Tacoma Uber Accident Lawyer
Tacoma rideshare accident lawyers fight for maximum compensation while you recover from injuries caused by Uber and Lyft accidents across Pierce County.
What Makes Uber and Lyft Accidents Unique?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient transportation across Tacoma, but crashes involving these vehicles can be complex. Multiple insurance policies may apply depending on whether the driver was awaiting a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or had a passenger in the car. Rideshare companies and insurance carriers often try to avoid paying full compensation.
Common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Distracted driving due to app usage, texting or GPS;
- Speeding and aggressive driving to maximize fares;
- Driver fatigue from long shifts;
- Unsafe pick‑up and drop‑off locations in traffic;
- Negligent drivers of other vehicles who collide with the rideshare car.
Our Tacoma car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys handle Uber and Lyft claims every day. We identify all sources of insurance coverage and build cases that demand compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering and other damages.
Don’t let Uber or Lyft’s insurance carriers take advantage of you. Call (206) 737‑1421 for a free consultation, or visit us at 1120 Pacific Ave Suite 110, Tacoma, WA 98402. You can also find us on Google Maps. We’ll fight for maximum compensation while you focus on healing.
Contents
What Is a Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare accident occurs when an Uber or Lyft vehicle is involved in a crash while the driver is logged into the app. These collisions can injure passengers, other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Unlike traditional auto accidents, rideshare crashes involve different insurance rules depending on whether the driver has accepted a ride or has passengers in the car.
Uber and Lyft divide their insurance coverage into distinct periods:
- Period 0: The driver is offline or using the vehicle for personal use. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Period 1: The driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage if the driver’s insurance denies the claim.
- Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Period 3: The passenger is in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Our attorneys understand these coverage periods and will ensure that you tap into every available insurance policy to maximize your recovery.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of coverage in each period:
- Period 1: Waiting for a ride request – up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage coverage.
- Periods 2 and 3: En route to pick up a passenger or during a trip – up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for the driver’s vehicle.
Depending on the circumstances, additional policies may apply, including the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance and policies held by negligent third parties. Our attorneys will identify and pursue every available source of compensation on your behalf.
Damages Available After a Rideshare Accident
Victims of Uber and Lyft crashes are entitled to compensation for both economic and non‑economic losses. Depending on the facts of your case, you may recover:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation and ongoing therapy.
- Lost income and future earnings if your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Disfigurement and permanent disability compensation for scarring, amputations, or permanent impairments.
Our attorneys work with medical experts, life‑care planners and economists to calculate the full value of your claim and fight for the maximum recovery available.
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"Just wanted to say thank you to Jed and his team at Strong Law. Not only was I happy with the outcome, but the entire process as a whole. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks again."
“Unbelievable work!”
"I had a claim involving my own insurance company. I tried to negotiate with them, and they completely denied my claim – two times. I then hired Strong Law, and the change was instant. The insurance company immediately began negotiating, and Jed was able to secure an unbelievably good settlement. I will never again attempt to take-on an insurance company without Strong Law in my corner. Thank you!"
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"I hired Strong Law after my car accident. Jed and his team worked hard on my case. They were professional and compassionate through my surgery and as I recovered, and they were awesome on communication. I got justice and awesome compensation. I would recommend Strong Law to anyone in my situation."
How We Help With Your Rideshare Accident Claim
After a rideshare accident, you need a skilled advocate on your side. Our Tacoma rideshare accident lawyers will:
- Investigate the crash by gathering police reports, driver statements, app data, dashcam footage, and witness testimony.
- Identify all insurance policies available, including the rideshare driver’s personal policy, Uber or Lyft’s commercial coverage, and other motorists’ policies.
- Document your injuries and losses with medical records, expert reports, and proof of lost wages and future earnings.
- Calculate the value of your claim by considering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers for a full settlement and file a lawsuit if needed.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front. Contact us at (206) 737‑1421 or visit us at 1120 Pacific Ave Suite 110, Tacoma, WA 98402, or our Google Business Profile to arrange a free consultation. We’re available in person, virtually, or at your home or hospital.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance. A police report will document the crash and paramedics can evaluate injuries.
- Document the scene by taking photos of all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information with your rideshare driver and any other motorists. Note driver names, insurance policies, and witness contact information.
- Save ride details by taking screenshots of the rideshare app, trip receipt, and driver information.
- Report the crash to Uber or Lyft through the app and to your own insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements without an attorney.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor; symptoms may worsen later.
- Contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who can preserve evidence, identify insurance coverage, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
These steps can protect your health and legal rights after a rideshare accident.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries from the sudden force of a collision.
- Broken bones and fractures, particularly in the arms, legs and ribs.
- Head and traumatic brain injuries, from concussions to severe TBIs.
- Spinal cord injuries leading to temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Internal injuries and organ damage caused by seat belts or blunt trauma.
- Psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
We work closely with your doctors and specialists to document these injuries, assess the long-term impact, and seek full compensation for your physical, emotional and financial losses.
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Case Review
How Strong Law will handle your case
We review reports, photos, witness statements, medical records, insurance letters, and other evidence to understand what happened and who may be responsible.
We review medical bills, lost income, future care, pain and suffering, property damage when applicable, and other losses tied to the claim.
We handle communication with insurers and push back against low offers, delays, and attempts to shift blame.
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we can file a lawsuit and prepare the case for court.
Insider experience
We Know How Insurance Companies Operate
Before founding Strong Law, attorney Jed worked as in-house counsel for GEICO, defending insurance companies in accident and injury claims. That experience helps our team understand how insurers evaluate claims, dispute injuries, and decide when to settle. We use that knowledge to build stronger claims for injured people.
No upfront fees
Zero Cost Unless You Win
You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There is no obligation to hire us after your consultation and no hidden attorney fees along the way.
First-Class Service
Legal Support That Goes Beyond the Basics
Our team does more than process paperwork. We answer your questions, explain your options, track important deadlines, and help you understand each step of the injury claim.
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We will review your injury claim at no cost and explain your options clearly. The goal is to help you protect your health, your claim, and your financial recovery after a serious accident or injury.
Tacoma Rideshare Accident FAQs
Who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident?
Liability can fall on multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, another negligent motorist, a vehicle manufacturer, or even the rideshare company itself. We investigate the facts of your case to identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from every available insurance policy.
What insurance coverage applies to rideshare accidents?
Washington follows a tiered approach. When the rideshare app is off (Period 0), only the driver’s personal policy applies. When the driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride (Period 1), Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage up to $50,000 per person ($100,000 per accident) and $25,000 for property damage. Once the driver accepts a ride or has a passenger (Periods 2 & 3), Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We pursue all policies to maximize your recovery.
What if the rideshare driver is not at fault?
You can still file a claim against the at-fault driver and, if their insurance is insufficient, seek coverage through the rideshare company’s underinsured motorist policy or your own auto policy. Our lawyers will identify all potential sources of compensation.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit in Washington?
In most cases you have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (RCW 4.16.080). However, shorter deadlines apply if the defendant is a government entity, and you must file a notice of claim within 90 days. Insurance claims often have even stricter notice requirements, so contact us as soon as possible.
What does it cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer?
We represent injured riders and drivers on a contingency fee basis—there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free.
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