When an Uber or Lyft accident leaves one or more victims with serious injuries, it’s important for those affected to fully understand their rights before accepting quick settlements. Liability can be complex when it comes to rideshare accidents in Vancouver. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to hold the company, the driver or another party responsible for your losses.
Car Accident Fault Laws in Washington: Is It a No-Fault State?
In Washington, someone who causes an automobile accident will be expected to pay for a victim’s medical bills and property damage. This is because Washington is a fault state, not a no-fault state. The fault-based law requires the at-fault party’s insurance company to pay for a victim’s medical costs, lost income, property damage, and various other damages.
Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident Case
In a standard car accident case in Vancouver, one of the drivers involved will most likely be held liable or financially responsible for the crash. In an Uber or Lyft accident, however, liability isn’t always as simple. The inclusion of a rideshare company complicates things – often leaving victims confused about their rights and financial recovery options. An experienced Vancouver auto accident attorney can thoroughly investigate the collision to determine what may have caused it.
Company Liability (Uber/Lyft)
In a traditional taxicab accident, the taxi company can almost always be held responsible for collisions caused by its drivers under the vicarious liability doctrine. This legal principle does not apply when a driver is an independent contractor rather than an employee, however – which is exactly how Uber and Lyft classify their drivers.
Due to this distinction, it is difficult for rideshare accident victims in Vancouver to hold Uber or Lyft liable. They can, however, be eligible for the $1 million in commercial coverage offered by both rideshare companies. All or a portion of this coverage may be accessible to an injured accident victim based on the duty status of the driver at the time.
Rideshare Driver
Rideshare drivers who operate in Vancouver are legally required to comply with Washington’s car insurance laws (mandatory 25/50/10 coverage). If the driver is at fault for causing the accident due to speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving or another tort, victims may be eligible for compensation from the driver’s personal auto insurance policy in addition to the company’s commercial policy.
A Third Party
If an Uber or Lyft accident is caused by something other than rideshare driver negligence, a third party may absorb liability. This could refer to an outside driver, truck driver, trucking company, employer, delivery service, auto part manufacturer, the government responsible for public road maintenance, or a combination of more than one party.
How to Ensure a Fair Financial Recovery After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Vancouver, WA
Maximizing your financial recovery as the injured victim of a rideshare crash in Vancouver takes fully understanding the cause of your accident, identifying who is responsible and determining what insurance is available. Contacting an experienced Uber/Lyft accident lawyer near you is the best way to protect your rights in this situation.
A qualified attorney can return to the scene of your rideshare accident, gather information and pertinent evidence, deal with a rideshare company and its insurance provider for you, negotiate a fair and full settlement, and (if necessary) take your injury claim to court by filing a lawsuit – all in pursuit of justice on your behalf.