Having our attorneys initiate your claim as soon as possible can facilitate better evidence preservation and case preparation and ensure your damages are being tracked and tallied from the get-go.
Right away, we can confirm who you can sue for your accident, and explain why that likely will not be Lyft or Uber. The at-fault driver will be liable, and your lawsuit against them must come within three years of the accident’s date. To ensure your lawsuit is strong upon filing, our attorneys will compile evidence such as expert and eyewitness statements, crash site photos, and medical records that can ultimately prove liability or lead to a better settlement out of court. Maryland limits victims’ recoveries regarding their non-economic damages, but the limit is relatively high. Our requests for relief will seek compensation for things like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Call our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at (410) 694-7291 for help with your case from Rice Law.
Breaking Down Uber and Lyft Accident Cases in Frostburg, MD
While Uber and Lyft accident claims are often very similar to average car accident cases, they have some elements that increase the complexity. For example, whom victims can hold liable may be unclear to them, and we can identify who to name in your lawsuit and file it before the statute of limitations. We will also collect relevant evidence that can make your case meet the standard of proof while calculating and advocating for your warranted recovery.
Who Can You Sue?
While injured passengers might assume their compensation claims will include Uber or Lyft when accidents happen, that is generally not the case. Drivers use their own cars and are independent contractors, so the rideshare companies typically are not liable for their actions, even when they are on the clock. So, though there may be complexities in your case, we may approach it like a typical car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The liable party might not be the Uber driver but the other driver involved in the accident. Passengers are not always looking around and paying attention to what is happening on the road, so they might be unsure which driver caused the crash without further investigation from our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers. We can promptly obtain the resulting police report, talk to eyewitnesses and involved parties, and review photographic evidence to pinpoint liability.
When Can You Sue?
You can file a lawsuit if you were injured because someone else breached the duty of care they owed you. For example, a Lyft driver has a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicle responsibly, especially with a passenger in the car. Speeding, irresponsibly using the rideshare app while driving, tailgating, and reckless merging are all examples of a driver’s breach of duty that could lead to an accident and injure a passenger.
The statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident lawsuits in Frostburg is three years, according to Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. Art., § 5-101. Ideally, we would file sooner than that to hasten your recovery, but avoid rushing filing to ensure we have a strong case with a high likelihood of succeeding.
What Evidence Do You Need?
At the crash site, do your best to photograph the Uber driver’s car and any apparent property damage. Do the same for any other vehicles involved, as we may not get access to them in the future. Afterward, our lawyers can identify and interview eyewitnesses, whether from the police report or information you got at the scene. We will ask them detailed questions about the Lyft driver’s conduct to confirm the accident’s cause. We may also involve accident reconstruction experts to analyze photos, police reports, car black box data, and witness statements. Experts may present their findings in court when lawsuits go to trial, though having their statements might compel better settlement proposals from negligent rideshare drivers.
Proof of injury is paramount, so we will focus on organizing all medical records after the collision. While we can facilitate requesting these records from providers and hospitals and organizing them on your behalf, you must be present at all scheduled appointments. Missing doctor visits or delaying important procedures could worsen your injuries, and the defendant might contest covering damages that come as a result of you neglecting your physical recovery.
Are There Recovery Limits?
Despite Uber and Lyft maintaining third-party liability insurance for possible collisions, there are payout limits that might restrict victims’ recoveries in ways that lawsuits may not. For example, though Maryland caps non-economic damages in personal injury lawsuits, it does not do so for economic damages. And, the limits on non-economic damages are relatively high, currently sitting at $950,000, according to § 11-108(b)(2).
To ensure your full and fair recovery, our attorneys will tally and identify all compensable damages. Generally, medical damages are the most distressing for victims. Surgeries, prescription medications, specialist appointments, and follow-up visits can culminate in a huge sum, and we will record all losses and retain all bills related to your treatment and proving your damages. Considering the effect on your income is also important if you cannot work immediately, and we will organize evidence of your previous wages to assert your deserved compensation for lost wages. Your personal statements regarding the physical pain and mental suffering you have endured may compel a larger award from the jury if your case goes to trial, and also can be used to get larger settlements from defendants. Do not underestimate any of your damages from the accident, as that could lead to you agreeing to an unfair settlement offer from the defense.
Call Our Accident Lawyers About Your Uber or Lyft Crash in Frostburg, MD
Call our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at (410) 694-7291 to get a free case review Rice Law.