Can You Sue the Driver of an Uber for an Accident?

Get Compensation for Your DC Rideshare Accident

If you’re considering suing an Uber driver after a crash, speaking with Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC Uber accident lawyers clarifies your rights and who may be held responsible. Uber accidents raise unique questions about driver fault, insurance coverage, and accountability, and the answers are rarely obvious. We’ve spent decades helping injured people in DC understand their options and pursue fair outcomes when liability is disputed.

With almost 200 years of combined experience, our award-winning team of Uber accident lawyers brings depth and trial readiness to cases involving serious injuries and powerful defendants. Named among the Best Law Firms in America, our founding partners are board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We’ve achieved more than $1 billion in recoveries for clients, including a $1 million uninsured motorist award tied to a Lyft claim. That record is reinforced by over 100 5 star Google reviews from clients who value guidance and results.

Have you been injured in an Uber accident and are unsure whether you can sue the driver? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will personally call you back. We’re available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win your case.

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What You Should Know About Uber Accidents in Washington, DC

In an era defined by convenient and accessible transportation, rideshare services like Uber have revolutionized the way we move around our cities. With just a few taps on our smartphones, we summon drivers to whisk us away to our destinations. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving oneself or relying on public transportation in our nation’s capital. However, this convenience comes hand in hand with potential risks, as accidents involving Uber vehicles have become a concerning reality.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Uber Accidents?

Rideshare accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which mirror the factors contributing to motor vehicle accidents.

 

  • One of the primary culprits is distracted driving, as Uber drivers, like any other motorist, can become distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or even conversations with passengers.
  • Additionally, the pressure to fulfill as many rides as possible might lead some drivers to engage in reckless behavior, such as speeding or running red lights, to complete more trips in less time.
  • Fatigue, especially during late-night or early-morning shifts, can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

Moreover, adverse weather conditions and road congestion in a densely populated city like Washington, DC, can amplify the chances of accidents. Rideshare drivers might be compelled to navigate through heavy traffic or make sudden maneuvers to reach their destinations promptly, potentially putting passengers and other road users at risk.

How Common Are Uber Accidents in Washington, DC?

Recently, an increasing number of Uber vehicle accidents have been reported nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ubers have been involved in more than 100 fatal accidents in the United States between 2017 and 2019. Moreover, this same period saw Uber vehicles involved in nearly 3,000 non-fatal accidents, many of which still resulted in severe injuries.

Uber’s Safety Report for 2021–2022 (the latest available) provides further context. The report lists 208 fatalities connected to Uber crashes between 2017 and 2019, along with another 153 fatalities reported during the 2021–2022 period. These numbers show that fatal Uber-related crashes have continued to occur as rideshare use has expanded across the country.

 

Looking beyond crash totals, driver-focused research helps explain how frequently rideshare accidents occur. Analysis by Insurify found that individuals driving for rideshare platforms face a 73% higher likelihood of being involved in an accident compared to the general driving population. Separate research from the University of Illinois Chicago reached a similar conclusion from a different angle, finding that close to one-third of rideshare drivers reported being involved in a crash while working. Taken together, these findings suggest that rideshare driving carries a consistently elevated level of on-the-road risk.

The urban center of Washington, DC, is no exception to the risk of accidents. The proximity of numerous landmarks, government buildings, and entertainment venues makes the city a prime location for rideshare activity. However, this also means that the traffic density and the constant influx of passengers contribute to a heightened risk of accidents.

A man stands on the road clutching his neck in visible pain after a rear-end car accident involving two vehicles, one of which is a rideshare. This image reflects the immediate aftermath of a Lyft-related accident in Washington, DC. Passengers and drivers injured in these types of collisions may suffer from whiplash and other soft tissue injuries. Regan Zambri Long PLLC represents clients hurt in Lyft accidents throughout the DC area. For legal help with rideshare-related injury claims, call +1 (202) 937-3310.

Suing Your Uber Driver: Is it an Option?

The simple answer to whether or not you can sue an Uber driver after an accident is “yes.” Generally, you can sue an Uber driver after an accident if you believe their negligence or actions caused the accident and resulted in injuries or damages. For instance, if your Uber driver was speeding, disobeying traffic laws, or otherwise exhibiting negligence and an accident occurred, they may be liable, and you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.

That being said, suing an Uber driver can be challenging due to the unique nature of rideshare services and the involvement of multiple parties. In cases like these, not only is the driver involved, but the rideshare company itself must also be considered and dealt with. Here are some key points to consider if you’re thinking about suing an Uber driver after an accident:

  • Determining Liability: To successfully sue an Uber driver, you must establish that their negligence or wrongful actions were the primary cause of the accident. This involves proving that the driver breached their duty of care while operating the vehicle, leading to the accident and subsequent injuries.
  • Involvement of Uber: In addition to the driver, you may also need to consider whether Uber, as a company, could be held liable. Uber’s liability can vary depending on the driver’s status during the accident. Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage during different phases of the ride (when the app is off, when the driver is available but without a passenger, and when the driver is actively transporting a passenger).
  • Insurance Coverage: Uber carries commercial insurance coverage to protect both drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. The availability of insurance coverage may depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. It’s important to understand what insurance coverage is applicable and how it may affect your claim.
  • Evidence: Building a solid case requires collecting evidence that supports your claims. This can include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, medical records, and any available electronic records related to the ride.
  • Legal Representation: Given the complexity of rideshare accident cases, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in handling rideshare accident lawsuits is advisable. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, or represent you in court if necessary.

