Uber Accident Lawyer in Washington, DC
DC is one of the most rideshare-heavy cities in the country — when an Uber or Lyft accident happens, we untangle who pays and fight for what you're owed.
When an Uber or Lyft accident leaves you injured, you're not just dealing with one insurance policy — you're navigating a multi-phase rideshare coverage system, an aggressive claims team, and DC's unforgiving contributory negligence rule. Sweetnam Schuster & Schwartz has handled Uber and Lyft mass arbitration cases on behalf of hundreds of claimants, so we know exactly how these companies' insurers try to minimize what they pay. Whether you were a passenger, a
pedestrian, or another driver, we fight to get you the coverage — and the compensation — you're entitled to.
When negligence causes harm, Sweetnam Schuster & Schwartz makes sure we win suits for you.
In most cases, you bring a claim against Uber's or Lyft's insurance carrier rather than suing Uber or Lyft as a corporation directly. Whether Uber or Lyft itself can be held liable depends on the specific facts of your case and which coverage phase applies. We can evaluate that in your free case review.
If your driver caused the accident while actively transporting you or en route to a pickup, Uber's or Lyft's $1 million policy should apply. You are not at fault as a passenger, and you have every right to pursue compensation.
DC's contributory negligence rule is strict — even partial fault can bar your recovery. This makes it especially important to have an attorney involved early, before you make any statements to insurers.
You are not required to hire one, but rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, disputed coverage phases, and aggressive insurance tactics. Most people who navigate this alone leave money on the table or have their claim denied. The consultation is free — there's no risk in speaking with us first.
It depends on the severity of your injuries and whether the case settles or goes to litigation. Many cases resolve within 6 to 18 months. We will give you a realistic timeline once we understand the facts of your case.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We Win Suits. We Win Them With You.
At Sweetnam, Schuster & Schwartz, we provide superior legal services nationwide with a focus on California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Florida. Our attorneys bring decades of experience in securities class actions, mass torts, personal injury, consumer protection, and contract disputes. We win suits through strategic litigation and have secured significant verdicts and multi-million-dollar settlements against corporate misconduct and negligence.
Our Expertise
Understanding Uber & Lyft Accident Claims
Figuring out who pays after an Uber accident — and how much — is more complicated than a standard car crash. Insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time, and more than one party may share liability. We handle that complexity so you don't have to.
Were You Hurt in an Uber or Lyft? You May Have a Claim
If you were a passenger, a pedestrian or cyclist struck by an Uber or Lyft driver, or another driver hit by one, you may be entitled to compensation. Passengers can pursue a claim regardless of who caused the crash. Pedestrians and cyclists can bring a claim against the driver and potentially against Uber's or Lyft's insurance. Other drivers may have a claim against both the driver's personal insurance and the company's commercial policy. The first step is understanding which insurance applies — and that depends on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash.
Rideshare Insurance Rules Are Complicated
Uber's and Lyft's coverage depends on which phase of a trip the driver was in. When the app is off, only the driver's personal insurance applies. When the app is on but no ride has been accepted, the rideshare company provides limited backup coverage — up to $50,000 per injured person and $100,000 per accident. When the driver is en route to a pickup or transporting a rider, the company's full $1 million commercial policy applies. Insurance companies frequently dispute which phase applies, since that third phase of coverage is far higher. Our attorneys know how to obtain the driver's trip data and hold the company and its insurers to the right coverage.
DC's Contributory Negligence Rule
Washington, DC follows pure contributory negligence — if you're found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering anything at all. Insurance adjusters know this rule and use it aggressively. We build your case in a way that protects you from this defense.
Why Choose Sweetnam Schuster & Schwartz?
Most law firms handle Uber and Lyft accident cases from the outside. We have not. Sweetnam Schuster & Schwartz has handled Uber and Lyft mass arbitration cases on behalf of hundreds of claimants, so we understand how these companies approach liability and what arguments its legal team makes when it wants to minimize a payout. We are licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and we take personal injury cases on a contingency basis — no legal fees unless we recover money for you, and your initial case review is always free.
