As public transportation and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft continue to expand, so do the risks of accidents involving these vehicles. For those injured in rideshare-related crashes in Owings Mills, MD, having an experienced Owings Mills rideshare accident attorney on your side is crucial. These cases often involve unique challenges, including determining liability, navigating insurance policies, and seeking compensation for injuries and financial losses.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other sources, the United States experiences a substantial number of annual car accidents that include injury, death and property damage:
- Total Crashes: Approximately six million car crashes occur each year in the U.S.
- Injuries: Around 2-3 million people are injured in a car accident annually.
- Fatalities: Roughly 40,000 people die in a vehicle car accident each year.
- Property Damage: An estimated four million accidents involve only property damage, with no injuries reported.
Role of a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Owings Mills: How We Can Help
Rideshare accident cases differ from standard car accident cases due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the driver, rideshare company and insurance providers. Our legal team of accident lawyers focuses on injury cases, helping clients:
- Investigate the cause of the car crash.
- Determine which insurance policies apply, including those of Uber or Lyft.
- Handle insurance claims and fight denials from the insurance company.
- Seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income and emotional trauma.
As a dedicated legal team of accident lawyers, we are looking forward to guiding you through the steps necessary to proceed in the legal process.
Why Owings Mills Rideshare Accidents Happen
Owings Mills, located in Baltimore County, experiences a variety of car crashes, including those involving rideshare vehicles. The risks of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles arise from various factors tied to the unique nature of rideshare operations and the driving environment. Some of the common causes of these crashes and risks include:
Driver Distractions
Uber and Lyft drivers frequently interact with apps for navigation, accepting rides or communicating with passengers. These distractions can lead to:
- Taking their eyes off the road
- Fumbling with devices while driving
- Missing critical traffic signals or hazards
Driver Fatigue
Many rideshare drivers work long hours or multiple jobs to maximize their income, leading to:
- Fatigue that slows reaction times
- Reduced focus on the road
- Increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel, especially during late-night shifts
Increased Traffic Exposure
Rideshare drivers spend more time on the road than the average motorist, often driving in high-traffic areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods. This constant exposure increases the probability of:
- Rear-end crashes in stop-and-go traffic
- T-bone accidents at busy intersections
- Sideswiping other vehicles during lane changes
Inexperience or Lack of Training
Unlike commercial drivers, rideshare drivers typically lack formal training in defensive driving. This inexperience can contribute to poor decision-making, such as:
- Misjudging gaps in traffic
- Making sudden stops or turns
- Failing to adapt to adverse weather or road conditions
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
To complete more trips and earn more money, some drivers may:
- Speed or run a red light
- Make unsafe lane changes
- Tailgate other vehicles
Passenger Distractions
Rideshare passengers can unintentionally distract drivers by:
- Engaging them in conversation
- Arguing over directions or ride preferences
- Moving around in the vehicle, creating noise or disturbance
Reliance on GPS Navigation
Rideshare drivers often depend on GPS apps to navigate. While helpful, this reliance can lead to:
- Sudden, unexpected lane changes
- Confusion in areas with poor signage
- Overlooking traffic patterns in unfamiliar regions
Operating During Peak Risk Times
Rideshare services are in high demand during late nights, weekends and holidays. This puts drivers on the road during times of:
- Increased drunk driving
- Poor visibility at night
- Greater pedestrian activity, raising the risk of accidents
Lack of Routine Vehicle Maintenance
Rideshare drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Neglecting maintenance can result in:
- Brake failures
- Worn tires causing skidding
- Malfunctioning headlights or taillights
Adverse Weather Conditions
Maryland’s varying weather conditions, such as rain, snow or ice, create additional risks for rideshare drivers who may lack experience driving in inclement weather.
Understanding these risks underscores the importance of holding Uber, Lyft and their drivers accountable for maintaining safety on the road. Victims of rideshare accidents can work with experienced attorneys to seek damages for injuries caused by these preventable dangers.
How Rideshare Companies Are Working on Safety
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have implemented a variety of safety measures to help reduce the risk of car accidents and protect their drivers, passengers and others on the road. While no system is perfect for avoiding car accidents, several initiatives demonstrate ongoing efforts to improve safety within their platforms. These include:
Driver Background Checks:
Both Uber and Lyft conduct background checks on prospective drivers to minimize the likelihood of hiring individuals with a history of dangerous driving or criminal behavior. These checks typically include:
- Screening for criminal records
- Reviewing driving history for traffic violations or prior car accidents
- Ongoing monitoring to identify new violations or offenses
- While effective to an extent, the thoroughness of these checks can vary by location due to differing legal requirements and enforcement.
While effective to an extent, the thoroughness of these checks can vary by location due to differing legal requirements and enforcement.
Insurance Policies:
Rideshare companies provide specific insurance policies designed to protect drivers, passengers and others involved in accidents. These policies include:
- Liability Coverage: Up to $1 million for accidents occurring during active rides.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protecting passengers if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance,
- Contingent Coverage: When the Uber driver is waiting for ride requests.
