Rideshare Accident Attorney in Everett

If you were injured in an accident or a crash involving a taxicab, Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare program, you might require representation from an experienced Everett taxi accident attorney. A taxi or rideshare accident can occur for a number of reasons, including a poorly maintained vehicle, a driver who is not properly rested, or a distracted driver. Because these vehicles are often on the road for many hours at a time, if the vehicle is not properly maintained, and the driver is not awake and alert, collisions can occur. The Kadish Twersky Law Firm provides legal representation to the greater Western Washington region.

We are experienced taxicab accident lawyers and experienced rideshare accident lawyers. Our firm recently merged with Palace Law, resulting in a legal team with even more experience, more legal knowledge, and more skills. Whether we need to fight a large corporation, a stubborn insurance company, or a governmental agency on your behalf, we will do so in a thorough, comprehensive manner. When you choose Kadish Twersky, you will always be treated with professionalism, respect, and integrity.

Our goal is to allow you the time to heal from your injuries and get your life back on track, while we handle the legal issues associated with your accident and subsequent injuries. We will work hard to ensure you receive compensation which will fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages (current and future), and your pain and suffering. We will always fight for your rights and for your future.

How Do Taxicab and Rideshare Accidents Differ from “Regular” Car Accidents?

Whether you are the driver of a rideshare vehicle, another driver involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, or a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, following an accident, the insurance process can quickly become complicated. The driver of the rideshare vehicle is required to carry minimum mandatory insurance coverage, and the driver of the other vehicle should also carry the minimums.

Of course, there is always the possibility that neither of the drivers is fully covered. Uber and Lyft offer up to a million dollars in insurance for an accident, although there are many different restrictions on these amounts. In fact, while Uber does require its drivers to carry insurance, the legal issues and liability issues tend to be a little fuzzy. Some insurance companies may flat refuse to provide coverage for drivers who operate a ridesharing service.

Governing agencies are not entirely sure whether to treat ridesharing companies the same as taxicab services. One thing is clear—Uber drivers are not insured by Uber when the app used to find passengers is turned off. Once the app is on, and the driver is waiting to pick up a passenger, their own personal insurance should cover them.

Once a passenger is actually in the vehicle, Uber’s insurance should also cover in the case of an accident. The person bringing the rideshare accident claim may be responsible for proving who was negligent, as well as for showing the extent of his or her injuries. This means that whether you are a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist hit by a rideshare driver, another driver hit by a rideshare driver, or a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, the burden is largely on you to show negligence.

If your Uber or Lyft driver was the negligent party, your claim might be against the driver and his or her personal insurance. You will need to have your attorney determine whether the rideshare driver is liable for your injuries, or whether the rideshare company’s insurance applies. Of course, identifying the liable person or entity might just be the easy part. Ensuring Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company pays for injuries can be a complex process, leave it to an experienced Washington State personal injury attorney.

Ridesharing in Seattle

Five major metropolitan cities, including Seattle, show rideshare services are actually spending more time driving passengers than traditional taxicabs. While ridesharing services are definitely on the upswing, so are ridesharing accidents. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, some of the reasons rideshare companies are outpacing taxicab drivers include:

• Uber and Lyft have more efficient technology to match drivers to passengers;
• Uber, in particular, is simply bigger than taxicab companies;
• Taxicabs have somewhat inefficient regulations, and
• Supply and demand are more closely matched through Uber’s flexible labor supply model and surge pricing.

Are rideshares safer than taxicabs? That’s hard to say and will depend on the city to some degree. According to the New York Post, collisions involving rideshare vehicles tripled between July 2014 and June 2016. By comparison, taxicab accidents have decreased over the past few years.  Distracted driving is a problem with rideshare drivers, just as it is for all drivers. Some rideshare drivers work for multiple driving services—Uber, Lyft, Juno, etc.—and may have more than one cellphone or tablet in their car—a certain distraction.

In 2017 in Seattle, a man was killed after an Uber driver crashed into his car, slamming the vehicle into a tree and trapping the man inside. The Uber vehicle traveled two blocks further, ultimately crashing into a Shell gasoline station, causing an explosion in the process. It was estimated the Uber driver was traveling between 90 and 100 mph prior to losing control of the vehicle.

Potential Damages Following a Rideshare or Taxicab Accident

If you are involved in a taxicab or rideshare accident, your damages will likely be the same as if you had been involved in a “normal” auto accident. Your injuries may have prevented you from returning to work; if so, you could be unable to pay your normal monthly expenses. You may be receiving a flurry of medical bills which you are unable to pay, and you may fear you will not receive the medical treatment you need as a result. You may also suffer from chronic pain as a result of your injuries; if so, you could be entitled to receive pain and suffering damages. Other emotional issues, such as loss of consortium, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional anguish could potentially be compensable damages.

Getting the Help You Need from a Kadish Twersky Attorney

Insurance companies always have lawyers on their side who are working to ensure the insurance company pays out as little as possible on a motor vehicle accident claim. The insurance company may even attempt to deny liability altogether. The Kadish Twersky attorneys are well-versed in the specific laws which pertain to your taxicab or rideshare accident. We have been practicing law in the Everett area for decades and are well-known as a leading injury firm. We are highly skilled negotiators when necessary, and aggressive litigators when applicable. Your concerns and needs truly matter to the Kadish Twersky attorneys. Contact Kadish Twersky today.