Rideshare Accidents Lawyers in Seattle
With rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft becoming more ubiquitous in cities across the country, it’s inevitable that more rideshare vehicles will be involved in accidents. Unfortunately, this can leave victims of these accidents in a challenging spot because navigating the maze of insurances and proving where liability lies can be tough for a recovering accident victim. But you don’t have to do this alone. At Elsner Law Firm, our compassionate rideshare accident lawyers will investigate your case, determine who is liable, and negotiate with all the insurance companies involved to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in Seattle?
Any vehicle accident can be frightening and leave destruction and confusion in its wake. Knowing what to do afterward can safeguard both your health and legal rights. Whether you are involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger or if you were hit by a rideshare driver while in your own vehicle or as a pedestrian, these are some steps you should take after the crash:
- Call 911 if any injured victims require immediate medical care.
- Ensure the police have been called so they can make a report.
- Get the insurance coverage information of the rideshare driver and other drivers involved.
- Photograph the accident scene from many angles.
- Inform your insurance of your accident and tell them it is still under investigation.
- Contact a trustworthy rideshare accident attorney to help you determine the next steps for your unique case.
If you were a rideshare passenger at the time of the accident, you should take these two additional steps so the company cannot deny your claim by contesting your passenger status:
- Take screenshots on your phone to prove that you were a rideshare passenger at the time of the accident.
- Take a picture of the driver’s rideshare app showing their status when the accident occurred.
How Can a Rideshare Accident Victim Pursue Compensation?
Filing a claim in a rideshare accident can be exceedingly complex. Depending on the circumstances, there are up to three different insurance companies that could be involved:
- The rideshare driver’s personal insurance
- The rideshare company’s insurance
- The insurance of any other drivers involved in the accident
Making a claim with a single insurance company is challenging enough, but negotiating with several companies that all have the shared goal of minimizing the amount they have to pay for your damages can be truly overwhelming. If you are feeling pressure from all sides in your pursuit of compensation or don’t even know where to begin, a skilled rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the process.
What Damages Can Be Obtained in a Rideshare Accident Claim?
As with any motor vehicle accident, the injuries resulting from a rideshare crash can cause life-long physical and mental health issues. It is not unusual for victims to have crushing medical expenses and lost wages after the accident. A fair settlement will seek compensation for both the economic and non-economic losses experienced by the victim.
Any tangible financial losses that happened due to your injury fall into the category of economic damages and may include:
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Medical expenses
- Loss of future earning potential
- Costs for ongoing care
- Property replacement or repair
Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses suffered from the rideshare accident. The severity of the injuries and the length of time they impacted, or will continue to impact, your life typically determines the amount of these damages, which include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If your loved one was killed in a rideshare accident, you could be eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable parties for funeral expenses, the loss of their support and companionship, and other related damages.
How Can a Seattle Rideshare Accident Attorney Help You?
Fighting with multiple insurance companies who do not have your best interests at heart is not anyone’s idea of a good time. This is particularly true if you are still recovering from painful injuries suffered in the crash. Instead, let Elsner Law Firm guide you through the claims process. By retaining the services of a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney, you are simultaneously gaining a committed ally who will fight for your rights and giving yourself the ability to step back from stressful interactions with the insurance companies. To learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to, call 206-447-1425 for a free consultation.