Odenton Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
The use of ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber has exploded in popularity. With more Ubers and Lyfts on the road, accidents with these vehicles have become more common. Call a lawyer for legal support if you are in such an accident.
Numerous parties might be named in your case. The rideshare driver, other drivers, and even passengers in these vehicles might be involved. However, the companies Lyft and Uber are often shielded from liability. Damages in vehicle accident cases often account for damaged property, medical bills, and even mental or emotional trauma. Some common causes of accidents with Lyft and Uber vehicles include speeding, driving late at night with low visibility, and distractions behind the wheel. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney to assist you with your claims, as navigating the judicial system is famously complicated and frustrating.
Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 and ask our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys for a private initial case evaluation for no charge.
Naming Responsible Parties in Your Lyft or Uber Accident Case in Odenton
When you meet with your lawyer, one of the first things that needs to be done is determining who should be held accountable for the accident. This is not always a simple task, as numerous parties might be involved in the crash.
The Rideshare Driver
In many cases, the person driving the Lyft or Uber vehicle is directly responsible for the accident. While all rideshare drivers are required to be properly licensed, this does not mean all of them are safe drivers. A driver in too much of a hurry to complete rides and pick up new passengers is more likely to cause an accident.
Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help you hold the Uber or Lyft driver responsible if you were a passenger in their car or if you were in another car in the accident. For example, perhaps you were driving a different vehicle when an Uber driver crashed into you. You can still sue the negligent Uber driver even though you were not using the Uber app to get a ride.
Other Drivers in the Collision
People are sometimes quick to point out the faults of Lyft or Uber drivers in an accident, but they might not be the only ones who bear some responsibility. It is very common for both drivers in an accident to have contributed to the accident in some way. This can become rather complicated in cases involving several vehicles.
For example, suppose you were a passenger in a Lyft car when the accident occurred. Next, suppose the crash happened because your driver was speeding and the driver in front of you had broken taillights, leading to a bad rear-end crash. In that situation, both the Lyft driver and the driver of the other car might be responsible for the accident. You, as the injured passenger, can sue both drivers.
The Rideshare Company
You might be thinking about suing the company Uber or Lyft for your injuries. After all, in many other cases, employers may be held vicariously liable for injuries inflicted by negligent employees as long as the employees were acting within their normal job functions. This rule does not apply to Uber and Lyft when you sue a rideshare driver.
The simple fact of the matter is that Uber and Lyft drivers are not legally considered employees of their respective companies. As a result, Uber and Lyft cannot be held vicariously liable for car accidents in most cases. Drivers are instead classified as independent contractors.
However, this does not mean we should completely dismiss the idea of naming Uber or Lyft in your lawsuit. Many in the legal field believe that the classification of drivers as independent contractors is inaccurate, and Uber and Lyft should be held responsible when accidents happen. Talk to our team about your situation, and we can help you determine who to name in your case.
Possible Damages Available in Your Uber or Lyft Accident Case in Odenton
If you are injured in an auto collision involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, our team will help you analyze and evaluate your damages.
Accidents like this can be very traumatic. People often spend months or even years dealing with residual feelings of fear. A lot of car accident victims develop panic disorders and find it very difficult to get behind the wheel or even be inside a car. Not only that, but the physical pain from your injuries might be excruciating. If you have any permanent or long-term medical complications, you might have to come to terms with how your body and life have changed. While these experiences are not directly connected to money, they still should be fairly compensated.
Your injuries likely required at least some medical treatment. Even minor medical care can be very expensive. If your injuries were more serious, more extensive care might have been necessary, and your hospital bills might be even higher.
Your situation might be made even more dire if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. If you find yourself in this situation, we can help you claim your lost income and earnings.
Common Causes of Accidents with Uber and Lyft Vehicles in Odenton
Talk to your attorney about how your accident happened. The nature of your accident may help us determine where we can find evidence and who we should hold responsible.
Speeding and reckless driving are common problems among Uber and Lyft drivers. Since these drivers make more money if they can complete more trips, they almost have an incentive to drive as quickly as possible. For drivers looking to maximize profits, accidents might be more likely.
Many Uber and Lyft drivers work late at night, often picking up late-night partygoers or people working the late shift. Driving at night is inherently risky, as light is low, and visibility may be poor. If drivers are not extra vigilant about where they are going, they could crash and injure others.
Talk to Our Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys for Help Now
Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 and ask our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys for a private initial case evaluation for no charge.