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A Washington, DC rideshare accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long can help if you or a loved one are injured in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. Ridesharing services can be a convenient way to get around the city or enjoy a night on the town, but ridesharing drivers can be negligent, causing accidents and injuries to victims. Ridesharing cases can be complicated, with companies sometimes denying liability or claiming you shared negligence. Regan Zambri Long’s experienced car accident attorneys will make sure you recover the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 202-960-4596.
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Car crash cases are often far from straightforward, but rideshare accidents present unique challenges. One major issue that makes rideshare accident cases more complicated is that many ridesharing companies classify their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. This allows them to deny liability in certain situations, shifting responsibility to the driver’s personal insurance. However, rideshare drivers are covered by company-provided insurance under certain conditions, like when they are carrying passengers or en route to pick them up.
Additionally, contributory negligence is a harsh standard upheld in Washington, DC. It bars anyone who contributed to an accident from claiming compensation. Some ridesharing services and insurance companies will try to blame the victim to avoid paying compensation.
Washington, DC, is also a no-fault insurance location. This means that after an auto accident, you will generally recover compensation from your auto insurance policy. If your damages exceed the limits of your policy, you may pursue a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance.
The first step in your claim is hiring an experienced rideshare accident attorney. A Washington, DC personal injury lawyer will handle the legal process, including investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on healing.
When your lawyer files an initial claim, they inform the responsible party of their liability and the settlement money you deserve. In Washington, DC, this settlement will be in addition to anything your insurance company provides for you.
In many cases, settlement negotiations are successful, and the case never goes to court. However, if the responsible party denies liability or the value of your claim, your DC rideshare accident lawyer may need to file a formal lawsuit.
A lawsuit typically begins with discovery. Both parties will collect and share evidence and testimony. Settlement may occur at this point, or your case may proceed to trial. During trial preparation, your lawyer will refine your case, prepare key witnesses, further review the evidence, and come up with a strategy for presenting the facts to a judge and jury. While the trial process can be time-consuming, it is sometimes necessary to achieve a fair result. Keep in mind that even during the lawsuit, settlement always remains an option, and the responsible party may offer a settlement before the verdict if they believe they will lose the case.
While a trial can be draining, don’t let it deter you from pursuing the compensation you deserve.
At Regan Zambri Long, we offer a free consultation with a Washington, DC Uber or Lyft accident attorney to discuss your case and provide guidance on your legal options.
Determining liability for a Washington, DC ridesharing accident is challenging. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors. This means the company only provides insurance coverage when the driver has a passenger or is en route to pick one up. A driver waiting for a ride request is not considered online by the ridesharing company.
The driver can generally be held liable for an accident they caused. Your legal team will need to prove that the negligent driver is at fault for your injuries and damages.
An experienced Lyft or Uber accident lawyer will review your case and determine who is liable for the error. They will then bring a claim against all liable parties.
You are not guaranteed to be able to bring a claim against a ridesharing company after an accident. To sue the company, you must prove that the driver was at fault and that they were active or online in the rideshare app.
If you were an Uber or Lyft passenger, you should screenshot your app data immediately after the accident.
If you were another driver, get contact information for the driver and any passengers. If you can, get a photo of the active ride in the driver’s or passenger’s app.
Rideshare companies must make sure their drivers meet certain standards. These include: having a valid driver’s license, maintaining adequate personal insurance policies, and using safe personal vehicles for ride requests.
If the negligent rideshare driver fails to meet any of these standards, the company may be liable for the damages of an accident victim.
The value of your rideshare law case depends on the amount of damage you suffer. This includes economic damages and non-economic damages.
In a rideshare accident, economic damages are the financial losses you face from the car crash. These are the out-of-pocket costs that can be clearly added up based on what you’ve already spent or will need to spend in the future. Here’s what that usually includes:
Non-economic damages cover the more personal, non-financial ways an accident affects your life. Unlike bills and repair costs, these damages focus on the emotional and physical toll the accident has taken. Here’s what they usually include:
The at-fault driver didn’t mean to cause an accident, but they must be held responsible. A rideshare accident claim ensures that accident victims receive financial compensation for their losses.
Washington, DC’s statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Three years may seem like a long time but valuing your claim and reaching maximum physical recovery takes time. Your lawyer will ensure that your case is filed in time.
If you miss the three-year deadline, your personal injury claim will likely be denied. Don’t wait to contact a Washington, DC car accident lawyer for legal advice. Schedule a free case evaluation with Regan Zambri Long today.
Negligent actions mostly cause automobile accidents. In the case of Lyft and Uber drivers, some of the most common causes include:
Every motor vehicle driver has a duty of care to drive safely. When that duty is breached and an accident occurs, the motorist is liable for negligence.
Negligence is not limited to drivers. Manufacturers, government and maintenance entities, and pedestrians can be liable for an accident. However, driver negligence is a common cause in Uber and Lyft accidents.
Immediately following an accident, you should:
Seeking medical attention is the most important step after the accident scene is secured. Treatment plans laid out by your doctor may be an important factor in your case. Medical treatment will also help your lawyer calculate fair compensation for your case.
As soon as possible after the accident, you should contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer from Regan Zambri Long. Hiring a lawyer is your best chance for fair monetary compensation. A DC Lyft accident lawyer will protect your legal rights and explain your legal options.
Remember, even your personal insurance company may not have your best interests in mind. As much as possible, avoid making any statements until you have spoken with an attorney.
From insurance claims to formal lawsuits, an experienced Washington, DC personal injury lawyer is your best bet for maximum compensation.
Following an initial consultation, your lawyer will investigate the accident and collect evidence that proves your case. They will file paperwork and take the appropriate legal steps to hold the at-fault party responsible. This will leave you free to focus on medical treatment and your physical recovery.
Your legal counsel will also have experience valuing claims. Determining how much money your pain, suffering, and emotional distress are worth is challenging. Rideshare services and insurance companies may try to tell you it isn’t worth much. However, your legal representation will make sure any settlement you receive is fair.
Hiring a legal professional brings expertise to your case. You may be able to recover some money representing yourself. But a DC Metro personal injury attorney will make sure you receive maximum compensation in your rideshare accident.
A rideshare accident may throw a wrench into your life, but legal proceedings don’t have to.
When you or your loved one are injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, you deserve the best legal advice available. Regan Zambri Long will review your case, fight for your rights, and make sure justice is served.
Our law firm is consistently recognized by the press and peers alike as the DC Metro’s best lawyers. We have more than 100 years of cumulative experience with personal injury law. We have recovered thousands of dollars for our clients, and we will do the same for you.
Our team works on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t collect any attorney fees until we’ve made a recovery in your favor. In other words, no win, no fee.
Don’t let an Uber or Lyft accident drain your finances. Contact Regan Zambri Long’s rideshare accident attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation.
