In today’s fast-paced world, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of our daily transportation needs. However, when a rideshare car accident occurs, the resulting legal complexities can be overwhelming. If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Maryland, understanding your rights and options is crucial for protecting your interests. At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, your well-being is our top priority. A rideshare car accident attorney in Maryland is here to provide comprehensive legal support to help you navigate through these challenging times.
Why You Need a Maryland Rideshare Accident Lawyer
When you’re involved in a car accident involving an Uber driver or Lyft driver, the case can quickly become complicated due to the multiple parties involved. A Maryland rideshare car accident attorney can help navigate the complex web of coverage and liability issues. Rideshare companies often classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which can make determining liability more challenging than in traditional car accidents.
Furthermore, Uber and Lyft drivers must switch between different insurance policies depending on whether they’re waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. This complexity makes competent legal representation essential for Uber accident and Lyft accident victims seeking fair compensation.
As rideshare drivers increasingly populate our roads, the frequency of Uber crashes and Lyft accidents continues to rise. Our experienced Lyft accident lawyer understands that each Uber or Lyft crash presents unique challenges. We’ve successfully represented numerous Uber or Lyft passengers who have suffered injuries, helping them navigate the complex claims process and secure the compensation they deserve after a car accident.
Our personal injury attorneys are committed to delivering legal strategies tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
A rideshare car crash can occur in various scenarios:
- When the Uber or Lyft driver is actively transporting a passenger
- While the Uber or Lyft driver accepts and is en route to pick up a passenger
- When the rideshare driver is waiting for a ride request
- An accident involving the rideshare vehicle and other vehicles
- Crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists
- Single-vehicle accidents due to reckless driving
These car accident cases often differ from traditional auto accident scenarios because of the unique circumstances surrounding transportation network companies and their insurance company policies.
These circumstances can vary significantly. For instance, many Uber crashes occur during peak hours when Uber drivers are rushing to complete more rides. Similarly, Lyft accidents often happen when a Lyft driver is distracted by their navigation systems or searching for passengers. Understanding the specific context of your Uber accident or Lyft accident is crucial for building a strong case.
At Zirkin & Schmerling, we pride ourselves on our compassionate approach, ensuring you feel supported throughout your legal journey.
Types of Injuries That Can Result From a Rideshare Accident
A car crash involving a rideshare vehicle can result in various types of bodily injury, including:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal injuries
These injuries often require immediate medical treatment and can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost wages and long-term rehabilitation needs. As a Lyft or Uber passenger, you have the right to seek compensation for these damages.
The severity of injuries can be particularly concerning in rideshare accidents because passengers often sit in the back seat, where certain safety features may be less effective. Additionally, rideshare drivers who work long hours may have decreased reaction times, potentially leading to more severe crashes. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, which is why it’s crucial to maintain detailed medical records and follow up with healthcare providers regularly.
What You Should Do After a Rideshare Car Accident
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft crash, take these immediate steps:
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the crash involving the Uber or Lyft driver
- Take photos of property damage and the accident scene
- Get contact information from both the Uber or Lyft driver and any witnesses
- Screenshot your Uber driver’s app or Lyft ride information
- Contact a rideshare car accident lawyer for a free consultation
- Report the incident to the rideshare company through their app
- Keep all correspondence with insurance company adjusters
- Maintain a daily journal documenting your recovery
- Save all receipts related to your accident expenses
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media
- Track how your injuries affect your daily life and work
Rideshare Liability – How It Works
Understanding liability in rideshare accidents requires knowledge of how insurance claims work when dealing with transportation network companies.
When an accident involving a rideshare motor vehicle occurs, the following insurance coverage may apply:
- The driver’s personal car insurance policy
- The rideshare company’s insurance coverage
- Third-party insurance policies
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors and must carry their own vehicle insurance, but rideshare companies also provide additional coverage depending on the status of the Uber or Lyft driver at the time of the accident. This complex insurance structure makes it crucial to have experienced accident lawyers on your side.
