Did you get hurt in a Tacoma Uber or Lyft as a rideshare passenger or occupant of another vehicle? Rideshare accidents involve unique insurance challenges that can make it difficult to get the compensation you need for your recovery. The good news is that you don’t have to solve these challenges yourself.
Freeman Law Firm, Inc. understands the ins and outs of rideshare accident claims and is here to handle yours for you. Contact us today at (253) 383-4500 for a free consultation, and let our Tacoma personal injury lawyers assess your case, stand up for your rights, and demand the financial recovery you are owed.
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Rideshare drivers rely on smartphones and navigation systems to communicate with passengers and find pickup or dropoff locations. The need for constant map-checking and app usage can lead to moments of distraction. Even if a driver glances at a screen for just a few seconds, it can significantly increase the risk of an accident, especially in heavy traffic or unfamiliar areas.
Rideshare drivers often work long hours, sometimes late at night or early in the morning, which makes fatigue a real risk. Some take back-to-back shifts, pushing themselves past the point of being fully alert to bring in more income. That kind of exhaustion makes it harder to concentrate and react quickly, increasing the chances of an accident.
The pressure to get passengers where they need to go quickly can lead some rideshare drivers to speed. They might go a little over the limit or push through yellow lights to keep up with fast service expectations. Speeding makes it harder to react to sudden obstacles, increases stopping distances, and raises the risk of more serious accidents.
Rideshare drivers often work in areas they don’t know well, which can lead to sudden lane changes, sharp turns, or unexpected stops. In unfamiliar parts of Tacoma or nearby areas, they might struggle with tricky intersections or unusual traffic patterns. Driving on roads they don’t know makes even routine trips more difficult and increases the risk of mistakes.
While most rideshare drivers operate responsibly, some might rely on medication to manage fatigue or other health conditions, which can impair driving skills. Many over-the-counter or prescription medications have side effects like drowsiness or delayed reaction times. Even when drivers use these drugs responsibly, they can impact alertness and make it harder to respond quickly to unexpected road hazards or sudden traffic changes.
Rideshare drivers put a lot of miles on their vehicles, which wears down important parts like brakes, tires, and suspension systems. The cost of regular maintenance can lead some drivers to put off repairs, increasing the risk of mechanical failures. Poor upkeep can make a car less safe and harder to control, especially in an emergency.
Rideshare demand jumps during peak times, like weekends or special events, and many drivers feel pressure to complete trips quickly to make more money. That urgency can lead to aggressive driving, like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or failing to yield. These actions make busy Tacoma streets even more dangerous, especially when traffic is heavy.
Some rideshare drivers are relatively new to driving or lack extensive experience navigating local roads. Inexperienced drivers often struggle to handle high-stress situations, anticipate hazards, or make quick decisions in heavy traffic. Limited experience can be especially problematic in complex or fast-paced driving environments, where split-second decisions are often necessary to prevent accidents.
Tacoma is a bustling city that presents many challenges for rideshare drivers. Certain locations tend to carry higher accident risks due to factors like high traffic volumes, complicated intersections, and frequent pedestrian crossings. Here are several locations in Tacoma where rideshare accidents are particularly common.
With its dense concentration of businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues, downtown Tacoma sees constant rideshare activity, especially during peak hours and weekends. The area’s narrow streets, frequent traffic lights, and high pedestrian traffic increase crash risk.
As a major arterial road running through Tacoma, Pacific Avenue is a primary route for both local traffic and rideshare drivers. The corridor connects residential and commercial hubs and draws steady traffic throughout the day, which adds to the potential for mishaps in this busy area.
The I-5 and SR-16 interchange near Tacoma is an important connector for commuters, rideshare drivers, and travelers heading to or from Seattle. The interchange experiences high traffic volumes and requires drivers to make quick decisions when merging or changing lanes, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with its layout.
The intersection of Union Avenue and South 38th Street sees heavy traffic, making it a risky spot for rideshare drivers. It connects residential areas to commercial zones, with multiple lanes and tricky turn signals that can add to the challenge.
South Tacoma Way stretches through residential and commercial areas and connects many neighborhoods with local businesses. The road’s frequent intersections and stop lights, along with nearby shops and restaurants, create an increased risk of rear-end and sideswipe wrecks.
Popular for its nightlife, the 6th Avenue District draws a mix of cars and pedestrians, particularly during evenings and weekends. Rideshare demand often spikes in this area as patrons move between bars, restaurants, and other venues.
Point Defiance Park draws visitors year-round, keeping traffic around its entrance busy. Rideshare drivers picking up or dropping off passengers often deal with a constant mix of cars and pedestrians, making the area more difficult to drive through.
Rideshare accident cases come with unique challenges that can make them more complicated than typical car accident claims. One major issue is figuring out who is responsible, as multiple parties could be involved. Since rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, it’s not always clear how much responsibility the rideshare company holds.
The timing of the accident also affects insurance coverage. Rideshare companies provide different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver has a passenger, is on the way to pick someone up, or is waiting for a ride request. These differences can create confusion about which policy applies and how much compensation is available.
Rideshare accident cases often require extensive documentation from both the rideshare platform and insurance companies. Details about app activity, driver status, and trip specifics can be important for building a strong case. However, getting access to this information isn’t always easy, especially when rideshare companies or insurers are reluctant to share it.
The nature and severity of the injuries from a rideshare accident can vary depending on factors like the speed, angle, and location of the impact. Common examples of rideshare accident injuries include:
The insurance structure for ridesharing services shifts based on the driver’s status. If a driver is not logged into a ridesharing app, their standard personal insurance coverage applies. If a driver is logged into a rideshare app but has not yet accepted a ride request, the policy must provide:
Once the driver accepts a ride request, the insurance requirements increase. During an active, prearranged ride with a passenger, the primary insurance policy must cover up to $1 million for liability, personal injury, and property damage. UM coverage requirements also increase during this period to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
If, for any reason, the driver’s insurance does not provide these minimum coverage amounts, the rideshare company’s insurance must then step in, beginning with the first dollar of any claim.
Rideshare accident claims can be difficult, especially when dealing with insurance companies focused on reducing payouts. Insurers use various tactics to minimize or deny claims, making it harder for people to get the compensation they deserve.
Common strategies include:
A rideshare accident lawyer from Freeman Law Firm, Inc. can push back against these tactics, fighting for the full compensation you deserve and holding insurance companies accountable.
Our attorneys know how rideshare insurance policies work and won’t let insurers unfairly deny or reduce your compensation. Freeman Law Firm, Inc. is committed to helping rideshare accident victims recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. With our team on your side, you can take on the insurance companies with confidence, knowing we are focused on getting the results you deserve.
If you are suffering from the effects of a Tacoma rideshare accident, Freeman Law Firm, Inc. understands the unique issues these cases involve and can handle every aspect of the claims process while you focus on your recovery. Contact us now at
(253) 383-4500 or online for your free consultation session to learn how we can protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a rideshare accident in Tacoma or nearby, don’t wait to get help. Reaching out to a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible can improve your chances of securing the compensation you need.
Freeman Law Firm, Inc. offers free consultations to explain your rights and options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case.
We’re committed to helping rideshare accident victims in Tacoma and are ready to fight for you. Call our office today at (253) 383-4500 or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Viewing or using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with Freeman Law Firm, Inc. Case results depend on specific facts and cannot be guaranteed. For legal guidance for your individual situation, contact our office for a consultation.
