What to do After an Uber/Lyft Accident in Washington?

Rideshares have become part of everyday life in cities like Spokane and across Washington, but that doesn’t mean the legal process is easy when something goes wrong. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming. Between multiple insurance companies, unclear liability, and corporate red tape, it’s not always obvious how to protect yourself.

At Gilbert Law Firm, we help people throughout Washington get answers after complex rideshare accidents. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, we’re here to break down what steps to take and what your rights are under Washington law.

Uber and Lyft drivers use their cars, but they’re operating under a company platform, so when a crash happens, it’s not always just one insurance policy involved.

Responsibility depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• App off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
  
• App on, no ride accepted: Uber/Lyft provides limited liability coverage.
  
• Ride accepted or passenger in car: Uber/Lyft’s commercial policy kicks in, which can provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.

Knowing what phase the driver was in is critical to figuring out who’s paying, and how much.

Rideshare-related crashes in Washington can involve:

• Injured passengers in the Uber/Lyft vehicle
  
• Occupants of other cars hit by a rideshare driver
  
• Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle
  
• Multi-car pileups where fault is shared

Even if you weren’t riding in an Uber or Lyft, you may still have a valid claim against the company’s insurance if their driver was at fault.

The steps you take immediately after the accident can affect your health, your safety, and your case.

Here’s what to do:

• Call 911 and request medical help if needed
• Get contact info for the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved
  
• Ask if the rideshare driver was “on the app” and taking passengers
  
• Take photos of the scene, road conditions, damage, and any injuries
• Request a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available
  
• Do not agree to a settlement or give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer

Uber and Lyft accidents aren’t like regular fender-benders; the legal issues are more complicated, and insurance companies know it.

Washington is an at-fault state, so the driver responsible for the crash typically pays through their insurance. But with rideshare accidents, there are more layers:

You may be dealing with:

• The rideshare driver’s personal insurance
  
• Uber/Lyft’s commercial insurance policy
  
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable
  
• Your own personal injury protection (PIP) or health insurance

This is where having an attorney on your side can make a huge difference, especially if coverage is denied or delayed.

Rideshare companies are quick to deny that their drivers are “employees,” which they use to avoid legal responsibility. But even if the driver is technically an independent contractor, Uber and Lyft still carry commercial policies, and they can still be held accountable.

Watch out for these common tactics:

• Lowball settlement offers
  
• Denying responsibility altogether
  
• Delaying your claim
  
• Claiming your injuries were pre-existing

You don’t have to accept these tactics. We help clients fight back and demand the compensation they’re owed.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, don’t wait to talk to a lawyer—especially if you’re already facing medical bills or lost income.

An attorney can help:

• Investigate who was at fault
  
• Determine what insurance coverage applies
  
• Handle communications with Uber, Lyft, and insurance adjusters
• Maximize the compensation you can recover under Washington law

At Gilbert Law Firm, we know the ins and outs of Uber and Lyft accident claims, and we’re not afraid to stand up to big insurance companies. We help injury victims across Spokane and Washington recover the compensation they need to move forward.

Call (509) 321-0750 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Washington rideshare accident attorney.