Need an Injury Lawyer After an Uber/Ridesharing Accident in Washington State?
The rapid growth of ridesharing services in Washington state has raised concerns about their safety. In 2014, the City of Seattle began regulating transportation network company (TNC) drivers. These requirements include, among other things, that TNC drivers possess a valid Washington driver’s license, that the City be permitted to inspect the TNC vehicle upon request, that the TNC drivers not accept cash, possess a valid TNC endorsement, and so on.
Ridesharing Companies Attempt to Dodge Liability by Utilizing Independent Contractors
If you have been injured or worse due to the actions of a ridesharing driver, you are entitled to financial relief. Ridesharing companies often provide a great benefit and convenience to modern society, but because their business deals with automobile travel, injuries can and often do occur.
In an effort to reduce their liability for the injuries and damages which inevitably occur, ridesharing companies work with independent contractor drivers rather than employees. However, ridesharing companies cannot shield themselves from all liability. In most states they are required to maintain insurance policies which will cover passengers or others who are injured as a result of a ridesharing driver.
Don’t Go Up Against the Insurance Company Alone
A common tactic insurance companies use to make profits is to reduce the amount of money they pay out, including in cases where injuries parties make claims against a ridesharing company’s policy. Even when there is clear liability on the part of the ridesharing driver, and when that driver has caused extensive damage, the insurance company could still deny the claim.
Because it can be so difficult to negotiate successfully with insurance companies, this task is best left to the professionals. And the best type of professional to handle this task is a personal injury attorney who has a proven track record of handling ridesharing accident cases, and taking those cases to trial.
One of the best things that you can do, if the ridesharing insurance company contacts you, is to tell them that you are represented by counsel and to tell the insurance company to speak with your attorney. The insurance company may try its best to get you to make statements that will hurt your case, but being represented by counsel will help protect you from that.
Retain the Services of A Reputable Washington State Trial Attorney
You may have experienced serious losses as a result of the ridesharing driver, resulting in a case that you must be fully prepared to take to trial. This is something that many people are not qualified to do, even including many attorneys. Make the best decision for you, your case and your future by retaining a seasoned trial attorney. An attorney who will know how to prepare your case from the start, negotiate with the insurance company, pick the best jury for you, and tell a compelling story to that jury when the time comes.
So if you have a good trial attorney on your side, you have a better chance of obtaining just and fair compensation for your injuries caused by the Uber, Lyft or other ridesharing driver. Contact us today to find out more!