Were you or a loved one injured in an Uber accident in Seattle, WA? If so, you may be entitled to compensation – and Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help. Contact our experienced Seattle Uber accident lawyers today at (253) 948-0250.
We have extensive experience representing injured clients like you; to date, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for victims across the state. We’re well-equipped to fight for you throughout the entire legal process.
We’ll review your case for free, and there’s never any obligation to hire us. Contact our office located in Seattle, WA, to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.
Why Choose Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer For Help After an Uber Accident in Seattle?
The insurance process in an Uber accident case can be much more complicated than in your ordinary car accident claim. That’s why you need a skilled attorney to help you navigate the process.
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record to every case we handle. Our Seattle personal injury lawyers are known for taking on tough cases and winning.
We offer personalized, strategic representation to accident victims across Washington. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment: we fight smart, stay responsive, and pursue the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
If you were injured in an Uber accident in Seattle, our team is ready to stand with you every step of the way. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.
What Are the Applicable Insurance Rules in Seattle Uber Accident Cases?
Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. That can make recovering compensation after a rideshare accident complicated.
While Uber drivers are required to carry personal auto insurance, those policies typically don’t cover accidents that happen while driving for profit.
That’s why Washington state law requires Uber to carry its own insurance coverage for accidents. Multiple tiers of coverage exist, depending on what the driver was doing at the time. As the victim, you must prove which policy applies in your case.
The Driver Is Available To Accept Ride Requests
Uber drivers are covered by Uber’s insurance anytime they’re logged into the app and available to take passenger requests.
Under Washington law, the following insurance may be available:
- $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $30,000 for property damage
This coverage applies from the moment the driver logs into the app until they accept a ride request.
During Rides and While En Route To Pick Up Passengers
Once the driver has accepted a ride, the policy limits become much higher. A $1 million policy may be available to cover bodily injury, death, and property damage. $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also be available.
Logged Out of the Uber App
When the driver is logged out of the Uber app and unavailable to take ride requests, Uber’s insurance isn’t available. Instead, you’ll turn to the driver’s personal insurance like any other car accident case.
What Is My Seattle Uber Accident Case Worth?
Identifying the amount of available insurance coverage is only the first step. You must also prove how much your specific case is worth.
Typically, your case value will depend on:
- The overall severity of your injuries
- Medical treatment costs
- How much income you lose during recovery
- Whether the injury will impact your future earnings or quality of life
- Expected future treatment and rehabilitation costs
- The circumstances of the accident
Your personal injury case is different from anyone else’s. You deserve an attorney who will take the time to assess your losses and demand a full settlement. Our lawyers are prepared to do everything possible to recover the money you need and deserve. Just give us a call for a free consultation today.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Uber Accident Victims in Seattle?
Two types of compensatory damages are available under Washington state law: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, and might include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Nursing care
- Property damage
Non-economic damages attempt to compensate victims for the non-financial losses caused by a serious injury, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Chronic pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
Essentially, you deserve damages that will make you “whole” again after an accident that wasn’t your fault.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Uber Accident Lawyer in Seattle?
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we operate on a contingency fee basis. Instead of charging upfront fees, we take a percentage of your compensation award once your case is finished.
If we don’t obtain compensation for you, you’ll owe us nothing in attorney’s fees. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Seattle today to learn more.
How Can an Uber Accident Attorney Help Me?
When you hire Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, you can count on us to:
- Make sure you understand all legal options
- Investigate and gather evidence
- Protect you from blame-shifting insurance games
- Work with experts and specialists to assess your case value
- Negotiate with the insurer for a full settlement
- Reject lowball deals and take your case to trial if necessary
Getting legal advice is easy. Just call our law firm to schedule a 100% free case evaluation today.
What Should I Do if I’m Being Blamed for an Uber Accident in Seattle?
Don’t panic, but consult an experienced attorney. Washington has a pure comparative negligence law. If you share any blame for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the amount of blame allocated to you.
For example, if you’re found to be 25% responsible, you’re only entitled to 75% of your settlement or verdict. If you’re found to be 75% liable, you can only take home 25%.
Shared fault can make a huge difference in the amount of money you take home. Insurance companies know that. If you’re blamed, an attorney can help you fight back.
Our Seattle Uber Accident Attorneys Are Prepared To Fight for Compensation for All of Your Injuries
Some common examples of Uber accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Nerve injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Even a relatively mild injury can change your life in unexpected ways. If the injury was someone else’s fault, you deserve to be compensated. Let Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer handle the fight for compensation while you recover.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Seattle?
Rideshare accidents happen for the same reasons that any other motor vehicle accident happens. They’re almost always the result of negligence.
Some common examples of negligent driving behaviors include:
- Driver distractions
- Fatigued Uber drivers
- Speeding
- Stopping in dangerous locations
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Road rage and driver aggression
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving
- Drug use
- Failure to maintain a vehicle in safe condition
You’ll probably be dealing with a commercial insurance company if you were injured in a rideshare accident. That makes it even more important to have strong evidence about what caused the crash. After all, when more money is involved, insurance providers fight even harder to avoid paying a fair settlement.
How Do I Establish My Right to Compensation After an Uber Accident in Seattle?
Negligence is the legal theory behind most personal injury claims.
The elements of negligence are:
- A legal duty of care existed
- The defendant breached that duty of care
- Causation, meaning that the breach directly caused the crash
- Damages, or the losses you suffered due to the accident and injury
Of course, in Uber accident cases, you’ll have the added responsibility of establishing the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After an Uber Accident in Washington?
In Washington state, you typically have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. After this statute of limitations expires, you lose your right to recover compensation from the at-fault party.
Contacting an experienced lawyer sooner rather than later is always a good idea. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to reach out today.
Contact an Experienced Seattle Uber Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
After an Uber accident, the insurance paperwork alone can be overwhelming, and how do you really know that the initial offer is fair? Fortunately, a Seattle Uber accident attorney at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help with every aspect of your case. Contact us today to schedule your free case review and learn about your legal options.