Uber, Lyft & Rideshare Accidents

Washington Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Washington Uber or Lyft Accident? We Can Help

A rideshare trip should be a convenient way to get from one place to another—not an experience that leaves you with medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. Whether you were a passenger, a rideshare driver, or struck by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you’re now dealing with an insurance system designed to limit payouts and shift blame. Rideshare companies and insurers don’t make it easy to get compensated; without the right attorney, you could be left covering costs that aren’t your responsibility. 

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Washington, call the rideshare accident lawyers at Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys, at 800-529-0842 for a free consultation and learn how to recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

After the Crash: Steps That Protect Your Case

A rideshare accident can be devastating, but what you do next can affect your ability to recover compensation. Taking the right steps protects your health, strengthens your case, and prevents insurance companies from minimizing your injuries or denying responsibility.

1. Prioritize Safety

Check yourself and others for injuries, and move to a safe location. Call 911 to report the crash, even if it seems minor—having an official police report helps establish what happened and who was involved.

2. Document the Crash Scene

Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Screenshot ride details from the Uber or Lyft app, including the driver’s name and trip receipt. If witnesses saw the crash, ask for their contact information.

3. Report the Crash

Uber and Lyft require passengers and drivers to report accidents through their apps. Filing a report creates a crash record, which may be important when dealing with insurance providers. If you’re a passenger, do not rely on the driver to report it—submit it yourself.

4. Seek Medical Care

Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible protects your health and provides medical records that connect your injuries to the accident. Delaying treatment can give insurers a reason to dispute your claim.

5. Talk to a Washington Rideshare Accident Attorney

An experienced Washington Uber and Lyft accident attorney can deal with insurance adjusters, gather evidence, and push back against unfair settlement offers so that you can focus on recovery.

Who Pays After an Uber or Lyft Crash?

Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, and who pays for damages depends on when the crash happened and who was at fault. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in insurance coverage, but that policy doesn’t apply in every situation. Each stage of a ride affects whether the company’s insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

When Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Covers You

Uber and Lyft’s coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• App Off: The driver’s insurance applies.
• App On, No Ride Accepted: Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage—up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, but only if the driver’s insurance won’t pay.
• Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: Uber and Lyft’s $1 million policy covers injuries, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist claims for passengers and other affected parties.

If the Rideshare Driver Is at Fault

When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash, liability follows the same insurance structure:

• Off-Duty: The rideshare driver’s insurance pays for damages.
• On the App, No Passenger: Uber/Lyft’s limited policy applies if personal insurance doesn’t cover damages.
• During a Ride: The $1 million policy covers medical bills, lost wages, and other third-party claims.

If the rideshare driver doesn’t have enough coverage, Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply to protect injured passengers.

If Another Driver Caused the Crash

When a third-party driver (not the Uber/Lyft driver) is at fault, their insurance is responsible for covering injuries and property damage. However, if they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million uninsured motorist coverage may apply—protecting passengers and drivers working in the app during the crash.

When Uber or Lyft Denies Responsibility

Uber and Lyft may try to avoid paying claims by arguing that:

• The rideshare driver wasn’t working at the time of the crash.
• The driver’s insurance should pay first.
• The injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant a large payout.

Filing a strong claim backed by police reports, medical records, and rideshare app data helps counter these tactics. An experienced Washington Uber accident attorney can also challenge denials and push for full compensation.

What Costs Can You Recover After a Rideshare Crash?

An Uber or Lyft accident can leave you with serious injuries and unexpected financial strain. You shouldn’t be left covering the costs if someone else is responsible for the crash. A claim can help you recover fair compensation for medical care, lost income, and other damages caused by the accident.

Medical Bills

Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care costs can increase quickly. Compensation may cover past and future medical expenses, including physical therapy and necessary prescriptions.

Lost Wages

If injuries keep you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income. A claim can also account for reduced earning potential for more severe injuries if you can no longer perform the same type of work.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond financial losses, an accident can affect daily life. Compensation may reflect the physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term impact on your well-being.

Property Damage

If a rideshare crash damaged your vehicle or other personal property, the at-fault party’s insurance may cover repairs or replacement costs.

