Tacoma Rideshare Accident Lawyer

The Rise of Rideshare Accidents in Tacoma

With the popularity of Uber, Lyft, and similar platforms, more drivers and vehicles are on the road than ever before—often working late hours, under pressure, and in congested conditions. Tacoma’s unique traffic patterns, weather challenges, and rapid growth have all increased the frequency of intersection collisions, rear-end crashes, pedestrian impacts, and complex multi-vehicle accidents involving rideshare cars.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple parties, overlapping insurance coverage, and unique questions of liability. Key differences include:

• Driver Status at the Time of the Crash: Was the driver waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger? Insurance coverage changes based on the answer.
• Rideshare Company Liability: Because Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, they often try to limit their financial responsibility.
• Insurance Layers: Coverage may involve the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s contingent coverage, or both.
• Complex Fault Determinations: Liability may rest with the rideshare driver, another motorist, the rideshare company, or a combination of parties.

At Palace Law, we know how to untangle these complexities to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Tacoma

Rideshare drivers face unique challenges on Tacoma’s busy roads. Common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Rideshare drivers are often incentivized to work long, irregular hours, reducing alertness and increasing crash risk.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers rely heavily on apps for navigation, passenger communication, and ride management—leading to distraction behind the wheel.
• Heavily Congested Traffic: Tacoma experiences regular traffic jams, frequent stops, and unpredictable road conditions.
• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Rideshare cars rack up high mileage, and neglected maintenance (brakes, tires, lights) can contribute to accidents.
• Hazardous Road & Weather Conditions: Road construction, rain, and fog create additional risks for all drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area.
• Driver Inexperience: Many rideshare drivers are unfamiliar with Tacoma’s streets or lack professional driver training, resulting in slower reaction times and poor decision-making.

When negligence plays a role in your accident, we step in to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Tacoma Rideshare Accident?

Unlike standard car accidents, rideshare cases add several layers of complexity:

Determining Liability

• Rideshare Driver: If driver negligence caused the crash, they may be liable for damages.
• Other Motorists: In collisions involving multiple vehicles, fault may be shared among several parties.
• Uber/Lyft: These companies may bear legal responsibility—especially if negligent driver screening, poor safety protocols, or faulty app features contributed to the incident.
• Third Parties: Mechanic shops or vehicle manufacturers may be liable if mechanical failures or defects played a role.

Insurance Coverage

Uber and Lyft provide commercial insurance coverage, but limits and eligibility depend on the driver’s status:

• App Off: The driver’s personal insurance typically applies.
• App On, No Passenger: Contingent liability coverage is provided.
• En Route or With Passenger: The highest level of Uber/Lyft coverage applies, potentially up to $1 million.

Successfully identifying which coverage applies is vital to your compensation claim—a challenge our attorneys are well-equipped to tackle.

Compensation Available After a Rideshare Accident

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Tacoma, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering and reduced earning capacity for long-term injuries.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle or other personal property.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members.

Palace Law works with medical and economic experts to calculate the true value of your claim so you are not left paying out of pocket.