Langley Park Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft have become a part of everyday life for people traveling in and around Langley Park. However, Uber and Lyft accidents have also become commonplace.

If you were injured as a passenger or hit by a rideshare driver, our lawyers can help you get compensation for your injuries. Our team will investigate your claim thoroughly to determine every potential defendant. If you were a passenger when the accident happened, we could file a claim against the rideshare driver and the other driver for their share of the fault. While suing Uber or Lyft directly might not be an option for legal reasons, you can still file an insurance claim with them if their driver is involved. Our team will help you determine which insurance options you qualify for and prepare your lawsuit if it cannot cover your damages.

Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 694-7291 to receive your free case assessment with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers.

Determining Liability After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Langley Park, MD

Knowing who to hold accountable for an Uber or Lyft accident is what makes lawsuits involving these companies more challenging than typical car accident claims. Who our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys pursue compensation from will largely depend on how your accident occurred. The evidence in your case might show that several parties should be held accountable for your injuries.

For instance, if you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the accident happened, at least one of the drivers acted negligently. This might be the Uber or Lyft driver because they were distracted by their phone, looking for your drop-off or checking their next ride. However, Lyft or Uber drivers might not be at fault at all. In some cases, another driver’s negligence led to a victim’s injuries despite how safe their rideshare driver was being.

In many more cases, though, both drivers can be sued. Drivers can be held accountable for their share of the fault in a lawsuit. So, if both drivers were acting carelessly when the crash happened, they can be made to pay for their part in causing your injuries. Our team will review the evidence in your case to see where each driver acted negligently.

A vital question is whether Uber and Lyft can be sued for negligence by their drivers. Unfortunately, rules regarding “independent contractors” do a great deal to protect these companies from direct liability. Because Uber and Lyft drivers are legally considered independent workers, Uber or Lyft cannot be held responsible for their actions.

This is contrary to most cases against businesses, which can be held liable for the negligent acts of their employees under the rule of respondeat superior. However, our attorneys might be able to file a lawsuit against the company if there is evidence that they kept a driver after learning they were dangerous or violated some other hiring practices.

Evidence to Get for Your Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Langley Park, MD

Strong evidence is the foundation of a winning lawsuit. You will want to get your case started right away since the longer you wait to file, the harder it is to find the evidence you need. While some of the evidence will be gathered after your lawsuit is filed, other important pieces can be obtained from the scene of the accident. You will need some evidence to justify your claims when your lawsuit is filed. Otherwise, the defendant will request that the court dismiss your case for not making a valid claim.

The accident scene will have a great deal of important evidence. You will likely notice debris on the street and damage to the vehicles. Be sure to take pictures and videos with your smartphone of anything you observe that could help prove your case. This evidence can be helpful in a lawsuit but can really help you settle your case before going to trial. It is important to capture the details while you can at the scene, as the accident will typically be cleaned up quickly. With your photos, you will have evidence backing up your testimony.

You should also speak to witnesses while still on the scene. Having witnesses testify on your behalf can make a difference in your case. They can provide a different perspective of the accident while supporting the claims you make, adding to your credibility. If you were not able to get contact information, our team can review the police report and reach out to the witnesses who gave statements.

Arguably, the most important evidence is your testimony and medical records. Your medical evidence will prove what injuries you sustained, but only you can tell the court how your accident has impacted your life. When you describe the defendant’s negligence, the experience carries in your testimony. Our team will make sure you are prepared to take the stand if your case goes to trial.

How to Claim Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Langley Park, MD

As mentioned, filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft is usually not an option after an accident involving one of their drivers. That does not mean you cannot pursue compensation from these companies if you are injured using their services. Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies to cover passenger injuries, regardless of whether the rideshare driver was responsible. However, determining how much you should get depends on the driver’s status at the time.

For example, if you were hit by an off-duty Uber or Lyft driver, meaning the rideshare app was off, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s private insurance policy. In these situations, your case would operate like a normal claim.

If the rideshare driver was on duty when the accident happened, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies would kick in, but at different levels. For instance, if the driver had the app on but did not have a passenger or was on their way to pick one up, Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage of up to $50,000 for injuries. It will also cover up to $100,000 in injuries per accident and up to $25,000 in property damage.

When the driver is actively transporting a passenger, the insurance coverage rises to $1,000,000 per accident. Our team can investigate the driver’s records to determine if they were working when they injured you. We will also review your settlement to reflect your damages. You might be excited to get an offer to settle, but you want to make sure that it accounts for losses you might not have considered, like your pain and suffering. Our lawyers can fully evaluate your case so you get the compensation you deserve and if a lawsuit is necessary.