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Washington, DC Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Involved in an Accident with a Rideshare Driver?

If you or a loved one are injured in a Washington, DC, rideshare accident, you are entitled to compensation. Ridesharing 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. If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in DC, consult a personal injury lawyer from Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible. Ridesharing cases can be complicated. Companies may deny liability or claim you shared negligence. Regan Zambri Long’s experienced attorneys will make sure you recover the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 202-960-4596.

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What Makes Rideshare Accidents so Complex in DC?

A 2018 study reported that rideshare services contributed to a 2-3 percent increase in traffic fatalities since 2011. Car crash cases are often far from straightforward. However, rideshare accident cases are more complicated for several reasons.

  • Many ridesharing companies classify their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. This allows them to deny liability in certain situations. Instead, the driver’s insurance and liability coverage will provide compensation.
  • 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 a no-fault insurance state. After an auto accident, you will generally recover compensation from your auto insurance policy. You may claim the Uber or Lyft driver if your policy does not cover all your damages.
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How to File a Lyft or Uber Accident Claim in Washington, DC

The first step in your claim is hiring an experienced rideshare accident attorney. A lawyer will handle most of the legal process, allowing you to focus on healing.

Take advantage of Regan Zambri Long’s free consultation to meet with an Uber or Lyft accident attorney to discuss your case. We will advise you on your legal options.

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, but the case never goes to court. If the responsible party denies liability or the value of your claim, your lawyer may need to file a formal lawsuit.

A lawsuit 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 preparation.

During trial preparation, your lawyer will strategize how to present your case. They will also prepare key witnesses and further review the evidence.

If your case is before a judge and jury, your lawyer will present it factually. They will prove negligence and liability. The jury will deliberate and return with a verdict.

At any point throughout a formal lawsuit process, settlement is an option. If the liable party realizes they will lose a lawsuit, they may settle instead of risk a higher jury award. While a trial can be draining, do not let it deter you from pursuing the compensation you deserve.

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What Causes DC Ridesharing Car Accidents?

Washington, DC, drivers suffered 32 traffic deaths in 2022, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Car accidents are mostly caused by negligent actions. In the case of Lyft and Uber drivers, some of the most common causes include:

  • distracted driving
  • aggressive driving
  • an unsafe rideshare vehicle
  • drowsy or fatigued driving
  • drunk driving
  • violating traffic laws

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. In Uber and Lyft accidents, however, driver negligence is a common cause.

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Who is liable for a DC Uber or Lyft accident?

Determining liability for a 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. They will then bring a claim against all liable parties.

Can I sue the ridesharing company for the car accident?

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.

What compensation is available after an Uber or Lyft crash?

The value of your case depends on the amount of damage you suffer. This includes economic damages, such as:

  • medical bills and future medical expenses
  • property damage and repair costs
  • lost wages and future lost earning capacity

You are also entitled to non-economic damages, including:

  • pain and suffering
  • emotional and mental anguish
  • loss of enjoyment of life

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.

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How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for an Uber or Lyft Crash in DC?

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 lawyer. Schedule a free case evaluation with Regan Zambri Long today.

What Are My Next Steps Following the Rideshare Accident?

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 car 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.

How Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Washington, DC Help?

From insurance claims to formal lawsuits, an experienced Washington, DC, attorney 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.

A rideshare accident may throw a wrench into your life, but legal proceedings don’t have to.

Meet with Regan Zambri Long for a Free Consultation Today

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.

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.

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Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

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