 

Filing a Lawsuit and Seeking Compensation for Your Uber Accident

After a rideshare accident, seeking compensation can lead to the courtroom. Initiating a lawsuit against the responsible parties involves understanding the steps, types of compensation available, and the time limitations that govern such actions.

Initiating a Lawsuit Against the Responsible Parties

When pursuing legal action after a rideshare accident, initiating a lawsuit involves formally filing a complaint against the parties you believe are liable for the accident. This typically includes the driver and potentially the rideshare company itself if their actions or policies contributed to the accident. A well-constructed lawsuit outlines the details of the accident, the negligent behavior that led to it, and the damages you have suffered as a result.

Once the lawsuit is filed, the parties engage in discovery—gathering evidence, deposing witnesses, and exchanging information. Negotiations, mediation, or settlement discussions may also occur at this stage. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome based on the presented evidence.

What Compensation Is Available After an Uber Accident?

Rideshare accident victims can pursue various forms of compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the accident. These include:

  • Medical Expenses: This covers the costs of medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation required to recover from injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, you can seek compensation for the wages you would have earned when you could not work.
  • Pain and Suffering: These non-economic damages account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident and its aftermath.
  • Property Damage: If your personal property, such as your vehicle or belongings, was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation to repair or replace them.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Lawsuits in Washington, DC?

While pursuing a lawsuit is an option, it’s essential to be aware of the time limitations, known as a statute of limitations, that dictate when you can file a lawsuit. In the District of Columbia, these limitations vary based on the type of claim and the parties involved. Generally, personal injury claims—including those arising from rideshare accidents—must be filed within three years from the accident date, according to §12–301 of the DC Code.

Failing to initiate a lawsuit within that three-year window can result in your case being dismissed, potentially leaving you without legal recourse to seek compensation. Therefore, understanding and adhering to these time constraints is important to seeking justice and recovering damages.

As you consider filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation after a rideshare accident, it’s recommended to consult with a seasoned personal injury attorney who specializes in rideshare accident cases. Their expertise can provide invaluable guidance, ensuring your rights are protected, evidence is gathered effectively, and the legal process is handled correctly.

Uber Accident Attorneys at Regan Zambri Long

While pursuing a lawsuit against an Uber driver may seem daunting, it is an avenue for those who have suffered injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress due to the negligence of others.

As you contemplate the action following a rideshare accident, remember that you don’t have to navigate this path alone. Enlisting the assistance of a qualified legal professional, preferably one experienced in rideshare accident cases, can provide you with the guidance and support needed to pursue justice effectively.

That experience matters most when rideshare cases raise questions about corporate responsibility and evolving liability standards. Over the last three decades, Regan Zambri Long has secured more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury clients, building a record of results in cases that demand careful preparation and a willingness to push back against well-funded defendants. Partner Christopher Regan has played a key role in this area, successfully handling the leading local case addressing Uber’s and Lyft’s responsibility when their drivers are at fault, helping shape how rideshare liability is approached in Washington, DC.

 

The firm’s influence extends beyond individual cases. Chris Regan serves as Co-Chair of the New Lawyers Division of the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers Association and sits on its Board of Governors alongside partner Jacqueline Colclough. Our remaining four partners have each served as Presidents of the Association, reflecting sustained leadership within the DC trial bar. All six partners are also listed on Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the United States, placing our firm’s entire leadership team among the most respected plaintiff advocates nationwide.

 

Recognition from peers and independent organizations further reinforces that standing. All our attorneys are recognized by Best Lawyers, with partners named Lawyer of the Year on multiple occasions, including Paul Cornoni’s 2026 Lawyer of the Year award for Personal Injury Litigation. Cornoni and senior partner Patrick Regan are named among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, while senior partner Salvatore Zambri is recognized among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in the district, out of roughly 80,000 attorneys. Washingtonian Magazine has also highlighted the firm’s leadership, naming Salvatore Zambri a “Big Gun,” among the “Top 1%,” and praising Patrick Regan as “one of the most successful advocates for clients in negligence,” as well as a standard-bearer for legal ethics and integrity.

 

Choosing Regan Zambri Long means working with a team that understands how Uber accident cases actually play out, from the first insurance response to the possibility of trial. The firm’s experience with rideshare liability, courtroom advocacy, and high-stakes negotiations allows clients to focus on recovery while their case is handled with care, urgency, and attention to detail. When the path forward feels uncertain, having lawyers who are prepared to see a case through every stage can make a meaningful difference in both the process and the outcome.

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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.

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