Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more accessible, but they also introduce unique challenges when accidents occur. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, there are important considerations regarding your legal rights and insurance coverage. Here’s what you need to know. Insurance Coverage May Be Different Rideshare companies provide insurance coverage, but it varies depending on the circumstances of the accident. When the rideshare driver is on the app but hasn't accepted a ride, their personal insurance is typically the primary coverage, supplemented by rideshare company insurance. If a ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the car, the company's insurance, which usually includes higher limits for liability and uninsured motorist coverage, kicks in. However, the complexity of determining which policy applies—and whether it’s enough—makes it crucial to understand how your specific case fits within these frameworks. Your Rights Under the Law Are the Same Regardless of whether you’re in a rideshare vehicle or driving your own car, your legal rights remain the same after an accident. This means you have the right to seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the rideshare driver was at fault, or another party caused the accident, you are entitled to pursue legal action under the same personal injury laws that apply to any motor vehicle accident. Why You Should Consult an Attorney Dealing with rideshare companies and their insurance providers can be a complicated process, often involving multiple insurance carriers and confusing coverage layers. Consulting with an attorney ensures that you have an experienced advocate who can help navigate these complexities and protect your rights. An attorney can also help you avoid the common pitfalls of handling claims directly with insurance companies, who may seek to minimize your compensation. At Gosanko O'Halloran & Lepore, PLLC, we specialize in handling these complex rideshare accident cases and can guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact Our Business today to discuss your case and ensure your rights are fully protected.

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, many families in Seattle are gearing up for outdoor activities, including bicycling. With recent improvements to the city’s bike infrastructure, now is a great time to ensure your children are safe and prepared for their biking adventures. At Gosanko O'Halloran & Lepore, PLLC, we are committed to keeping your family informed about the latest updates and safety tips for bicycling in Seattle. Updates to Seattle Bicycle Lanes and Routes Seattle has made significant strides in improving its bike infrastructure, making it safer for cyclists of all ages. Here are some notable updates: 1. Duwamish Trail Completion: After years of advocacy, a quarter-mile gap in the Duwamish Trail has been closed. This new section includes a two-way bike lane separated from traffic by concrete barriers, enhancing safety for cyclists traveling to and from the West Seattle Bridge Trail. 2. Ballard Bridge Improvements: The city has paved over the hazardous unused railroad tracks beneath the Ballard Bridge, reducing the risk of crashes. 3. Convention Center Expansion: Completed in early 2023, this project secured funding for improved bike infrastructure between Downtown and Capitol Hill. Protected bike lanes are now being built from the Waterfront over the I-5 bridges, ensuring safer routes for cyclists. 4. Protective Barriers: The addition of protective barriers in several locations, including 8th Avenue in the downtown core, Columbian Way in Beacon Hill, 40th Street in the University District, and Melrose Avenue in Capitol Hill, has significantly increased safety for cyclists. 5. Future Projects: The city plans to construct 12 miles of new bike infrastructure in 2024. Key projects include new bike lanes in South Seattle, the Duwamish Valley, and Eastlake Avenue, connecting various neighborhoods and improving access for all cyclists. Bicycle Safety Tips for Kids As exciting as these updates are, it’s crucial to ensure your children are safe while enjoying their bike rides. Here are some essential bicycle safety tips for kids: 1. Wear a Helmet: Ensure your child always wears a helmet that meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) standards. A well-fitting helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries. 2. Helmet Fit Test: EYES check: The helmet should sit level on the head, one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows. EARS check: The straps should form a "V" under the ears. M OUTH check: The helmet should hug the head when the mouth is opened wide. 3. Proper Equipment and Maintenance: Ensure the bike is the right size for your child. Check that reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are properly inflated. Dress children in appropriate clothing to prevent entanglement in bike chains or wheel spokes. 4. Supervision and Awareness: Supervise your children until they are responsible enough to ride on their own. Limit riding to safe areas like sidewalks, parks, or bike paths until age 10. Teach children to stay alert and watch for cars, especially in driveways and intersections. 5. Model and Teach Good Behavior: Always wear a helmet to set a good example. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers and follow traffic rules. Use appropriate hand signals and be predictable in riding behavior. 6. Visibility: Use lights and reflectors when riding at dusk, dawn, or night. Wear clothes and accessories with retro-reflective materials to enhance visibility to motorists. By staying informed about the latest infrastructure updates and following these safety tips, you can ensure your children have a fun and safe bicycling experience this summer. For more updates on bicycle safety and other important information, follow and like our social media accounts. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

