Open 24/7
4115 S Meridian Ste B, Puyallup, WA 98373
Practice Area — Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare Accident Attorney
Hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash near Puyallup? Which insurance applies depends entirely on what the driver was doing in the app at the moment of the crash. Rideshare claims involve layered coverage that shifts between three distinct periods — and Uber and Lyft's own insurers are skilled at minimizing payouts. Attorneys Rob Lloyd and Tim Greene identify every applicable policy and pursue every dollar available. Free, confidential, available 24/7.
Serving Puyallup, South Hill & all of Pierce County · Free consultation available 24/7
3 periodsCoverage shifts with driver's app statusRCW 48.177
3 yrsTo file in WashingtonRCW 4.16.080
No feeUnless we recover for youContingency representation
The Core IssueWhy Rideshare Claims Are Different From Every Other Car Crash
In a standard two-car crash, the at-fault driver's liability insurance pays. In a rideshare crash, which policy applies — and how much coverage is available — depends on which of three periods the driver was in at the moment of the crash. Washington's Transportation Network Company insurance law (RCW 48.177) creates this three-period framework.
| Period | Driver Status | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Period 0 | App off — personal driving | Driver's personal auto policy only. TNC not involved. |
| Period 1 | App on, waiting for a ride request | TNC provides contingent liability coverage — applies if the driver's personal policy won't. Lower coverage limits than Periods 2 & 3. |
| Period 2 | Ride accepted, en route to pick up rider | TNC's $1 million liability policy is primary. |
| Period 3 | Passenger in vehicle | TNC's $1 million liability policy is primary. Also covers uninsured/underinsured motorists. |
Uber and Lyft know this framework better than almost anyone who calls them after a crash. The period determination isn't always straightforward — a driver claiming their app was off, app records that don't match the driver's account, and the difference between Period 1 and Period 2 coverage are all areas where the TNC's interests and yours diverge. That's where having an attorney who understands the framework matters.
Your SituationWhich Scenario Applies to You
The right approach to a rideshare claim depends on your position in the crash:
You were a passenger in the Uber or Lyft
Period 3 coverage applies — the TNC's policy is primary regardless of which driver caused the crash. If another driver caused the collision, you pursue that driver's insurer first and the TNC's underinsured motorist coverage if it's insufficient. You don't need to prove the rideshare driver was at fault to access coverage as a passenger.
You were in another vehicle hit by an Uber or Lyft driver
The applicable TNC coverage depends on the period. If the rideshare driver was in Period 2 or 3, the TNC's $1 million policy responds. If the driver claims the app was off (Period 0), only their personal policy applies — and verifying the driver's actual app status through Uber or Lyft's trip records is a critical early step.
You were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle
Same period analysis applies. If the driver was in Period 2 or 3, the TNC's policy is the primary source of compensation. The app records and GPS data — which document the driver's status and location — should be preserved and requested promptly.
Right AwayWhat to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Puyallup
- Get medical care immediately. MultiCare Good Samaritan handles serious trauma. Get care even if you feel okay — adrenaline masks injuries that surface later.
- Screenshot the app. If you were a passenger, screenshot your ride confirmation, the driver's name, the route, and the trip status before closing the app — this documents the period and the driver's identity.
- Call the police for an official report. Don't let anyone discourage you from this step.
- Photograph the scene — vehicles, damage, the road, conditions, and your injuries.
- Get all driver and vehicle information — for both the rideshare driver and any other driver involved.
- Don't give a recorded statement to Uber's, Lyft's, or any other insurer before speaking with an attorney — these statements are used to minimize what they pay.
Washington LawTNC Rules, Comparative Fault & the Filing Deadline
Washington's TNC insurance law
Washington requires transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to maintain the coverage described above (RCW 48.177). The law sets minimum coverage requirements for each period, though the TNC's own policies may provide more. Understanding exactly what was in force at the time of the crash — and in which period — is the foundational question every rideshare claim must answer.
Partial fault doesn't bar recovery
Washington's pure comparative fault rule (RCW 4.22.005) applies to rideshare claims. Even if you share some responsibility, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault rather than eliminated. Insurers — including TNC insurers — frequently overstate a claimant's fault to reduce what they pay.
Washington's general personal injury deadline is three years from the date of injury (RCW 4.16.080). But rideshare-specific evidence — trip records, GPS data, and driver app status — should be requested promptly, before it ages out of the platform's retention period. We handle rideshare accident claims on a contingency-fee basis — no fee upfront, a fee only if we recover for you. You work directly with Rob Lloyd and Tim Greene throughout.
This page provides general information about Washington law and is not legal advice. Coverage amounts and period rules may change; confirm current requirements with an attorney. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Common Questions
Rideshare Accident Claim FAQ
What insurance covers an Uber or Lyft accident in Washington?
The coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Washington's TNC insurance law (RCW 48.177) creates three periods: Period 1 (app on, no ride accepted) — the TNC provides contingent liability coverage; Periods 2 and 3 (ride accepted or passenger in vehicle) — the TNC provides at least $1 million in liability coverage. Identifying which period applied is the first and most critical step.
Who do I file a claim against after a rideshare accident?
It depends on the period. You may have a claim against the rideshare company's insurer (Uber or Lyft), the driver's personal insurer, or both. In Periods 2 and 3, the TNC's $1 million policy is primary. We identify every applicable policy and pursue all available coverage.
Can I make a rideshare accident claim as a passenger?
Yes. If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft at the time of a crash, the TNC's Period 3 coverage applies regardless of which driver caused the crash. You don't need to prove the rideshare driver was at fault to access TNC coverage for your injuries as a passenger.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Washington?
Washington's general personal injury statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury (RCW 4.16.080). But rideshare incidents should be reported to the TNC promptly — the app records the trip data, driver status, and GPS route, and that information can be critical evidence.
What if the rideshare driver was not at fault?
The at-fault driver's liability insurance is still the primary source of compensation. If you were a passenger and the other driver caused the crash, you pursue the other driver's insurer. If that coverage is insufficient, the TNC's underinsured motorist coverage may apply. We identify and pursue every available source.
How are rideshare accident attorney fees structured?
On a contingency-fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fee, and a fee is owed only if we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free.
Talk to a Puyallup Rideshare Accident Attorney
Uber and Lyft know the coverage rules. So do we.
Rideshare claims are more complex than standard car crashes — and the TNC's insurers count on claimants not knowing that. Greene & Lloyd identifies which period applied, which policies respond, and pursues every dollar available. Your case review is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
The Law Offices of Greene & Lloyd, PLLC
4115 S Meridian Ste B, Puyallup, WA 98373(253) 544-5434 · Free consultation 24/7
Serving
Puyallup · South Hill · TacomaAll of Pierce County, Washington
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance coverage requirements and TNC period rules may change; confirm current requirements with an attorney. Statutory references describe general Washington law and may not reflect the specific facts or deadlines of your situation. Consult a licensed Washington attorney about your individual case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.