Wrongful Death Claims

Suppose a loved one was killed in a rideshare accident. In that case, family members may have the right to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other damages related to their loss.

How Uber & Lyft Try to Limit Payouts—And What to Do About It

Uber and Lyft market themselves as convenient and reliable, but their focus shifts to limiting what they pay out when an accident happens. Their insurers frequently delay, deny, or minimize claims to protect company profits. Our Washington rideshare lawyers know their tactics and can help you push back to secure adequate compensation. 

Delaying Claims

Insurers may take weeks or months to respond, hoping you’ll accept a lower offer out of frustration. They may claim they need more information or that liability is still under review. If a claim drags on, a lawsuit may be the only way to move it forward.

Blaming the Victim

Uber and Lyft may argue that your actions contributed to the crash or that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. They might cite minor inconsistencies in medical records or statements to reduce their payout. Our attorneys will use evidence, such as detailed medical records and accident reports to counter those arguments.

Offering Low Settlements

A quick offer may seem like a good sign, but it’s usually far less than what your case is worth. Once you accept, you can’t go back and claim additional costs if your injuries worsen. Before agreeing to any settlement, getting a clear picture of the full impact of your injuries and financial losses is important.

Denying Liability Entirely

Uber and Lyft may try to shift blame to the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the injured party. They may claim the driver was off-duty or that their insurance should pay first. Holding them accountable means proving the rideshare company’s insurance should apply. Trip records, police reports, and app data showing the driver’s status during the crash can all be key pieces of evidence.

Time Limits for Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim in Washington

Injury claims must be filed within a specific timeframe, and missing the deadline can mean losing your right to compensation.

Washington’s Statute of Limitations

Under Washington’s personal injury statute of limitations, most rideshare accident claims must be filed within three years from the crash date. That deadline applies to injuries, vehicle damage, and wrongful death claims. If a claim is not filed before the deadline, the case may be dismissed, leaving no way to recover damages.

Exceptions That May Apply

Some situations extend or shorten the time to file a claim, including:

• Minors Injured in a Rideshare Crash: The three-year clock usually doesn’t start until the victim turns 18.
• Delayed Injury Discovery: If injuries weren’t immediately apparent, the deadline may be extended from the date they were diagnosed.
• Uncooperative Insurers: If an insurance company delays a claim in bad faith, legal options may still be available beyond the standard timeframe.

How Filing Your Claim Quickly Strengthens Your Case

Delaying a claim can make it harder to prove what happened. Trip records, surveillance footage, and witness statements may no longer be available after weeks or months. Taking action early helps preserve key evidence and prevents insurance companies from using delays to their advantage.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident

Uber and Lyft accidents come with unique legal challenges that most car accident cases don’t. Rideshare companies rely on corporate legal teams and complex insurance policies to limit what they pay, making it difficult for injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians to get full compensation. Our experienced Washington rideshare accident lawyers know how to cut through these barriers and fight for the recovery you deserve.

What a Rideshare Accident Attorney Brings to Your Case

Filing a claim against Uber, Lyft, or their insurers requires strong evidence and aggressive negotiation. A rideshare accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the Crash: Collect trip data, driver history, and company records that prove liability.
• Handle Negotiations: Push back against low settlement offers and insurance delays.
• Prove Damages: Work with medical and financial experts to document the full impact of your injuries.
• Take the Case to Court if Needed: A lawyer can prepare for trial if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement.

No Upfront Costs—You Only Pay If We Win

Hiring a lawyer doesn’t have to add to your financial stress. Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we win your case. Our contingency fee structure allows you to pursue compensation without worrying about the cost of working with an attorney. 

Get a Free Case Review With a Washington Rideshare Attorney

Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys has helped many rideshare accident victims across Washington recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term injuries. We handle the legal matters so you can focus on recovery.

• We know how to challenge Uber and Lyft’s insurance tactics.
• We take on complex cases involving multiple insurers and disputed liability.
• We fight for full compensation—because you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, call 800-529-0842 or message us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options for recovering compensation.