Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Washington, D.C.

If you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you might suffer the same injuries as you would in a collision with a regular passenger vehicle. However, the aftermath of a rideshare accident is different. While most car accidents involve two parties — you and another driver — rideshare accidents often involve an additional party: the rideshare company. And that makes all the difference.

A simple accident claim can quickly become complicated when a corporation gets involved. You are no longer dealing with just one or two insurance representatives; instead, you could face corporate lawyers with years of experience protecting their company from financial liability.

This situation can be daunting, especially if you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries. The legal red tape can make it challenging to obtain the compensation you deserve. But you don’t have to face this process alone.

Our rideshare accident lawyers are dedicated to helping the people of Washington, D.C., and surrounding communities get the compensation they deserve after catastrophic injuries. We aren’t intimidated by rideshare companies and are ready to pursue them for large awards. If you need help, contact Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers today.

The Unique Risks of Rideshare Travel in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is one of the busiest cities in the U.S. Every day, thousands of locals and tourists use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to navigate the capital’s narrow streets and busy intersections. However, with this high volume of rideshare traffic comes an increased risk of accidents. Many rideshare drivers are part-time workers who may be unfamiliar with D.C.’s roadways or distracted by app notifications. When paired with aggressive traffic conditions around Dupont Circle, New York Avenue, or Pennsylvania Avenue, these factors can lead to serious collisions. An experienced Washington DC rideshare accident lawyer can help investigate these complex situations and hold all negligent parties accountable.

How Does Rideshare Responsibility Work?

Every rideshare company has different policies, but the two largest companies, Uber and Lyft, have similar guidelines. Here’s what you need to know about their liability coverage:

• When a rideshare driver has a paying passenger in their car, the rideshare company provides insurance and is financially responsible for any accidents the driver causes. This applies to passengers in the rideshare vehicle as well as other vehicles involved in the collision.
• What happens if the driver doesn’t have a passenger? There are two key scenarios:
  
  • Scenario 1: The rideshare driver has accepted an assignment and is driving to pick up a passenger. In this case, the rideshare company is still financially responsible for the accident, but the insurance policy may have a lower maximum payout than if the driver had a passenger.
  • Scenario 2: The driver is on duty and looking for a passenger but has not yet accepted an assignment. Here, the rideshare company typically takes no responsibility for the accident. Instead, the driver’s personal car insurance would apply, up to the coverage limits of their policy.

Who Can Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

In a traditional car accident, the at-fault driver is typically the only liable party. But rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of responsibility. Liability may rest with the rideshare driver, a third-party driver, or even the rideshare company, depending on when the crash occurred and whether the driver was logged into the app. In rare cases, a manufacturer or government entity could also be partially responsible, for example, if poor road maintenance or faulty brakes played a role. Identifying these layers requires experience, which is why it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable Washington DC rideshare accident attorney who can untangle the evidence and pursue claims against all liable parties.

Understanding Insurance Layers in Rideshare Accidents

One of the most confusing aspects of a rideshare case is determining which insurance policy applies. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide tiered coverage based on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. If the app is off, only the driver’s insurance applies. If the driver is waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage is available from the company. But if the driver has accepted a trip or is transporting a passenger, the full corporate policy kicks in, often up to $1 million in liability coverage. A skilled rideshare accident lawyer in Washington DC can quickly pinpoint which policy applies and help you access maximum benefits.

How This Affects Your Case

These policies create two major challenges in rideshare accident cases. First, determining responsibility can be complex. The driver and the rideshare company may dispute who is liable, and while the rideshare company has digital records, it can still be difficult to establish which party is ultimately at fault.

Second, large corporations like Uber and Lyft have substantial legal resources. While a standard insurance company might assign one investigator to your case, a corporate insurer could deploy multiple lawyers and claims adjusters to contest your claim. This makes it difficult for injured individuals to navigate the process without professional legal help.

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we have the experience and resources necessary to take on corporate legal teams and ensure that your rights are protected.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries and Long-Term Impact

Rideshare accidents can result in more than just a trip to the ER. The injuries often carry lasting physical and emotional consequences. Below are some of the most common injuries and their long-term effects:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by blunt force trauma or whiplash. Victims may experience memory loss, concentration issues, headaches, and cognitive decline, sometimes for life. 
• Fractured or Broken Bones: Bones in the arms, legs, hips, and ribs are especially vulnerable. Severe breaks may require surgeries, metal implants, or long-term physical therapy. 
• Back and Neck Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal misalignments are common, especially in side-impact collisions. These often lead to chronic pain or mobility issues. 
• Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage: Not always visible at first, internal injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery and extended hospitalization. 
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Many victims suffer from anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, or fear of riding in vehicles again. These effects can last for years. 
• Soft Tissue Damage: Torn ligaments, muscle sprains, and nerve injuries may seem minor but can cause long-term discomfort and disability if left untreated. 

A dedicated rideshare accident attorney in Washington DC will ensure your claim fully accounts for all immediate and future care needs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Thorough documentation and long-term care planning are essential for receiving the compensation you truly deserve.

What Makes Rideshare Accident Claims So Difficult?

Rideshare companies are structured to reduce liability. By classifying drivers as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft try to insulate themselves from direct legal claims. This makes it harder for injury victims to recover damages. Even when claims proceed, these companies deploy well-resourced legal teams trained to dispute liability, delay resolution, or offer inadequate settlements. A skilled Uber accident lawyer can anticipate these defenses and use app data, GPS records, driver communication logs, and dashcam footage to build a compelling case. Without legal representation, injury victims often find themselves outmatched and undercompensated.

How Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers Can Help

You need a law firm with the knowledge and experience to stand up to rideshare companies. At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we have a proven track record, including a recent $20 million settlement in a rideshare accident case.

Our legal team has over 50 years of combined experience, and we focus on catastrophic injury claims, which are often the most challenging cases. We represent clients who are facing significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships, and we are committed to helping them secure the compensation they deserve.

When we take on a case, we are passionate advocates for our clients. We explore every possible avenue to support their claim and don’t give up as long as there is a path to obtaining compensation. While past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, we are confident in our ability to swiftly assess your case and provide a potential value before you make any decisions. This approach significantly increases your chances of getting the compensation you need for your recovery.

Best of all, if we cannot recover compensation for you, we do not charge for our services.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, the actions you take immediately afterward can make or break your case. First, call 911 to ensure the incident is officially documented. Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries aren’t visible, internal trauma may be present. Collect information from the driver, note the app status (whether they had a passenger or were en route), and gather witness contacts. Take clear photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved. Finally, reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer who can begin preserving evidence and advising you on next steps from day one.

Contact Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Washington, D.C., Today

Although companies like Uber and Lyft maintain insurance policies of up to $1 million for their drivers, they also have extensive resources to avoid responsibility in rideshare accidents. Without the right legal representation, you could face financial difficulties after a catastrophic accident.

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we are not intimidated by rideshare companies. Whether at the negotiating table or in court, we fight to get the results our clients need. Contact our law firm today at 404-902-6444 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated rideshare accident attorney.