Understanding the timing of the accident is key because insurance coverage varies depending on whether:
- The driver was offline and using their personal vehicle
- The app was on, but no ride was accepted
- The driver was en route to pick up a passenger
- A passenger was in the vehicle
Each scenario triggers different levels of coverage, and multiple insurance policies may come into play. For example, if you’re an Uber or Lyft passenger during an accident, you may be covered by the company’s $1 million liability policy. However, if the driver was between rides, the coverage might be significantly lower.
Proving Negligence in a Rideshare Car Accident
To succeed in a personal injury claim or personal injury lawsuit against Uber drivers or Lyft drivers, you must establish:
- The driver responsible owed you a duty of care
- This duty was breached through negligent actions that caused a car accident
- The breach caused your injuries
- You suffered damages, including property damage
The at-fault driver might be the Uber or Lyft driver, another motorist or even a taxi company. Your Uber or Lyft accident attorney will help gather evidence to prove negligence and secure financial compensation for your injuries.
Some common forms of negligence in rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving while managing multiple rideshare apps
- Fatigue from working excessive hours
- Unsafe passenger pickup or drop-off locations
- Speeding to complete more rides
- Failure to maintain the vehicle properly
- Violations of local transportation regulations
What Are the Legal Rights of Passengers Involved in Rideshare Accidents in Baltimore?
As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident case, you have specific rights under Maryland law.
These include:
- The right to file personal injury claims against negligent parties
- Access to insurance coverage from multiple sources
- The ability to recover compensation for medical bills
- Claims for lost wages and pain and suffering
- Protection under rideshare companies’ insurance policies
Rideshare accidents often involve complex liability scenarios, as both the driver and rideshare company may share responsibility for the car accident. Working with experienced car accident lawyers ensures your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Understanding your rights also means knowing what you’re entitled to under different insurance scenarios.
For instance:
- When the rideshare driver is at fault, the company’s policy typically provides primary coverage
- If another driver causes the accident, their insurance becomes primary, with the rideshare company’s insurance potentially providing supplemental coverage
- In hit-and-run scenarios, the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply
Many Lyft or Uber drivers now install dashcams, which can provide valuable evidence in accident cases. This footage, combined with the rideshare company’s GPS data and app records, can help establish liability and strengthen your claim.
Contact a Maryland Rideshare Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, don’t face the insurance company alone. The legal team at Zirkin & Schmerling Law has extensive experience handling car accident cases involving rideshare services. We understand the complexities of Uber and Lyft accidents and will fight to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Our accident lawyers have a proven track record of helping accident victims navigate claims with insurance and personal injury lawsuits.
Whether you’re dealing with Uber, Lyft, or any other type of rideshare car accident, we’re here to help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage to your own vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related expenses
Don’t let rideshare companies or their insurance providers minimize your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team of car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the bodily injury coverage and financial support you need to move forward after your accident.
Our firm stays current with the evolving regulations governing rideshare companies and their drivers.
We understand that Lyft and Uber accidents can be particularly complex because they often involve:
- Multiple insurance policies and coverage limits
- Corporate policies and procedures
- State and local transportation regulations
- Employment status issues
- Technology-related evidence
- Complex causation scenarios
Whether you’re a passenger, another driver or a pedestrian injured in a rideshare collision, we can help. Our team has extensive experience dealing with both Uber and Lyft accidents, and we understand the tactics their insurance companies use to minimize claims.
Don’t let the complexity of Uber or Lyft accident claims overwhelm you.
Our experienced legal team will:
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Gather and preserve critical evidence
- Work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
- Calculate the full value of your current and future damages
- Negotiate aggressively on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if necessary
The aftermath of a rideshare crash can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Law today at 410-753-4611 to schedule your consultation with an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer and learn how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. With decades of local experience and a proven track record, we are dedicated to securing the best possible results for you and your family. With an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from our experienced team on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your claim.
