Uber & Lyft Accident in Washington, DC
Getting around in Washington, DC has become much easier and more cost-effective as Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies have increased in popularity. Parking a private vehicle in the District is time-consuming and quite expensive, but taxis are no longer the only option. Unfortunately, you cannot control the driving record or experience of the driver when you request a ride on Uber or Lyft. If the driver is distracted, aggressive, or simply inexperienced, you could be involved in an accident.
If you were involved in an auto accident resulting in an injury during an Uber or Lyft ride, you have legal rights. However, these situations can be more complicated than basic automobile accidents between private parties. Our Washington, DC Uber/Lyft accident lawyers are here to guide and direct you through the process. We are happy to offer a free consultation to explain your rights and your options. Our law firm proudly serves all of the DC and Northern Virginia areas.
DC Legislative Regulations Regarding Uber/Lyft Accidents
This information is sourced from the Public Vehicle-for-Hire Innovation Act. Although these guidelines are helpful, they are not exhaustive. In addition, all of these regulations are subject to change with updated legislation.
- Drivers may use their privately owned vehicles for public transportation. However, drivers must be notified of customers through an app or through other electronic means.
- Drivers with Lyft, Uber, or other ridesharing services may not solicit customers at specified DC taxi service stands.
- Street hailing is illegal for ridesharing services. If there is suspicion of this occurring, the driver is responsible for giving law enforcement personnel access to their trip records.
- Basic insurance coverage and background checks are a requirement for all rideshare drivers before they begin work.
- Each passenger must be provided with a photo of the vehicle driver and the vehicle license information for pickup.
- Each app-based driver must be successfully screened through a driving history check, sex offender database check, and criminal background check.
- Ridesharing services are responsible for primary insurance coverage for all of their drivers. The minimum required coverage is $50,000 per person per accident, including $25,000 for property damage and $100,000 available for all involved parties.
- Private rideshare drivers are allowed to affiliate with more than one service, as long as this is not forbidden in their employment contract.
What to Do After a Washington DC Uber/Lyft Accident
If you are involved in an accident as a passenger of a ridesharing service, do not hesitate to call the police. You should also do this if you are involved in an accident involving a ridesharing service while you are the driver of another vehicle.
A formal police report will be one of your most helpful documents as you proceed through the insurance process. As the officer is gathering information, stick to the facts. Do not assign blame, and remain calm.
The ridesharing driver is required to contact their company right away, and the company might also try to contact you. Do not sign any documents or make any statements to the company until you have spoken with our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers in Washington, DC.
After dealing with the police and taking care of any medical needs, your next call should be to a trusted accident attorney. Unlike insurance companies and even law enforcement, the attorney is there to work specifically on behalf of your interests.
Who Is at Fault in a Washington, DC Uber/Lyft Accident?
Proving fault can be complicated in this situation. If another driver causes the accident, they may be held liable for the crash and a claim may be made against their insurer. If you were the passenger of an at-fault Uber or Lyft driver, you are not at fault and should be able to recover damages. If you were involved in an accident with an off-duty Uber or Lyft driver, it would be the driver rather than the company who would be held responsible.
Each accident and situation is very different, and proving fault can be exceptionally difficult when an Uber or Lyft driver is involved. If the other driver in the accident is at fault, they will usually be held liable for the crash, and you can enter the claims process with their insurer. However, if your driver is at fault, that does not mean that you are at fault. You should still be able to recover damages. It is important to seek legal counsel from an Uber/Lyft accident lawyer to help you determine liability.
How Can an Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer in DC Help Me?
Your attorney will help you through every step of the claims process. You do not want to fight the insurance companies alone, and our team will be there to assist you. In addition, numerous documents are required for a successful claim, so we will help you gather the police report, phone records, medical data, and other pertinent information.
Our goal is to help you get the compensation that you deserve. When you are injured, you need to focus on your physical and emotional recovery, and you can do this while we are fighting the insurance companies and other parties for your compensation.
Contact Our Washington, DC Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers
Call Dash Injury Law Firm today at 888-(DASH-LAW) or complete an online contact form for a free consultation.
The information contained in these pages should not be taken as a substitute for legal advice and it is in fact not legal advice, especially as to cases which are highly fact-specific.