Accidents are an unfortunate reality of life, and when they happen, they can leave a trail of physical, emotional, and financial challenges in their wake. If you've recently been in a car accident, you understand firsthand the overwhelming nature of trying to navigate the aftermath while dealing with injuries, emotions, and mounting medical bills. In times like these, having the right legal support can make all the difference in your recovery process. Here are some key points to consider if you're contemplating filing a personal injury claim: 1. Maximizing Your Compensation: Hiring a competent attorney to represent you can significantly increase the compensation you receive. Legal professionals possess the expertise to negotiate effectively on your behalf and understand how to accurately value your claim, ensuring that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. 2. Act Promptly: Time is of the essence after sustaining an injury. Seeking legal representation as soon as possible after an accident can prevent costly mistakes, such as providing too much information to insurance adjusters. Additionally, the sooner you seek assistance, the fresher the details of the incident will be in your mind, making it easier to recall crucial information. 3. Avoid Signing Without Legal Guidance: It's crucial not to sign any documents without consulting your attorney first. Insurance companies often prioritize their own interests over yours and may attempt to engage with you directly, potentially leading to a settlement that falls short of what you deserve. Having a lawyer by your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation. 4. Prepare for the Long Haul: Some personal injury cases can be protracted and complex. It's essential to have legal representation that understands the unique challenges you may face throughout the process. From gathering evidence to navigating legal proceedings, a knowledgeable attorney can provide invaluable support and guidance every step of the way. At Gosanko O'Halloran & Lepore, we understand the difficulties you may encounter during the recovery process. That's why we're dedicated to ensuring that our clients approach their cases with confidence and clarity. If you're seeking a compassionate and experienced legal ally to help you through this challenging time, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with us. Together, we can work towards securing the compensation and justice you deserve.

Riding an e-scooter is a fun and green way to get around the city. But, accidents can happen, like being hit by a car. Here's what you should do if you find yourself in this situation, keeping things simple and straightforward. 1. Check Yourself for Injuries First thing, make sure you're okay. Sometimes you might not feel hurt right away because of the shock. For instance, a person named John thought he was fine but later found out he had a serious head injury. It’s always a good idea to see a doctor right after the accident. 2. Call the Police Having the police come to the scene is important. They write down what happened, which is helpful if you need to talk to a lawyer or deal with insurance later. When you talk to the police, just tell them what you know and try not to guess about anything. 3. Take Pictures and Get Witnesses If you can, take photos of where the accident happened, your injuries, the car, and the e-scooter. If people saw what happened, ask for their names and phone numbers. This information can be very useful later. 4. Tell the Scooter Company Let the scooter rental company know about the accident. They might have steps for you to follow. For example, if you’re riding a Lime scooter, you can report the accident in their app. 5. Talk to a Lawyer Who Knows About Personal Injuries Dealing with what comes after an accident can be tough. A lawyer can make things easier by helping you figure out what to do next, especially when it comes to talking to insurance companies that might not want to give you what you deserve. A lawyer works to make sure you get help paying for doctor's bills, money you lost if you couldn't work, and for your pain and trouble. 6. Keep Up with Your Doctor's Visits Make sure you go to all your doctor's appointments and follow their advice. If you skip visits, the insurance company might think you’re not really hurt. This is important for both getting better and for your claim. A Real-Life Example: Emily got hit by a car while using a rented e-scooter and ended up with broken bones. She did all the right things, like taking pictures and seeing a doctor. With her lawyer's help, she was able to get money from the driver's insurance to cover her medical bills and for her pain. Wrapping Up Being hit by a car on an e-scooter is scary, but knowing what to do can help a lot. You have rights, and you don't have to deal with everything by yourself. Getting the right help can make sure you’re taken care of physically and financially.

Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2019 findings, about one in five worker deaths were in construction. Sometimes, a construction accident occurs at the fault of unsafe working conditions and/or the negligence of another party. In these cases, […] The post Frequently Asked Questions for Construction Accidents in Seattle, WA appeared first on Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC.

After being injured in an accident, you may be wondering about the legal avenues to hold those responsible for the accident liable and receive your deserved compensation. Here are some answers to some of the top questions about personal injury. What should I do after a personal injury accident? After an accident, your first priority […] The post Most Common Personal Injury FAQs appeared first on Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC.

It can be devastating to discover that your elderly loved one has suffered abuse at the hands of those meant to care for them at the nursing home. Unfortunately, such tragic happenings are not rare. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, “one in three U.S. nursing homes were cited for violations of federal […] The post How a Seattle, WA Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help appeared first on Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC.

The death of any loved one is already a difficult event to deal with. When a loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligent actions, though, it can be an overwhelmingly devastating experience. Even as we grieve, there is a desire to hold those responsible for the death accountable. Through a wrongful […] The post What Qualifies As Wrongful Death in Seattle, WA? appeared first on Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC.

When you have been injured in an accident that was caused by the actions (or inaction) of another, then you have the right to be compensated by those responsible for your damages. While this compensation can be an immense help in alleviating the pain and burden that have been inflicted upon you, the process of […] The post How Do I Prove Fault in an Injury Accident in Seattle, WA? appeared first on Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC.