Ocean City, MD Uber + Lyft Accident Lawyer
Uber and Lyft are ridesharing companies that have grown exponentially over the past few years. With the great success of these companies, it is reasonable to expect both companies would emphasize hiring trustworthy and safe drivers. Unfortunately, a number of accidents have been caused by Uber and Lyft drivers that have failed to operate their vehicle responsibly.
If you were injured while using Uber or Lyft for transportation, you should consult with an experienced Ocean City, MD Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.
At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we are dedicated to fighting for victims of car accidents that deserve compensation for their injuries. Personal injury attorney Randolph Rice has worked with residents of Maryland for over 10 years, and he is here to represent you.
To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You can also contact the firm online.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident in Ocean City, MD
Ocean City, Maryland, is a popular destination for family and friends to vacation and enjoy themselves. To avoid the hassle of driving through the city, many people will use Uber or Lyft to get to and from various destinations.
However, many do not suspect that they may have entered a vehicle with a driver that could have benefitted from more training. As a result, they could be involved in a serious car accident. If this happens, it is important to understand the steps to take to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement
If you were involved in an Ocean City, MDUber or Lyft accident, your priority should be to get yourself and any others to safety, which can be difficult if the accident occurred on a major highway.
Once you get to safety, you should evaluate your injuries and determine whether you require medical assistance. If the impact of the collision was severe, you should consider being evaluated at a local hospital to assess the full extent of your injuries.
This will be valuable information when it is time to report the accident to Uber or Lyft.
You should also contact law enforcement to investigate the scene of the accident. In Maryland, if a vehicle occupant was injured in a crash, it is required to report the accident to law enforcement.
Speak with the Rideshare Driver
If you believe the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, you should gather more information about the driver. For example, their name and contact information will help when reporting the accident to Uber and Lyft.
However, each application will provide some information on the driver that was transporting you.
Collect Evidence About the Accident
When collecting evidence of the accident, you should be aware that your Uber or Lyft application will possess much of the evidence you need to file your claim.
For example, each application will document the time the ride started and ended, the route taken by the driver, the name of the driver, and the vehicle operated by the driver.
However, there are other forms of evidence that can help prove your claim for compensation. For example, if any witnesses observed the crash, you should speak with them about providing you with a statement. Other evidence that should be documented includes:
- Whether the rideshare driver was operating the vehicle erratically (e.g., speeding)
- Whether the driver was intoxicated
- Any adverse weather that led to the accident
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Once you are able, report the accident to the appropriate rideshare company. After reporting the accident, you will be contacted by a representative from Uber or Lyft to discuss the accident.
Remember that this representative is not here to represent your interests. Instead, the representative will be looking for any holes in your story that can help them avoid liability.
If your vehicle was struck by the Uber or Lyft driver in Ocean City, Maryland, you should also report the accident to your insurance company. it is important to note that Uber and Lyft offer insurance policies when accidents occur under certain circumstances.
For example, if an accident occurred when an Uber driver was logged into their application, but before they accepted a ride, Uber will provide limited coverage for the accident.
Additionally, if an accident occurred when an Uber or Lyft driver was picking up or transporting a passenger, each company would provide up to $1,000,000 in coverage for injuries and vehicle damage.
Note, however, if an Uber or Lyft driver caused an accident while they did not have their application open, neither company will provide compensation to the driver or victim.
As a result, a victim’s best chance for recovery of compensation may be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver that caused the accident. Alternatively, the victim could file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Work with Our Experienced Ocean City, Maryland Uber + Lyft Accident Attorney
If you or a family member was a victim in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact an experienced Ocean City, MD Uber and Lyft accident attorney today.
Rice, Murtha & Psoras is committed to providing our clients with the legal representation they deserve, and we are ready to work with you. You do not have to fight your case alone, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free case evaluation.