Top Washington D.C. Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare accidents can occur under various circumstances, each involving distinct dynamics and parties. Here’s an overview of different potential scenarios:

• A rideshare driver is at fault with passenger injuries: This scenario involves an accident where the rideshare driver is directly responsible for causing a collision. As a result, a passenger sustains injuries. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, or not adhering to traffic regulations.
• A collision with pedestrians or bicyclists: Rideshare vehicles can potentially hit pedestrians or cyclists, especially in densely populated urban settings. Such incidents may occur if the driver fails to pay attention, ignores pedestrian crossings, or improperly navigates bike lanes. These accidents tend to result in serious injuries due to the fact that pedestrians and cyclists are unprotected.
• A third-party vehicle strikes a rideshare vehicle: In this case, the car accident is caused by another vehicle whose driver might be at fault. The impact could harm both the rideshare driver and their passengers, with liability resting on the other motorist.
• Multi-car crashes involving rideshares: These traffic accidents involve several vehicles, including the rideshare vehicle. Causes might include chain-reaction collisions or multi-directional impacts at intersections. Determining fault can become complicated and may involve multiple insurance claims.
• A rideshare vehicle collision with another vehicle: This situation occurs when a rideshare driver crashes into another car, even if the rideshare driver isn’t carrying a passenger

Rideshare drivers in Washington D.C. are required to meet specific criteria before they can start driving. This includes passing background checks to ensure the safety of passengers. The district mandates these checks to include criminal history, driving records, and other relevant details to maintain high safety standards.

All rideshare vehicles must undergo regular inspections to ensure they are safe for operation. These inspections are crucial for maintaining the overall safety standards prescribed by D.C. regulations, ensuring that every vehicle meets a minimum safety criterion before being allowed to transport passengers.

Rideshare companies must provide insurance coverage that protects passengers and third parties. This includes a $1 million liability coverage that becomes effective from the moment a passenger enters the vehicle until they exit. This comprehensive coverage is mandatory to cover any damages or injuries that may occur during a rideshare trip.

If you were in a traffic accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, taking certain steps in the immediate aftermath can help protect your safety, well-being, and legal rights. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what you should do:

Remain calm and focus on safety

First and foremost, check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If anyone requires medical attention, call emergency services immediately. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. For example, get off to the side of the road or pull over in a nearby parking lot.

Then, call the police to report the rideshare accident and wait for an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department to arrive at the scene. They will launch an initial investigation and create a report that documents how the crash occurred and what the likely contributors were.

Exchange information and document the crash scene

Exchange contact and insurance information with the drivers involved, including the Uber or Lyft driver. Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident. Their statements can later help strengthen your case.

Also, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Capture vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.

Seek medical attention

Even if you don’t feel injured at the time of the rideshare accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not manifest symptoms immediately but can worsen over time.

The sooner you get medical treatment, the easier it will be to treat your injuries before they worsen and establish a clear link between your condition and the rideshare accident you were involved in.

Notify your rideshare company

If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, report the incident to the rideshare company through their app or customer support hotline. They may provide guidance on the next steps to take and assist you with starting an insurance claim.

Report the accident to your insurance company

If you were the driver of another vehicle and you were hit by a rideshare driver, you’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company to start the claims process.

Refrain from making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the accident, even if you believe you may have contributed to it. Stick to factual descriptions of what occurred, as well as the date, time, location, and parties involved.

Seek legal help

Get legal help from an experienced Washington D.C. rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Finding a Washington D.C. Uber and Lyft accident attorney is simple. Just fill out the contact form below and a lawyer will get back to you with information on how to schedule a free consultation.

During a free consultation, a lawyer will likely ask you questions regarding your rideshare collision to gauge the strength of your claim. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of your own and get honest answers.

Hiring a Washington D.C. rideshare accident lawyer doesn’t cost anything upfront. Since these lawyers work on a contingency fee structure, they only take a certain percentage of your final compensation if they win your case. To get started, contact a lawyer in Washington D.C. today to set up your free consultation.