The person or company liable for your injuries in a rideshare accident is the one whose actions (or inaction) caused the crash. That could be the rideshare driver, another driver, or even a third party such as a business or government agency.
Because these cases involve multiple layers of insurance and potential liability, working with a Washington, DC, rideshare accident lawyer can help you sort through the confusion and get clarity about your legal options.
Rideshare accidents aren’t always straightforward. The rules change depending on whether the app was open, if a passenger was in the vehicle, or if someone else caused the collision. If you’re hurt and unsure where to turn, a legal team can take the pressure off and help you move forward.
We Help Determine Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Rideshare Accident
At Kitchel Injury Law, we know that the last thing you need after a crash is more uncertainty. That’s why we focus on helping clients understand who can be held responsible for their injuries and how to get the compensation they need to recover.
Liability in rideshare crashes can include:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- A third-party driver who caused the accident
- The rideshare company (in some circumstances)
- A business, property owner, or city agency responsible for road conditions
We investigate each case thoroughly. Our Washington, DC, car accident lawyers gather crash reports, app activity logs, and relevant video footage to find out what happened and who should be held accountable.
You’ll never have to speak to the insurance companies yourself; we take care of all communication and protect your rights throughout the process.
Does Uber or Lyft Provide Insurance Coverage?
Yes, rideshare companies do provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but only under certain conditions. The coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- If the app was off, only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- If the app was on and they were waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage may be available.
- If the driver was en route to a rider or had a passenger in the car, up to $1 million in coverage may be available.
Even when coverage applies, insurers often delay or dispute these claims. Some drivers may not even realize they need special coverage or may try to handle things without reporting the crash at all.
That’s why you should never speak to the insurance companies directly. Let us step in early to preserve your rights and stop the games before they begin.
Can You File a Claim With the Rideshare Company’s Insurance?
In many cases, yes. If we can show that the rideshare driver was actively working when the crash occurred, you may have the right to file a claim under the company’s insurance policy. We’ll gather the evidence needed to make that case, because their insurer won’t make it easy.
To succeed with this kind of claim, we’ll need to show:
- The driver was using the app at the time of the crash
- Their behavior directly caused your injuries
- You suffered financial losses as a result
Even if the rideshare driver caused the crash, the company may deny responsibility. That’s why you need a personal injury lawyer after an accident. We know how to handle these disputes, track down coverage details, and fight for your right to full compensation.
What if the Rideshare Company Denies the Claim?
If Uber or Lyft refuses to pay or says the driver didn’t qualify for coverage, we may need to file a claim through the driver’s personal auto policy. In some cases, we may even pursue both paths at once.
Drivers who work for rideshare companies don’t always tell their insurers that they’re using their vehicles for commercial purposes. This can create confusion, denials, or gaps in coverage. We step in to make sure your claim doesn’t get stuck in limbo.
Whether we’re negotiating with the rideshare company, the driver’s insurer, or another driver involved in the crash, we handle all communication on your behalf. Our team prepares every document, meets every deadline, and fights for the compensation you deserve.
Can You Sue a Rideshare Driver Directly?
Yes. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, which means they are personally responsible for their driving behavior. If they caused the crash, we can hold them accountable.
Filing a personal injury claim against a rideshare driver doesn’t necessarily mean going to court. In fact, many of these claims are resolved through private negotiations. But we always prepare every case with the expectation that we might need to go to trial because that’s how we build leverage.
If you do need to sue, we’ll guide you through every step. We also track all applicable deadlines under the Washington, D.C., statute of limitations (Code of the District of Columbia § 12–301), which typically gives you three years from the date of the crash to file your claim.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft?
Sometimes, yes. While rideshare companies often avoid direct liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors, there are situations where we can hold the company itself accountable. For example, if they failed to properly vet a driver or ignored known safety issues, they may share fault for the crash.
We evaluate every angle of your case and give you straightforward advice on whether to name the company in your claim or focus your efforts elsewhere for a better outcome. The goal is always the same: to get you the financial support you need without unnecessary delays.
What if a Third Party Was Involved?
Many rideshare crashes involve more than two vehicles or more than one source of fault. For example, a road crew may have created a dangerous traffic pattern, or another driver may have caused the crash that injured you.
We investigate all contributing factors and pursue compensation from every responsible party. No matter how complex the situation, we work to make it as easy as possible for you.
Let Us Handle the Hard Part
You didn’t ask for this situation, and you shouldn’t have to untangle it alone. At Kitchel Injury Law, we take a hands-on approach to every rideshare case. From the moment you contact us, we’ll handle the paperwork, the insurance calls, and the back-and-forth, so you can focus on recovery.
We know what it takes to hold companies and drivers accountable. And with 28 years of combined experience, we know how to do it efficiently, compassionately, and thoroughly.
Schedule your free consultation to talk with our team and get a plan in place. We’re here to listen, advise, and take action on your behalf.