A significant number of Maryland residents use rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber to get around. Using Uber and Lyft is a more convenient and hassle-free way of getting around. So what should you do if you are involved in a Lyft or Uber accident? If you are ever involved in a Lyft or Uber accident, the best thing you can do is call a skilled Laurel Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from Pinder Plotkin.

Our legal team is well versed in rideshare accident cases and will help you get the compensation you deserve. When hiring our Laurel Lyft & Uber accident attorneys, do not worry about legal fees. We know the process can be daunting, that is why we offer you a free consultation, and you will only pay if there is judgment or settlement.

If a loved one or you have recently been involved in a Lyft, Uber, or any other rideshare company accident, let us help. Call (410) 525-5337 for a free consultation to discuss your case with an auto accident lawyer in Laurel.

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Uber and Lyft Accident Statistics

Ridesharing companies have gained popularity globally over the last few years, and more people prefer to use these companies since they are cheaper than traditional taxis. So, it is no surprise that Uber and Lyft are popular choices of getting around for Maryland residents.

However, accidents have also increased with the increase in rideshare companies in the industry. An in-depth study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business showcased that rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have contributed a 3% increase in accident fatalities.

The study revealed:

Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents

The increase of rideshare vehicles on roads has significantly contributed to different accidents. Therefore, if you are involved in an Uber accident, ensure you contact the Laurel Uber and Lyft accident lawyers from the Pinder Plotkin in Maryland. We are well-versed with state and local laws and will help you understand your rights and options.

Here are the most common types of Lyft and Uber accidents:

Who Can Be Found Liable in an Uber Accident?

Different parties can be found liable in an Uber or Lyft accident. Often, the party held liable for damages in an accident is the one that is responsible for the crash. Overall, Maryland is an at-fault state for accidents. Here is a list of who can be found liable in an Uber accident:

Uber or Lyft Driver

An Uber or Lyft driver can be held liable if they caused the accident. For instance, if an accident happens because the Lyft or Uber driver ran a red light, they will be held responsible.

The Rideshare Companies

Rideshare companies can be held liable when their cars are involved in an accident. However, rideshare companies rarely accept liability for accidents, which is why you need an Uber accident attorney. Rideshare companies only consider themselves liable in specific situations.

Other Related Third Parties

Third parties may include an at-fault pedestrian, manufacturer, the government, or the driver of another vehicle. For instance, if an accident results from a faulty car part, the part or car manufacturer will be held liable.

It would be best to hire a Laurel Uber accident lawyer from Pinder Plotkin LLC in Maryland to help investigate all potentially liable parties for your accident. Call (410) 525-5337 and let us help you determine the at-fault party and offer you a free case review.

Are Rideshare Accident Cases Different From Regular Car Accident Cases?

Rideshare vehicle accidents are similar to regular car accidents in some ways. For instance, you will have to prove that the rideshare driver was at fault if you want to recover damages. However, rideshare companies maintain that the drivers are not their employees.

Here are a few ways that Uber accident cases differ from regular car accident cases:

Insurance

When you are involved in a regular car accident, the personal insurance policy of the negligent driver will cover your injuries. In Maryland, the minimum insurance needed for drivers is $15,000 for property damage, $60,000 per accident for two people or more, and $30,000 for bodily injury per person. On the other hand, if you are involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you may recover $1 million under Uber liability coverage.

Laurel Uber and Lyft accident lawyer concept rideshare app icon

Liable Parties

In a regular car accident involving vehicles and passengers, the negligent party is often responsible for compensating the victim. On the other hand, if you are involved in a Lyft or Uber accident, both the rideshare company and the rideshare driver can be held liable. If another driver was also negligent, you could hold them liable.

Complex Issues

When it comes to insurance, rideshare accidents can be complicated. Often, it is challenging to establish whether the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s insurance, or both will cover your injuries.

Is It True That Uber Has a $1 Million Insurance Policy for Accidents?

Uber does have a $1 million insurance policy relative to the driver’s employment status at the time of the crash. Their liability insurance covers the damages caused by the drivers to individuals involved in the accident. Ultimately, the party held liable for compensating you depends on how the driver uses the rideshare app when the accident happens.

What Types of Compensation Can You Seek for an Uber Accident?

Claims for a ridesharing accident can include three categories of damages:

Economic Damages

These damages are compensatory and seek to compensate injured victims for financial losses incurred after a rideshare accident. Fundamentally, it is easier to quantify economic damages, which include current and future lost wages, rehabilitative costs, and all medical expenses (including future medical expenses).

Non-Economic Damages

It is often challenging to quantify non-economic damages. These damages include loss of consortium, emotional anguish/trauma, reduced earning capacity, scarring and disfigurement, and physical pain and suffering.

Punitive Damages

These are meant to punish the at-fault party for their malicious actions. Punitive damages are only used in cases where the defendant intended to cause harm. There is no cap on punitive damages in Maryland, unlike in many other states.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer?

Navigating rideshare accident claims can be tasking, even more so when your medical bills keep accruing. So, it is often tempting and easy to take the first offer an insurance company gives you. However, it will be best to speak with a rideshare accident lawyer before accepting settlement offers.

With a settlement, you are guaranteed to receive money, but there is a chance that the insurance company is taking advantage and not giving you the compensation you deserve. Consulting our Laurel rideshare accident lawyers at Pinder Plotkin ensures you have a fair chance at getting maximum compensation. We are experienced professionals, so you are guaranteed to have negotiators on your team who will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Cost?

Our Uber accident lawyers have a contingency fee arrangement with clients. Essentially, a contingency fee means we do not charge you any fee to work with or consult our team. You can only pay us if we win your case. To learn more about the contingency fees you will be expected to pay after winning your case, call us at (410) 525-5337.

Is There Time Limit for Filing an Uber Accident Claim?

The time limit for filing an Uber accident claim in Maryland is three years from the time of the accident. If you do not file your accident claim within this period, you lose out on the chance of getting compensated.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Getting involved in an accident can drastically change your life, from lost wages to accruing medical bills. While you can get compensated, the process of fighting for the compensation you deserve can be challenging.

For this reason, it will be best to contact an accident lawyer from Pinder Plotkin in Maryland to have a fair chance at getting compensated. Here are the benefits of working with us:

Case Preparation/Filing a Lawsuit

The team of lawyers at Pinder Plotkin in Maryland will prepare and compile all the evidence needed to build a successful case. We also work closely with other experts ensuring your claim accounts for all the injuries you sustained and the losses incurred.

Settlement Negotiation

Our team of lawyers will also conduct negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you are fully compensated. We handle all the paperwork and requirements necessary for filing your claim.

Trial Preparation & Representation

If we cannot settle with the insurance company out of court, we will represent you in court, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Our Laurel Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Pinder Plotkin, we understand how difficult and overwhelming it can be when involved and injured in an accident. It is even more challenging to navigate the claim process when the accident involves a Lyft or an Uber. However, when you work with us, you can focus on recovery and let us do everything to ensure you are fairly compensated.

Have you recently been in a Lyft or Uber accident? Would you like an experienced and reliable Uber accident lawyer near you to help you with your case? Let us help. Call (410) 525-5337 for a free consultation about your rideshare accident.

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