Potomac, MD Uber + Lyft Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft are incredibly useful. They allow people to find drivers to take them where they want to go at any time and at any place. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are just as prone – if not more prone – to getting into accidents as other motorists, and, just like with other car accidents, passengers in an Uber or another vehicle, as well as occupants of other vehicles, can get badly injured.

If you were recently injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle around Potomac, our lawyers can assist you. We can gather evidence, build a strong case for you, and argue on your behalf in court so that you can get the damages you need when you are injured.

To start the process and get help with your case, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s Uber/Lyft accident lawyers at (410) 694-7291 and receive a free case review.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft after a Rideshare Accident in Potomac, MD?

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident and are pursuing a lawsuit, your first instinct may be to sue the rideshare company that you hail. However, this is not the correct thing to do and could very easily make you lose your case.

The law allows you to get compensation from parties that caused your injuries. When employees injure someone through negligence, something called “respondeat superior” makes it so that their employer can be liable under certain circumstances. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are not actually employed by Uber or Lyft. Instead, they are independent contractors, so Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company is not their employer. Importantly, this means that you cannot sue Uber or Lyft for the driver’s conduct, but you can sue the Uber/Lyft driver independently.

The law in this area is currently in flux. There have been a number of lawsuits that are lobbying for drivers working for Uber and other rideshare companies to be classified as employees. So, while at present, Uber/Lyft drivers are not employees, that may change in the future, and our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers will be sure to keep up with the current law in Maryland in this area.

Rideshare Insurance in Uber and Lyft Accidents Explained

Insurance policies play a big role in Uber and Lyft accident lawsuits. There is a good chance that the Uber/Lyft driver involved in your accident is “judgment proof,” meaning that they do not have the financial means to pay your damages even if you win the case. For that reason, the main target of Uber and Lyft accident lawsuits are insurance policies.

Uber and Lyft both require that their drivers have commercial automotive insurance or rideshare insurance These insurance policies are specifically designed to cover drivers of companies like Uber when they have an active client in their app. These companies also provide additional insurance that kicks in in different situations. For example, if an accident happens when a client is in the rideshare vehicle, there is a higher level of coverage than if the rideshare driver is merely on duty waiting for a ride ticket.

Navigating the insurance landscape in rideshare accidents can be very tricky, so it is best to let our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers handle it when we work on your case.

What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Potomac, MD?

When a rideshare accident happens, a lot will be going through your mind, and your adrenaline will probably spike. For this reason, it is good to have a plan of action on what to do before you potentially get in an accident so that you do not have to think about when it happens. Below, our lawyers have compiled a list of tips that will not only be beneficial to your case but also keep you safe after an Uber or Lyft accident.

Get Medical Attention

The first and most important priority you should have after an Uber/Lyft accident is making sure that you get the medical attention you need. If you are so injured that you need to go to the hospital, then that is what is going to happen, and you do not need to worry about anything else. If, however, your injuries are not that serious, you should still let medical professionals examine you and clear you to stay at the accident.

Some injuries may not be obvious until days after the accident. This is especially true for soreness and whiplash. It may be a good idea to see a medical professional in the weeks after an Uber/Lyft accident.

If you are able, you should dial 911 and notify emergency services since other people may also be injured in the accident.

Collect Evidence and Information

Another important thing to do is get as much information as you can. Take many photos and videos of the area around the accident, and record any statements you can get from eyewitnesses. It is also important that you are able to get the name, license plate, and insurance information of any drivers involved in the accident, as along with the name of the rideshare company that your driver works for. Make sure to take a screenshot of any information you have on your rideshare app on your phone, as our lawyers can use it to help with your case.

Speak to Our Lawyers

You should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your Uber or Lyft accident. This lets our lawyers have more time to work on your case and potentially craft a stronger argument, which has the chance to result in a better outcome in court.

Talk with Our Potomac, MD Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers Now

Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are ready to help you out when you call us at (410) 694-7291.