Owings Mills Uber + Lyft Accident Lawyer
Uber and Lyft accidents often occur because these companies fail to hire drivers that act responsibly behind the wheel. This can lead to severe accidents on the road that can injure passengers and other motorists. Fortunately, you may be able to claim compensation from Uber or Lyft if one of their drivers causes you to suffer a severe injury. If you or a family member was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, consult with an experienced Owings Mills Uber and Lyft accident lawyer today.
Rice, Murtha & Psoras understand the difficulty of moving on with your life after a severe car accident, and we are here to help you seek compensation for your injuries. You do not have to fight your case alone, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You can also contact the firm online.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Owings Mills, MD
Your first step after being injured in an Uber or Lyft accident should be to get yourself and any passengers to safety. If your vehicle is still operational and is able to be moved out of traffic, you should attempt to do so. Once you get to safety, you should assess your injuries and the injuries of any passengers and determine whether you need to call an ambulance. Understanding the extent of your injuries is necessary when seeking compensation for the accident.
It is also important to summon law enforcement to the scene of the accident to investigate. This may even be legally required if there was extensive property damage or a person was injured in the crash. Additionally, the police report from law enforcement can help you when reporting the accident to your insurance company.
Exchange Information with the Rideshare Driver
Next, you should speak with the Uber or Lyft driver that caused the accident. it is vital that you learn which company the driver was working for in order to file a report with the correct company. Additionally, you should also ensure that you exchange the following information with the driver:
- Name and contact information
- The make, model, and license plate of the vehicle
- The insurance company that insures the vehicle
Collect Evidence of the Accident
You should also gather sufficient evidence that can help prove that the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident. For example, if the Uber driver plowed into your vehicle while you were stopped at a red light, ensure that you take photos of the damage to each vehicle. Other valuable pieces of evidence include:
- The intersection where the accident occurred
- The date and time of the accident which can help when reporting the accident to Uber or Lyft
- Any adverse weather conditions that may have played a role in the accident (e.g., a snowstorm)
- Photos of the injuries sustained by the victim
- Any statements provided by witnesses that observed the accident
Report the Accident to Uber / Lyft and Your Insurance Company
Reporting the accident to the rideshare company and your insurance company should be your next task. When reporting the accident to Uber or Lyft, you should be as specific as possible. the date and approximate time of the accident can help the company pinpoint whether a driver was transporting or picking up a passenger at the time of the crash.
It is important to note that after reporting the accident to Uber or Lyft, you will likely be contacted by a representative from the company. This representative is not on your side and is solely interested in protecting their employer from liability. As a result, you should avoid making any statements that could be misconstrued as fault for the accident.
Your insurance company will likely speak with the insurance company for the rideshare driver and with the company that employs them. As Maryland is an “at-fault” state for car insurance, your insurance company will be looking for evidence that the rideshare driver caused the accident so they can be liable for the accident.
To learn more about liability for an Uber or Lyft accident, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Owings Mills Uber accident lawyer.
Liability for an Uber + Lyft Accident in Owings Mills, MD
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Owings Mills, you may be wondering who can be held liable for the crash. Fortunately, there are various circumstances that can help you indicate when Uber or Lyft would be liable for an injury caused by one of their drivers.
While it is true that Uber and Lyft employ drivers as independent contractors, which can help them avoid vicarious liability for a driver’s negligence, there are some scenarios where Uber and Lyft will compensate a victim after a crash:
- When an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident while they are logged into the application but have not picked up a passenger
- When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash after they logged into the application and are in the process of picking up a passenger or transporting a passenger
If your accident occurred under these circumstances, Uber and Lyft would provide you with compensation. However, if a rideshare driver caused an accident before they logged into Uber or Lyft, the accident will not be covered by either company. As a result, the victim may need to seek compensation directly from the driver.
Contact Our Experienced Owings Mills Uber + Lyft Accident Attorney Today
If you or a family member was severely injured due to the negligent actions of an Uber or Lyft driver, consult with an experienced Owings Mills Uber and Lyft accident attorney. Rice, Murtha & Psoras have worked with residents of Owings Mills for over a decade, and we are ready to offer you the legal representation you deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal situation, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact the firm online.
