Dundalk Uber + Lyft Accident Lawyer

People across Dundalk and the United States use Uber and Lyft for a number of reasons, like commuting to work or avoiding driving while intoxicated.

However, while Uber and Lyft offer an alternative forms of transportation, many inexperienced drivers are capable of causing serious accidents. If you or a family member was injured due to the negligence of a rideshare driver, you should consult with an experienced Dundalk Uber and Lyft accident lawyer today.

Rice, Murtha & Psoras are ready to help you pursue compensation from a negligent Uber or Lyft driver that caused you to be seriously injured. Our firm believes that large companies like Uber and Lyft should not be able to avoid liability for accidents caused by their drivers. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact us online.

Common Causes of Uber + Lyft Accidents in Dundalk, MD

Uber and Lyft accidents can happen for any number of reasons. For example, if a driver is highly inexperienced, they could act negligently and cause a vehicle collision.

While a car accident can happen for a number of reasons, some reasons are more prevalent than others. the following is a list of common causes Uber and Lyft accidents in Dundalk, Maryland.

Violation of Traffic Laws

Uber and Lyft drivers earn profits depending on how many fares they transport. As many rideshare drivers will work for a few hours at a time, it is important that they accept as many fares as they can.

Unfortunately, some rideshare drivers may speed and ignore other traffic signals to ensure they can earn as much as possible within a certain timeframe. As a result, the rideshare driver could collide with another vehicle while rushing to transport passengers.

Intoxication

When a driver becomes intoxicated with drugs or alcohol, their senses and ability to drive become dull. Due to this, the intoxicated driver is prone to act erratically behind the wheel, which could easily lead to a car accident.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is hazardous for the passengers in an Uber and other motorists on the road. Uber and Lyft drivers are permitted to work up to 12 hours per shift as long as they rest for six hours afterward.

While many rideshare drivers do not make use of the full 12 hours they are permitted to operate in a day, others make use of these hours. As a result, there is a risk that a rideshare driver could be on the road with other drivers after working for several hours.

Many other causes of Uber and Lyft accidents are not discussed above. To learn more about an Uber or Lyft accident liability, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Dundalk accident lawyer.

Liability for an Uber + Lyft Accident

When an Uber or Lyft accident occurs due to a negligent rideshare driver, who could be held responsible for the accident is a question. The clear answer is that the negligent rideshare driver would be the individual that would be responsible for the accident. However, there is a possibility that Uber or Lyft could be held accountable for the accident.

It is important to note that Uber and Lyft hire drivers as independent contractors as opposed to full-fledged employees. This distinction is important because it can affect whether a company will be vicariously liable for the actions of the employee.

Being employed as an independent contractor means that the employer does not have full control over how the employee performs their job.

As a result, hiring a driver as an independent contractor can help Uber and Lyft avoid liability for the actions of a negligent driver.

While Uber and Lyft drivers are employed as independent contractors, there is still a possibility that a victim of a car accident can obtain compensation for an Uber or Lyft accident. There are two circumstances where a victim of an Uber or Lyft car crash can pursue compensation:

• When the rideshare driver has logged into Uber or Lyft but has yet to accept a fare
• When the rideshare driver is logged into Uber or Lyft and is in the process of picking up a passenger or is already transporting a passenger

In the first scenario, Uber or Lyft will provide a victim with limited coverage for up to $100,000 for injuries and vehicle damage. In the second scenario, Uber or Lyft provides up to $1,000,000 for injuries, vehicle repairs, and other expenses.

Note, however, that if an Uber or Lyft driver has caused an accident while they are not logged into the respective application, the injuries to a victim will not be compensated by Uber or Lyft. As a result, a victim of a rideshare crash may have to pursue compensation from the driver’s insurance or by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.

Work with Our Experienced Dundalk Uber + Lyft Accident Attorney Today

If you or a family member was severely injured due to an Uber or Lyft accident, contact an experienced Dundalk Uber and Lyft accident attorney today.

With over 120 years of legal experience handling a variety of injury claims, personal injury attorneys Rice, Murtha & Psoras are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your potential claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.