costly medical treatment and typically demand time away from work, leading to lost wages and compounded financial stress. Some injuries can leave victims permanently disabled and unable to work and support themselves. These physical and financial consequences can prompt emotional distress.
A Seattle personal injury lawyer can fight to get you compensation for these widespread outcomes. All cases are different, with unique factors determining their value. These factors include the extent and effects of your injuries, the level of the at-fault party’s negligence, and the strength of the evidence.
Though compensation amounts vary, you can expect your lawyer to fight for economic damages to cover your financial losses, which include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other accident-related costs. Non-economic damages serve as a financial accounting for your suffering and lost quality of life. These are harder to measure, but your attorney will determine a just amount.
Ways to Secure Damages
Your case may resolve through settlement negotiations, which happen out of court, or with a trial verdict. Our team is made up of effective and aggressive negotiators and trial attorneys, so we will be prepared for either scenario.
Many cases settle, and we will try to wrap your case up this way. Settlement agreements often come faster than trial verdicts. Should the other side refuse to participate in fair negotiations, we will discuss the possible outcomes of going to trial with you, giving you trustworthy and wise counsel as you consider your decision.
Seattle Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
How a Seattle Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
Through RCW 4.16.080, Washington State imposes a three-year statute of limitations for filing most personal injury claims. This does not mean you should wait three years to connect with Siegfried & Jensen. It is always better to connect sooner rather than later. This way, we can determine the negligent party and file accordingly, well within that legal deadline.
Investigating your accident, filing your claim, and valuing your losses are how a lawyer assists you after a car crash, but they are not the only ways. Your attorney will also handle all communication with the at-fault party and their insurance representatives. Unfortunately, those entities will try to get you to admit fault, even indirectly, or find other ways to use your words to weaken your claim.
If you ask, will my car accident lawyer deal with the insurance company, we answer with a definitive “yes.” By taking over those conversations, your rideshare accident lawyer in Seattle can protect you from accidentally saying the wrong thing. We will not be intimidated or taken in by any of the insurance companies’ strategies.
Insurance Considerations
Rideshare accidents can present complicated insurance situations. If the rideshare driver is the negligent party, the timing of the accident determines whether your compensation comes from their personal insurance or the rideshare company’s policy. Rideshare companies’ insurance structures are similar to the schedule of auto insurance maintained by Uber.
If someone else is at fault, then their insurance company is on the hook for damages. As you can imagine, there are ways for one company to stall the process by pointing the finger at another. You need someone firmly on your side who will hold the relevant parties accountable for paying what they owe.
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Take the First Step Toward Justice Today
Siegfried & Jensen offers free case reviews, so there is no risk in reaching out to us. Once we take your case, we will handle all the legalities and details and any complications that may arise.
You need to put your energy into recovering. We will put our energy into getting you justice.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form