In-App Safety Checks and Emergency Features:
To combat driver fatigue and other risks, rideshare apps include safety checks and features such as:
- Rest Reminders: Encouraging Uber drivers to take breaks after extended hours on the road
- Ride Check Alerts: Detecting potential accidents or long stops through GPS data and prompting both parties to confirm their safety
- Trip Matching Algorithms: Pairing passengers with the nearest available driver to reduce time spent on the road
These measures help prevent fatigue-related and distracted-driving accidents. However, despite these efforts, rideshare accidents remain a growing concern, especially on Maryland roadways.
What if I Am Struck by a Rideshare as a Pedestrian?
Being struck by a rideshare vehicle as a pedestrian can result in life-altering injuries. These cases often require:
- Medical Attention: Immediate medical care is crucial to treat soft tissue or severe injuries.
- Legal Guidance: A rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate claims involving both the driver’s and the rideshare company’s insurance coverage.
- Prove Negligence: Gathering evidence to demonstrate the driver’s fault
Pedestrians injured in these crashes may face long recovery times and significant medical costs, making legal representation by accident lawyers essential.
How Does the Status of the Rideshare Driver Affect My Claim?
The driver’s status at the time of the accident impacts which insurance policies apply:
- On an Active Ride: The company’s liability insurance covers up to $1 million for injuries and damages.
- Waiting for a Ride Request: Limited insurance coverage is provided by the rideshare company.
- Offline: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
Navigating these distinctions requires the expertise of a personal injury lawyer experienced in rideshare accident cases.
Common Types of Car Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles
Rideshare vehicles are involved in various car accidents, including:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted driving or reckless driving
- T-Bone Accidents: Frequently occurring at intersections when drivers fail to yield
- Head-On Collisions: Leading to serious injuries or fatalities
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Common in congested areas like Owings Mills
Regardless of the type of crash, victims may face a lengthy process to recover compensation for damages. Medical bills often represent the largest financial burden for victims of these types of accidents. Injuries ranging from fractures to traumatic brain injuries require costly medical treatment, including:
- Emergency Room Visits: Essential for diagnosing and stabilizing injuries
- Surgery and Rehabilitation: Necessary for more serious injuries
- Ongoing Care: Long-term treatment for chronic pain or permanent disabilities
The accident lawyers at Zirkin and Schmerling Law help clients pursue compensation to cover these expenses and ensure they receive the medical care they need. In rare cases, medical malpractice may arise during treatment for injuries sustained in a car crash. If a medical provider’s negligence worsens your condition, our attorneys can pursue additional claims to cover these damages. Combining expertise in personal injury and medical malpractice law allows us to provide comprehensive legal representation.
Hiring an Owings Mills car accident lawyer experienced in rideshare cases is critical for protecting your rights. These cases often involve:
- Disputes Over Insurance Coverage: Determining whether the rideshare company or the driver’s auto insurance is responsible
- Proving Negligence: Demonstrating that the Uber or Lyft driver acted recklessly or negligently
- Maximizing Compensation: Ensuring you are fully compensated for medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress
Our legal team of accident lawyers has the skills and resources to handle complex rideshare accident claims.
What Compensation Can You Seek in Personal Injury Cases?
Victims of rideshare crashes in Owings Mills can seek damages with the help of a car accident lawyer for:
- Medical Bills: Covering emergency care, surgery and rehabilitation.
- Lost Funds: Accounting for time missed from work due to injuries
- Pain and Suffering: Addressing emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle or other personal property
In cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death, compensation can also include punitive damages.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Crash
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in injury cases. Common tactics include:
- Attempting to deny responsibility for the accident.
- Disputing the severity of your injuries.
- Offering low settlement amounts that don’t cover your medical expenses or lost wages.
Our Owings Mills rideshare accident attorney team has extensive experience negotiating with insurers to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Legal Options for Victims of Rideshare Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you have several legal options:
- Filing an insurance claim with the rideshare company or driver’s auto insurance
- Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to recover losses not covered by insurance
- Exploring medical malpractice claims if improper treatment worsens your injuries
Our personal injury lawyers will evaluate your personal injury lawsuit and recommend the best course of action to maximize your potential claim.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Owings Mills Today
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare mishap, such as a Lyft or Uber accident, near Owings Mills, MD, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of Lyft and Uber accidents, from collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies.
Our role as car accident attorneys is designed to provide essential support, guidance and representation for individuals involved in an Owings Mills car accident. The expertise we bring is crucial for navigating the complex legal and insurance processes to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Each car accident lawyer offers a free consultation to discuss your personal injury case and explore your legal options. Whether you’re dealing with major injuries, lost wages or emotional trauma, we’re committed to helping you recover damages and move forward with confidence.
Remember–car crashes are more common than you’d think. If you’ve been in one, figuring out how to get the compensation you deserve from personal injury lawsuits can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be with the help of Zirkin and Schmerling Law.
Call us, your Owings Mills rideshare accident attorney, today at 410-753-4611 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward justice and fair compensation. As your personal injury lawyers, we are available 24 hours a day.