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 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.
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.
Many rideshare drivers work long hours, sometimes late into the night or early in the morning, which means fatigue is a common risk factor. In some cases, drivers take on back-to-back shifts and push themselves beyond typical levels of alertness to maximize their earnings. The resulting exhaustion can lead to diminished concentration and slower reflexes, which make accidents far more likely.
The pressure to quickly transport passengers from point A to point B can prompt some rideshare drivers to speed. Drivers might slightly exceed speed limits or rush through traffic signals to meet the expectations of fast service. Unfortunately, speeding can reduce a driver’s ability to respond to sudden obstacles, increase stopping distances, and raise the risk and severity of accidents.
Rideshare drivers frequently operate in areas they don’t know well, which can lead to last-minute lane changes, abrupt turns, or unexpected stops along new routes. When drivers operate in unfamiliar parts of Tacoma or surrounding areas, they can encounter surprises at intersections or difficulties responding to unique traffic patterns. The uncertainty of navigating unfamiliar roads adds complexity to even routine trips and increases the chance of driver errors.
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 significant mileage on their vehicles, which can lead to increased wear on essential components like brakes, tires, and suspension systems. The financial demands of regular maintenance might also lead some drivers to delay repairs, which heightens the risk of mechanical failures. Poor vehicle maintenance can compromise safety and reduce a driver’s ability to avoid accidents, especially in emergencies.
Rideshare demand surges during peak times, such as weekends or special events, and many drivers feel pressure to complete trips quickly to take advantage of increased earnings. The resulting urgency can lead to aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, or failing to yield. Actions like this can create hazardous situations, particularly on busy Tacoma streets with increased traffic congestion.
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 key locations in Tacoma where rideshare accidents are particularly common.
Rideshare accident cases often involve several unique factors that make them more challenging than standard car accident claims. One key complication involves determining liability, as multiple parties could potentially be responsible for a rideshare crash. Since rideshare drivers operate as independent contractors rather than direct employees, there is often uncertainty around the rideshare company’s level of responsibility.
Additionally, the timing of the accident plays a role in determining insurance coverage. Rideshare companies generally offer varying levels of insurance based on whether the driver is actively transporting a passenger, en route to pick up a passenger, or simply waiting for a ride request. The different coverage levels often lead to confusion about which insurance policy applies and how much compensation is available.
Rideshare accident cases also frequently involve significant documentation from both the rideshare platform and insurance companies. Accurate data on app usage, driver status, and the specifics of the ride are often essential to building a strong case. However, it can be challenging to access these data, especially when rideshare companies or insurance providers are hesitant to share information.
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 present certain challenges, especially when you must deal with insurance companies or departments intent on reducing payouts. Insurers have many tactics to minimize or deny claims, which can complicate the process for those seeking fair compensation.
Common strategies include:
A rideshare accident lawyer from Freeman Law Firm, Inc. can help you overcome these obstacles by demanding fair treatment and challenging the insurance companies’ attempts to reduce your compensation.
Our experienced attorneys understand the policies governing rideshare insurance and can hold insurers accountable for their obligations to prevent unfair denials or reductions. Freeman Law Firm, Inc. offers experienced legal support to those involved in rideshare accidents and works hard to secure fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. With our help, you can face the insurance companies with the peace of mind that comes from knowing a professional team is dedicated to pursuing 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 a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Renton or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact an experienced truck accident attorney, the better your chances of securing a fair settlement or verdict.
Freeman Law Firm, Inc. offers free initial consultations to help you understand your rights and options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
We are proud to represent victims of truck accidents in Renton, and we stand ready to help you, too. Call our Renton office today at (253) 383-4500 or use our contact form for a free, no obligation consultation to get started.
