Carney Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

When you request a ride from Uber or Lyft, you do not get into that car expecting an accident to happen. If a crash does take place, our attorneys can explain your next steps for recovery.

Distracted driving is a top cause of rideshare accidents in Carney because drivers use their phones to accept rides. Furthermore, since Uber and Lyft drivers operate at night, they might be more likely to fall asleep at the wheel and cause an accident. Regardless of the accident’s cause, your claim will likely be against the driver, not the company they work for. To win your case, you must file it by the deadline in Carney and present compelling evidence of fault. Such evidence might include information from the rideshare app, eyewitness statements, photos, videos, and the victim’s medical records.

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras’ Carney Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at (410) 694-7291 for a free case assessment.

Why Rideshare Car Accidents Happen in Carney

Rideshare car accidents often happen because the driver acts negligently, whether when actively completing a ride or en route to pick up a passenger in Carney. Common causes of rideshare car accidents include distracted driving, drowsy driving, and speeding.

Distracted Driving

Uber and Lyft drivers rely on their phones to get ride requests and for navigational purposes. However, getting distracted by one’s phone, such as texting and driving, could lead to an accident.

Or, suppose you were walking across the street when a rideshare driver hit you because they were looking at their phone and were about to accept a ride request. In that case, you could file a lawsuit against them for compensatory damages in Carney.

Drowsy Driving

Rideshare drivers often work all hours of the day, including at night. This might lead to accidents due to drowsy driving when an Uber or Lyft driver falls asleep at the wheel and causes an accident. The night is also a common time for auto accidents because of low visibility.

Speeding

The faster a rideshare driver gets to your drop-off destination, the sooner they can accept a new ride request. Because of this, some rideshare drivers might be more inclined to speed or act negligently by making illegal turns or recklessly merging.

Filing a Lawsuit for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Carney

If you were injured as a passenger of an Uber or a Lyft in Carney, you could file a lawsuit to recover damages. Our lawyers can help you determine who you can sue for this type of auto accident in Carney.

Most likely, the defendant will be the driver, not the rideshare company. Though companies can often be vicariously liable for some employee actions, Uber and Lyft get around this issue by hiring independent contractors. Rideshare drivers use their own cars, set their own hours, and are not regular employees.

Before bringing your case, our lawyers will investigate the accident to determine exactly how the driver acted negligently. We can continue to build support for your case as we interview eyewitnesses, source expert statements, and review your medical records.

We will also make a point to start tracking your damages from the accident right away. Doing this allows us to organize your damages into the appropriate categories and accurately calculate your losses. Then, when it is time to file your complaint, we can request compensation and have evidence to back up that request.

Under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101, victims must file motor vehicle accident claims within three years. This deadline also applies to rideshare car accidents in Carney, whether you were hurt as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian. Any attempts to bring a claim outside this timeframe could be futile.

Compelling Evidence in Lyft and Uber Accident Lawsuits

Victims must present compelling evidence that meets the applicable standard of proof to have hope of winning a lawsuit for an Uber or Lyft accident in Carney. For example, we can get information from the rideshare app, talk to witnesses of the accident, and examine photos or videos for relevance. We can then organize this evidence and present it effectively to prove the defendant’s fault.

Rideshare App Information

Information sourced from the rideshare app can show that the driver was in the process of completing your ride at the time of the accident. This can also help establish that the driver owed you a duty of care, which will be essential for the success of your claim.

Witness Testimony

Having first-hand accounts from eyewitnesses that corroborate the other evidence we present may help your recovery. To ensure this, our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can prioritize interviewing witnesses immediately after the crash so they remember what they saw.

On top of witness statements, we might get experts to lend their experience and insight into some complex matters of your case that need clarification, like your specific injuries.

Photos and Videos

Accident victims can photograph property damage, nearby traffic signs, and their apparent physical injuries while at the scene. Our lawyers can then survey the surrounding area to see if surveillance systems or traffic cameras are nearby. We can then request or subpoena images from those cameras and see if they captured anything that could help your case.

Medical Records

You must also present proof of your injuries through medical records. To ensure your medical records do not lack any critical information whatsoever, get medical care instantly. As you continue to get treatment, your doctors will note all surgeries, tests, prescriptions, and diagnoses you get. We can then use these medical records to show when you sustained your injuries and how the accident has impacted your physical health and overall quality of life.

Contact Our Attorneys in Carney About Your Accident Today

Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras (410) 694-7291 to discuss your case for free with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers.