Silver Spring Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshares are now a part of our everyday life and routine. Most people utilize Uber or Lyft sometimes, some people use Uber or Lyft all the time. 

While getting an Uber or a Lyft is easy, that doesn’t mean that it is safe. Uber and Lyft drivers receive no special training and are holding themselves out as independent contractors, not employees. This can make it more complicated to get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Our Silver Spring car accident lawyers will fight to get you the money that you deserve.

DuBoff & Associates, Chartered, specializes in Uber and Lyft claims and represents clients throughout the greater Silver Spring area who have been hurt in all types of accidents. This includes representing passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others hurt in crashes involving Ubers and Lyfts. Reach out to our law offices today to schedule a free consultation with a Silver Spring Uber or Lyft accident attorney.

Who Could Be Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Car accidents have a wide range of potential causes. Perhaps a driver was not paying attention, speeding, or driving aggressively. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents.

The same holds true for rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers do not receive any specialized training before getting behind the wheel to transport passengers. They may also be distracted by the very app that they are required to use to work for these massive corporations.

Typically, Lyft or Uber accidents are either caused by the rideshare driver or by another driver. For example, if a Lyft driver runs a red light and slams into another vehicle that had the right-of-way, then they would be responsible for the crash. If another driver backs out of a driveway without looking and hits an Uber as it drives down the street, then that driver would be responsible for the accident.

In a Lyft or Uber accident, any injured party (plaintiff) could file a claim against the at-fault party (defendant). This could include passengers in the Uber/Lyft, drivers and passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or any other person who was hurt in the collision. The key will be to prove that the defendant was responsible for the wreck.

If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, you don’t have to figure out liability or take on a massive corporation by yourself. Our law firm will fight for your right to fair compensation.

What Insurance Pays for My Losses After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Uber and Lyft accidents are more complicated than other types of motor vehicle accidents because different insurance policies may apply based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Because Uber and Lyft drivers are holding themselves out as independent contractors, not employees, the company may not necessarily be on the hook for the crash. This is in contrast to situations where an employee causes an accident in their work vehicle and the employer can be held responsible under the principle of respondeat superior.

There are two main options when it comes to filing an insurance claim for an accident caused by a Lyft or Uber driver: the company’s insurance or the driver’s insurance. This will all come down to what the driver was doing when the accident occurred:

• The driver is not working: If the driver has the app off and is not actively working, then their own insurance policy will cover the crash. In Maryland, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $30,000 for bodily injury ($60,000 for 2 or more people) and $15,000 for property damage. If the Uber or Lyft driver only has the minimum insurance, these amounts might not be enough to cover your losses.
• The driver has the app on and is waiting for a ride: Uber or Lyft’s smaller commercial policy applies. These policies have limits of $50,000 (bodily injury)/$100,000 Bodily injury for 2 or more people)/$25,000 (property damage).
• The driver is either picking up passengers or has passengers in the vehicle: Uber or Lyft’s $1,000,000 commercial policy applies. 

Our law firm will thoroughly investigate your case to determine exactly what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash. We will also investigate other potentially responsible parties, such as another driver or even a government agency. We will also evaluate your own insurance coverage to potentially file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim if the insurance coverage is insufficient to pay for your losses.

Any type of car accident can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones, neck and back injuries, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, and joint injuries. If you have been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you deserve to get full compensation for all of your losses, including medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our law firm will work tirelessly to help you get the money that you deserve for your injuries.

Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Give Us a Call.

Rideshare services are a convenient way to get around the DC area. But if you are in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, you might be unsure of your rights and worried about taking on a big corporation. Our law firm will stand by your side throughout the process, working to get you justice for your injuries.

At DuBoff & Associates, Chartered, we are dedicated to helping our Maryland clients get the best possible recovery for their accidents. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t pay anything up-front and will only pay a fee if we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Silver Spring Uber or Lyft accident lawyer, give us a call at 301-495-3131 or fill out our online contact form.