Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accident Lawyers in Kent, WA
Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular rideshare companies in the country. They offer a convenient way to get around, and many people use them as their main mode of transportation. However, according to a recent report by the New York Times, there are more than 50 people who died as a result of Uber and Lyft accidents in 2019.
These numbers may seem high, but they represent just a fraction of all such accidents that happen every year. It is important to remember that these figures only include those cases where an accident was reported or where an investigation was conducted. There are likely even more incidents out there that go unreported.
If you’re hurt while riding in a rideshare accident, you could sue for damages and seek compensation for medical bills and other losses. In order to do so, you will need to prove the liability of the other party for causing the accident. The attorneys in Herschensohn Law firm will investigate every aspect of your case to determine whether it qualifies for compensation under the state’s laws regarding vehicles used for public conveyance.
As the popularity of ridesharing grows and more people use these services for their daily commute, it’s important to understand the reasons that may contribute to accidents. In fact, some studies have shown that rideshare drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than traditional taxi drivers. There are multiple reasons for rideshare accidents. The most common reasons include:
Distracted Driving
Drivers can be distracted by using their phones, eating and drinking, or talking on the phone while driving. Uber and Lyft drivers have a greater propensity to experience distractions than the typical driver. One of the reasons for this is that Uber/Lyft drivers are required to keep their ridesharing app running the entire time they are on the road to receive information about things like the location of their passengers and the flow of traffic on their GPS.
Conversations with other passengers, conversations on the phone, and texting are all potential distractions for drivers. When a driver is preoccupied with something other than the road, their focus is diverted, which is a recipe for a potential disaster.
Unfamiliar Roads
When drivers pick up a passenger, they are bound to come across unfamiliar regions, which might raise the danger of an accident due to improper turns and other forms of confusion.
Driver Fatigue
A rideshare driver who is striving to make a certain amount of money is frequently inclined to keep driving even when they are worn out and in need of rest. Some drivers for ridesharing services reach their daily target after working another full-time employment in addition to their ridesharing job.
Research has demonstrated that driving when sleepy is just as risky as driving under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, a weary driver is another accident waiting to happen, and exhaustion is another prevalent cause of rideshare accidents in America.
The types of damages to recover in a rideshare accident are:
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are designed to make the victim whole again. They compensate the victim for their losses. In some cases, this can include reimbursement for the cost of replacing a damaged vehicle. Compensatory damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Physical therapies
- Emotional trauma
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement/ scarring
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish the other party for their negligence. However, punitive damages may be restricted to situations. For instance, if Lyft or Uber knew the company was irresponsible and sought to cover up their involvement, the victim may be able to claim punitive damages.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a person dies due to an accident caused by another person’s negligence, then their heirs/certain members of the deceased person’s family are permitted by the wrongful death law to submit a claim for damages. Such damages include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Compensation for the loss of companionship and assistance
- Loss of financial support
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
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We understand the emotional toll a personal injury can have on your life. When dealing with a rideshare accident, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. You may feel like you’ve lost control and are losing your life to medical bills and associated losses.
We want to help you get back on track and find peace in knowing that we are here to fight for you. We will stand beside you every step of the way, working together to get you the compensation that is deserved. Our legal team can help you with the following:
File the Case
Knowing how to properly file a claim against an Uber or Lyft driver is important. We know how these cases work as we have extensive experience in providing representation in cases involving personal injury due to negligence on the part of the Uber or Lyft driver. With a proven track record of success in filing claims for clients, you can be sure that your case will be handled in accordance with the legal provisions such as the statute of limitations.
Prove Liability
To file a successful claim against an Uber or Lyft driver, you must prove that they were negligent in some way and that this negligence caused you harm as a result of their actions. Our attorneys are well-versed in all aspects of court procedure, including discovery and depositions, which allow us to build a strong case against the liable party and recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
The main challenge while proving liability is whether or not Uber/Lyft drivers are employees or independent contractors. In most cases, ridesharing companies argue that their drivers are “independent contractors.” Others, though, argue that the nature of their work makes them more of employees.
One advantage of considering drivers as independent contractors is to save money on payroll taxes and benefits. Also, if a driver causes injuries to another person in a car accident, the ridesharing company may try to avoid responsibility by classifying the driver as an independent contractor rather than an employee. This would be the case if the driver was responsible for the accident.
To address concerns regarding passenger safety and liability in the event of a car accident, the state of Washington, for example, has already passed several legislations that pertain to ridesharing, often known as TNC services (Transportation Network Companies).
In accordance with these laws, drivers are held to “a reasonable and ordinary degree of care,” and ridesharing businesses that breach these laws risk facing both civil and criminal fines. To prove liability, we need to show that your injuries were caused by one or more of the following:
- A defect in the vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or assembly
- An error on behalf of Uber or Lyft
- Negligence by a driver on either company’s platform
Therefore, a lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal system and appropriately prove liability according to your state’s laws.
Represent You in Court
Our attorneys can help you navigate any obstacles that may arise during your case against an Uber or Lyft driver in courtrooms.
Fight for Maximum Compensation
The company has an unfair advantage over drivers due to their access to resources, so it makes sense that they would take advantage of this situation and refuse to compensate you or allow you access to other information related to your case. That’s why our lawyers will fight to get their hands on everything related to the accident and ensure that they pay up and provide the maximum compensation possible.
If you have suffered a serious injury after an accident, it is important to continue medical care until your doctor determines that your injuries are not life-threatening. It is important not only to treat the physical pain but also mental and emotional issues such as stress and depression that can result from an accident. If your doctor has ordered an MRI or CT scan, they will likely want to keep you under observation for several days to ensure that there are no other problems with your head or neck related to the accident.
If possible, also take photos of the incident so that you can use them to prove the injury. This will help them determine coverage amounts if the liable party chooses to deny liability altogether or reduce the amount of damages paid out.
The second step should be hiring a lawyer. The best way to protect your rights is to hire an attorney. A car accident attorney in Kent understands how insurance companies work and knows how to negotiate with them so that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
When you’re involved in a car accident, you want to have someone who will fight for the maximum compensation possible from the liable party. At Herschensohn Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the best legal representation possible. We take pride in our reputation for winning tough cases and obtaining millions in settlements and verdicts for injury victims.
Whether it’s a serious car accident or a minor fender bender that left you with thousands in medical bills or lost wages — our legal team can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.