- Our Attorneys
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Workers’ Compensation
- Medical Malpractice
- Criminal Defense
- Locations
- Contact
★★★★★ 5/5
4.9 Rating / 400+ Reviews
Baltimore Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
hurt in an accident?
CONTACT HYATT & GOLDBLOOM
Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer in Baltimore
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have revolutionized the way we travel. The ability to order a vehicle with the click of a button provides an unprecedented level of convenience to our daily transportation. However, as these companies quickly grew, so did the number of passengers sustaining injuries while using their services. These ridesharing accidents are unique but not uncommon. Due to the number of parties involved in a typical Uber or Lyft accident, including the company itself, it’s recommended to speak with an experienced Baltimore Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer.
As the passenger of an Uber, Lyft, or similar ridesharing vehicle, you are entitled to compensation for bodily injuries sustained as the result of an automobile accident. The Baltimore auto accident lawyers at the Law Office of Hyatt & Goldbloom have amassed significant experience dealing with Uber/Lyft accident claims. More importantly, we have consistently obtained maximum results for our clients injured in Baltimore Uber or Lyft accidents.
If you or someone you know was injured in an Uber/Lyft accident, whether it be as a passenger, the Uber/Lyft driver, or the driver of another vehicle, contact a Baltimore Uber accident lawyer at Hyatt & Goldbloom. Uber/Lyft accident claims are complicated due to several factors. Our experience with the insurance companies involved in Uber/Lyft accident claims will allow us to achieve an efficient recovery on your behalf.
Determining Liability After a Baltimore Uber/Left Accident
Like any auto accident case, determining liability is a critical step. As the victim of an Uber/Lyft accident, determining which party was at fault will control who is responsible (or whose insurance company is responsible) to compensate you for your injuries. Insurance companies often like to point fingers at the other driver to avoid paying damages. This back-and-forth can be particularly frustrating when you were simply the passenger of an Uber/Lyft at the time of the accident. An experienced Baltimore Lyft accident lawyer can help you navigate these unfamiliar waters and make the process as simple as possible for you.
We are familiar with the games insurance companies try to play when attempting to avoid paying for their driver’s negligence. For someone inexperienced with the insurance claims process, these complications can significantly delay or prevent financial recovery. As experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers, Hyatt & Goldbloom’s priority is to avoid typical delays and obtain a speedy recovery for our clients.
What to do if You Were a Passenger Injured in a Baltimore Uber/Lyft Accident
If you sustained injuries as an Uber/Lyft passenger, someone else’s negligence was the cause of your damages. Generally, there are several important factors to consider when determining which party is responsible for your injuries. One possibility is that the Uber/Lyft driver was at fault for the accident. Fortunately, if this is the case, both Uber and Lyft have commercial insurance policies that will cover up to $1 million for the accident.
Another possibility is that the other vehicle’s driver was at fault. Under these circumstances, the at-fault driver’s insurance will be primarily responsible for paying for your damages. The coverage amount of a standard, at-fault driver will depend on the particular insurance policy. Maryland law requires that all drivers carry insurance of at least $30,000. Despite this law, there are times when an at-fault driver does not have insurance. If an at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, then Uber/Lyft’s UM/UIM policy will typically cover damages up to $1 million. These specific instances are not always understood, and that’s why it’s best to consult with a Baltimore Uber/Lyft accident lawyer right away.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Accident Claims
According to Uber and Lyft, their drivers are not employees. Instead, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors. Although there is a lot of controversy around this, and many believe it will eventually change, Uber and Lyft continue to treat drivers as independent contractors. The independent contractor distinction is essential to understand because employees have different legal rights than independent contractors. For instance, employees have the right to unemployment benefits. More importantly, a company is likely to be held legally responsible for its employees’ negligence, but not for its independent contractors.
In any case, you should remember that as the passenger of an Uber/Lyft, if the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, then Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage will likely apply. When you discuss the details of your rideshare accident with a Baltimore Uber/Lyft accident lawyer, your attorney can properly advise you on the best steps to take to receive compensation for your injuries.
What to do if You Were the Driver of Another Vehicle in an Accident Caused by an Uber/Lyft in Baltimore
In Baltimore and throughout the State of Maryland, there are many active Uber/Lyft drivers at any given time. Rideshare drivers commonly work long hours, operate in unfamiliar areas, and look at their phones while driving. For these reasons and others, Uber/Lyft drivers often cause accidents resulting in significant injuries to other drivers on the roadway.
Suppose you were the driver of another vehicle and sustained injuries in an accident caused by an Uber/Lyft driver. In that case, certain factors will determine which insurance company and what type of coverage will apply to your claim. Your Baltimore Uber/Lyft accident attorney will be able to guide you on which coverage best applies to your specific situation. In general, these are the three types of circumstances:
- The Uber/Lyft driver has the app turned on and is waiting for a passenger.
- The Uber/Lyft driver is already carrying a passenger or is on their way to pick up an accepted passenger.
- The Uber/Lyft driver does not have a passenger and does not have the app turned on.
Under the first circumstance, if the Uber/Lyft driver has the app turned on and is waiting for a passenger at the time of the accident, the rideshare company’s liability insurance will typically apply. The limits, in this case, will likely be $50,000/$100,000.
Under the second circumstance, if the Uber/Lyft driver had a passenger or was en route to an accepted passenger, the Uber/Lyft commercial policy would apply. In this case, the liability coverage limit will likely be $1 million.
As for the third circumstance, if the Uber/Lyft driver has the app turned off, then any accident they cause falls under their personal insurance policy. This distinction is important because the respective insurance companies for Uber/Lyft and the at-fault driver are almost always different. Knowing which insurance company to file a bodily injury claim with is a critical step toward receiving recovery. Our experienced Baltimore Uber/Lyft accident attorneys have handled numerous cases dealing with all three scenarios. After an Uber/Lyft accident, our lawyers can efficiently guide you through the insurance process.
Contact Our Baltimore Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers Today
Being aware of important factors like applicable policy limits and correct liability insurance carriers are essential to receiving timely compensation after an Uber/Lyft accident. The Law Office of Hyatt & Goldbloom has first-hand experience dealing with each of these complicated scenarios. Our knowledge in handling Uber/Lyft accident claims allows us to obtain significant recoveries for our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber/Lyft accident, the Baltimore Uber/Lyft accident lawyers at Hyatt & Goldbloom can help you receive full compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. Take the most important step toward obtaining the settlement you deserve. Call Hyatt & Goldbloom today for a free consultation.