Essex, MD Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Instead of using taxi cabs, most people today turn to rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and other companies to get where they are going. These rideshare services are incredibly convenient. They are at the tips of your fingers, can take you to any destination nearby, and often use vehicles of solid quality. Unfortunately, just because someone is driving for Uber or Lyft driver does not mean they are less likely to get in a motor vehicle accident. When these accidents happen, passengers can get seriously injured and have to deal with hefty medical bills and a lengthy recovery period.

If you got injured while in an Uber or Lyft vehicle near Essex, our attorneys can help. We can collect evidence, talk to witnesses and other parties, and form a strong argument for you to take to court so you can fight for the best legal outcome possible after your accident.

For a free, no-obligation analysis of your claim, call our Uber and Lyft accident Lawyers from Rice, Murtha & Psoras at the number (410) 694-7291.

What Causes Uber Accidents in Essex, MD?

The same things that cause car accidents also cause Uber and Lyft accidents. Speeding, running red lights, drunk driving, and more can cause a rideshare accident. That being said, there are a couple of factors that are present for Uber drivers that are not necessarily there for other drivers.

First, Uber drivers want to drop off customers quickly so they can fit more trips in. More trips mean more pay, and customers who get dropped off faster may be inclined to leave a tip for the driver. Such behavior could easily cause an accident.

Second, Uber drivers may get distracted frequently. Alongside universal distractions like texting or talking on the phone, Uber drivers frequently rely on GPS to know where to go, especially in unfamiliar areas, so they can get distracted by those devices and get in an accident.

What to Do After an Uber/Lyft Accident in Essex, MD

There are things you can do right after an accident that can help bolster your case – even before you are thinking about speaking to legal counsel. Doing these things can give you a “head start” once you speak with our Uber accident lawyers. However, you should not be worried if you did not do any of these things. Each accident is different, so you may not have been able to do some of these things depending on your circumstances.

Get Medical Care

The most important thing you need to do after an accident involving a rideshare vehicle is get medical attention. Let first responders attend to you and follow all of their instructions. If you happen to be critically injured and need to be transported to an emergency care facility, then that will happen. If, on the other hand, you are able to stay near the accident and are cleared “ok” by emergency responders, it would still be prudent to get a medical examination in the days following your accident. This is because some injuries may take a couple of days to reveal themselves.

Collect Information and Evidence

Conditions permitting, get as many details about the accident right after it happens. Take photos, record videos, and do anything else you can to document the accident and surrounding area. Talk to eyewitnesses and make a record of what they say – they may be able to testify on your behalf in a lawsuit or help in another way.

Additionally, speak to any police officers who responded to the accident and have them take your statement. This will generate a police report, which our attorneys can use to help support your case.

Talk to a Lawyer Quickly

It is important that you speak with legal counsel promptly after your accident. You should do this not only because doing so gives you an advantage by letting our lawyers start working on your case earlier but there is actually a time limit on how long you have to file a claim after you are injured. Under Maryland law, you have three years from the time you get injured to file your claim per Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101. After that time, you will not be able to have a successful case.

Three years may seem like a long time, but when one takes into account recovering from injuries and other real-life impediments, it is really no time at all. Accordingly, you should contact our lawyers as soon as it is practicable to do so after your accident.

Can I Sue Uber/Lyft for My Injuries?

Unfortunately, you have to sue only the driver and their insurance in your Uber accident lawsuit. This is because rideshare companies do not employ their drivers. Instead, they are independent contractors, so Uber, Lyft, and other companies cannot be held liable for their conduct in court. Generally, a rideshare accident lawsuit will be filed against the driver and potentially their insurance provider. The specific circumstances of your case may be different, so you should discuss those details with our attorneys.

Damages in Uber Accident Lawsuits in Essex, MD

When you file your case, you will ask for damages from the defendant. You can ask for damages based on a number of factors. First, you can get damages based on your medical bills and lost income while you are recovering, as well as lost opportunities to earn future income. Second, you can get damages for the pain and suffering you experienced and continue to experience because of your injuries.

Have a Chat with Our Essex, MD Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys Today

Rice, Murtha & Psoras has Uber accident lawyers ready to help you with your case when you call (410) 694-7291.