Ridesharing has made getting around Vancouver easier, but a crash in an Uber or Lyft is more complicated than an ordinary car accident. More than one insurance company is usually involved, and the coverage that applies turns on exactly what the driver was doing the moment the collision happened. At NW Injury Law Center, our Vancouver rideshare accident attorneys have spent decades holding negligent drivers and their insurers accountable, and we can do the same for you. Whether you were hurt as a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist, contact us for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Vancouver?
Liability in a rideshare crash rests with whoever caused it. Depending on how the collision happened, that may be the Uber or Lyft driver, another motorist, or more than one party at the same time. The rideshare company generally treats its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, but that does not leave you without a remedy, because Washington requires rideshare-specific insurance to be in place (more on that below).
Washington also follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. Under RCW 4.22.005, being partly at fault does not bar your claim; your compensation is simply reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. In practical terms, even if the insurance company argues you were partly responsible, you can still recover.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Works in Washington
Washington law (RCW 46.72B.180) requires every rideshare vehicle to carry commercial insurance that specifically covers rideshare driving. How much coverage is available depends on which "period" the driver was in when the crash occurred:
- The app is off. The driver is treated like any private motorist, and their personal auto policy applies.
- The app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. Commercial coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury applies, plus $30,000 for property damage, along with underinsured motorist and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
- A ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the car. A $1 million combined-single-limit policy covers death, injury, and property damage, along with PIP and $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident in underinsured motorist coverage.
Because personal auto insurers are allowed to deny coverage while a driver is logged in to the app, figuring out which policy actually pays is one of the hardest parts of a rideshare claim, and it is exactly where an experienced attorney makes the difference.
What to Do After a Rideshare Crash in Vancouver
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is created.
- Get medical attention right away, even if you think you are "okay" — some serious injuries surface days later.
- Screenshot your Uber or Lyft trip details before they disappear from the app.
- Photograph the vehicles, the scene, and your visible injuries.
- Collect the rideshare driver's information and the insurance details of every driver involved.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If someone else's negligence caused your rideshare crash, you may be entitled to recover for your medical bills and future care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, out-of-pocket costs, and the physical pain and emotional toll of your injuries. In cases involving a fatality, surviving family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim. The right amount depends on the facts of your case, and we never charge a fee unless we recover for you.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Washington?
Washington generally gives injury victims three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit (RCW 4.16.080). Some circumstances can shorten or otherwise change that window, so it is best to speak with an attorney early — while the rideshare company's trip records and log-in data, which can be decisive in proving which insurance period applied, are still available.
Related Vancouver Injury Help
A rideshare crash often overlaps with other kinds of claims. If your case also involves a serious collision, a motorcycle, or someone on foot, see our pages on Vancouver car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. To understand how your own PIP coverage fits in, read our overview of personal injury protection. For a deeper look at fault in these cases, see who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident in Vancouver, WA.
Talk to a Vancouver Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
NW Injury Law Center has represented injured people across Southwest Washington and the Portland metro for 45 years, always on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. If you or a loved one was hurt in a rideshare crash, contact us online or call (360) 695-1624 today for a free case evaluation. Our Vancouver office is located at 514 W 9th St, Vancouver, WA 98660.