An Uber accident can be one of the most frightening experiences a person goes through. But the trauma doesn’t end when the vehicle stops moving. After a rideshare crash, victims often face steep medical bills, lost wages, confusion about insurance coverage, and endless finger-pointing between Uber, the driver, and other motorists.
If your Uber accident happened because someone else was careless or unsafe, you’re likely wondering what your next step should be — and who will ultimately pay for your losses.
If you are looking for a Uber accident lawyers in Washington, D.C., the personal injury lawyers at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP have helped countless rideshare passengers, drivers, and pedestrians recover compensation after serious Uber accidents.
We know how to navigate the complex rideshare insurance system — and we’re ready to fight for you today.
What To Do After an Uber Accident in Washington, D.C.
Rideshare crashes are different from typical auto accidents. Multiple insurers may be involved, and what you do immediately afterward can significantly impact your claim.
#1 Seek Medical Attention
Your health comes first.
Even if injuries feel minor, get evaluated by a doctor. Many Uber crash injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue trauma, worsen in the hours and days after impact.
Prompt medical care:
- Protects your health
- Creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident
- Prevents insurers from arguing your injuries came from something else
If you delay care, Uber’s insurer may claim you weren’t actually hurt or that the injury wasn’t caused by the crash.
#2 Call 911 and File a Police Report
Contact emergency services to report the Uber accident and request medical help. The police report will document:
- Time, date, and location
- Weather and road conditions
- Driver statements
- Witness names
- Preliminary fault determinations
Our Uber accident lawyers will use this report to strengthen your claim.
#3 Document Everything
Evidence disappears quickly in Uber rideshare cases. Protect yourself by gathering:
- Names and contact info of all drivers and witnesses
- Photos of the vehicles, injuries, and scene
- Your Uber trip details
- Screenshots showing the driver’s name, car, and ride status
Also write down what happened while your memory is fresh.
#4 Speak to a Washington, D.C. Uber Accident Lawyer
Uber accident claims are far more complicated than typical car wrecks. The available insurance depends on whether the driver was:
- Off duty
- Logged into the Uber app
- Transporting a passenger (this triggers Uber’s $1 million policy)
Our experienced Uber accident lawyers will determine which insurance policies apply and what damages you may be eligible for.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for an Uber Accident in D.C.?
In Washington, D.C.:
- You have three years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim
- If the crash was fatal, families have two years to file a wrongful death claim
Waiting too long means losing your right to compensation, even if the evidence is overwhelming.
How Do I Prove Liability in an Uber Accident in D.C.?
Liability can be complicated because more than one party may be responsible. However, all Uber accident claims still follow the core rules of negligence:
Duty of Care
Uber drivers, like all motorists, must operate their vehicles safely.
Breach of Duty
A breach may include:
- Distracted driving (GPS use, app use, texting)
- Speeding
- Fatigue from long driving hours
- Ignoring traffic laws
- Failing to maintain the vehicle properly
Causation
You must show the driver’s negligence directly caused the accident.
Damages
Your injuries and financial losses must be documented and tied to the crash.
Because rideshare companies often deny responsibility, strong evidence is essential.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Uber Accident in D.C.?
Every Uber accident is different, but victims commonly recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (ER care, surgery, therapy, medication)
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death damages
Expert witnesses, medical, vocational, and economic, are often necessary to fully and accurately value your claim.
Once a settlement is reached or a verdict is entered, you cannot go back for more money, so it’s critical to get it right the first time.
No-Fault Insurance and Uber Accidents in Washington, D.C.
D.C. has a hybrid no-fault insurance system. This affects Uber accident claims in specific ways:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP may cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
Regardless of fault.
Within 60 days, you must choose:
- PIP benefits OR
- A liability claim against the at-fault driver
Serious Injury Threshold
You can pursue a claim even after choosing PIP if:
- Injuries exceed PIP limits
- Injuries involve permanent scarring, disfigurement, or other serious conditions
A rideshare attorney will help you determine the best option.
Could I Be Liable for My Own Uber Accident? (Contributory Negligence in D.C.)
Washington, D.C. has one of the toughest rules in the country:
If you are even 1% at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
Insurers often use this to avoid paying by claiming:
- You weren’t wearing a seatbelt
- You distracted the driver
- You chose a driver with low ratings (yes, they try this)
Your Uber accident lawyer’s job is to protect you from unfair blame-shifting.
Unique Insurance Issues in Uber Accident Claims
One key difference between regular car accidents and rideshare crashes is Uber’s tiered insurance structure, which depends on the driver’s app status:
- App OFF → Driver’s personal policy applies
- App ON, waiting for a ride → Limited Uber coverage
- Ride accepted or passenger onboard → Up to $1 million in Uber’s commercial coverage
Your attorney will determine exactly which policy applies by securing:
- Trip logs
- App activity data
- Phone records
- Uber driver status reports
This is critical for securing full compensation.
Contact Our Washington, D.C. Uber Accident Lawyers
After an Uber accident, your priority is getting life back on track. Securing the compensation you deserve is the first step.
Choose Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP as your Uber accident lawyers and schedule your confidential consultation today.
We represent Uber accident victims throughout Washington, D.C., including Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Downtown D.C., and surrounding areas.
You focus on healing. We’ll handle everything else.