Liability in Uber and other rideshare accidents is often complicated, so the help of the experienced Baltimore Uber accident lawyer can be in your best interest. As the claim process can be complex and confusing, hiring an attorney can reduce the chance of the insurance companies taking advantage of you by trying to persuade you to accept a much lower settlement than you deserve.
If you suffered damages after a rideshare accident, you are entitled to certain protections under the law. Dubo Law will help you recover damages for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our Uber car accident attorneys in Baltimore are here to determine the steps you may take next and help the negligent party take responsibility for their behavior. We understand the resentment that comes with the need to face the power of the large rideshare corporation. Still, we are not afraid to take the case to court if the settlement negotiations fail. Do not hesitate to seek help and protect your legal rights during these challenging and vulnerable times.
What to Do After an Uber Accident in Maryland?
Suppose you ever find yourself in an Uber accident in the streets of Baltimore, MD. In that case, it is recommended that you follow the same guidelines that you would if you were in your own car and had an accident.
- Call 911. Medical professionals and police will come to the scene to document what happened in the form of a police report. The emergency room team will identify and treat your injuries resulting from an accident. It is also very important that you do not deny medical treatment at the scene.
- Talk to a trustworthy Baltimore rideshare accident lawyer who will help you receive the financial assistance you require to recover from damages. You can reach Dubo law office at (443) 275-6345.
- Take photographs and videos of the accident. Ensure you include all the vehicles, road conditions, license plates, road skid marks, and injuries.
- Get the names and contact information of any bystanders and witnesses of the accident.
- Collect names and insurance information from the Uber driver and any other parties involved in the accident.
- Keep a screenshot of your Uber reservation and receipt in the app.
- Do not speak to any insurance representative; let your lawyer communicate with them.
What Uber Accident Lawyer in Baltimore Can Do For You?
The aftermath of the Uber car accident in Baltimore can be very confusing. You might be seriously injured and do not know what to do next. With an experienced lawyer, you can get all the help you need to navigate the complicated legal process that follows the accident. Dubo Law car accident attorneys handled many Uber cases in the past, and we can help by:
Protecting You From the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to take advantage of the victims, especially those lacking the legal help of a reputable lawyer. They might try to prolong the claim as long as possible in order to make the injured accept a much lower settlement than they are eligible for. With the help of a diligent lawyer, your chances of getting the maximum of recovery you deserve are significantly higher.
Determining Liability
The process of determining liability in an Uber car accident is no different from determining liability in any other car accident. It might be the Uber driver’s fault or the fault of the other vehicle driver – the person whose actions led to the accident is considered at fault. Passengers would not be held liable unless they somehow contributed to the accident. A lawyer can help you by compiling all the relevant evidence to prove that:
- The other party acted negligently or recklessly
- Their behavior caused your injuries
- Your injuries are as severe as your claim
Evaluate Your Case Worth
If you are injured in an Uber accident in Maryland, and it was not your fault, Dubo Law can help you recover for economic and non-economic damages that may include medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. However, distinguishing which insurance company will cover these losses can be slightly more complicated. But, we do not afraid to show what fearless advocacy looks like.
Find Baltimore Uber Accident Lawyer Near You
Dubo Law injury attorneys have great experience defending Uber crash victims.
Understanding Uber Services
Uber, Lyft, and others mimic traditional taxi transportation services. What is different from taxi companies is that Uber does not own its vehicles or manage the fleet, but it receives a commission from each booking. Uber defines itself as a ‘technology platform.’ It uses a smartphone app to connect drivers-partners and riders who have downloaded the app in real-time.
These services are inaccurately and commonly described as ‘ridesharing’ services. The term typically refers to people sharing rides, so this is not a model used by Uber. Still, the companies have referred to themselves as ridesharing operations. Anyway, their operations mimic traditional taxi services.
The success of Uber is related to the fact that it provides a more affordable alternative to hiring a taxi. People who use its services already have their credit card details stored on their apps, so the possibility of users not having enough funds is reduced to the minimum. The drivers are paid via the app, and riders can accurately follow their ride on a virtual map.
Uber has suffered widespread criticism over its methods, culture, and treatment of its drivers. Drivers are not considered a company’s employees; instead, they are legally considered independent contractors.
Rights of Uber Passengers
Ridesharing has become a convenient and cost-effective way of transportation. However, a few hazards are inevitable as the platform is relatively new. Knowing your rights before you book your next ride is a good idea.
So, a passenger has a right to:
A safe ride and driver
Your Uber driver must obey all the traffic signs during the ride and be focused on the road. Uber riders must be at least 21 and have been driving for at least 3 years with a clean driving record. In addition, Uber drivers will have gone through a thorough background check for any criminal offenses, so you will not end up with someone dangerous.
A safe vehicle
Riders have a right to a clean and safe vehicle. Under Uber’s requirements, vehicles must be ten years old or newer. If you notice an unsafe-looking vehicle, do not get into it. Also, double-check the vehicle’s license plate and other information provided by the app – if a car does not look like the one shown in the app, it may be an imposter.
A driver must have insurance
Uber drivers must have coverage in case of an accident, so they must meet state requirements for auto insurance. Moreover, Uber offers a secondary policy to ensure they are completely covered.
A personal space
Drivers are discouraged from commenting on relationship status, appearance, and the like. Flirting and touching the passengers are also banned. However, Uber encourages small talk and chatting between riders and passengers.
Report unsafe drivers
You have the right to report the Uber driver that made you feel uncomfortable or dangerous in any way. Their customer support team with inspect the case.
Have a seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in all Uber cars during driving for all passengers. Also, there should be a car seat for every infant or small child that is traveling. If you see that there are not enough seatbelts or car seats for a safe ride, you can cancel the ride – it is not worth risking your life.
Insurance Coverage in Uber Accidents
Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies in most cases. However, this can actually reduce the likelihood that insurers will agree to cover the claim. The drivers are required to carry a personal insurance policy, but many of them prohibit driving for money. Uber and Lyft then offer liability policy that will back up those individual policies. Still, the coverage under this plan can change depending on the status of the driver’s app at the time of the crash.
Uber App is Switched Off
In cases when the Uber app is switched off, the rider retains sole responsibility for the damages incurred. The victim (s) may use the driver’s personal insurance coverage to file for compensation. All motorists must carry an insurance policy with the following minimum limits:
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person
- $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $15,000 of property damage coverage per accident
If the damages surpass the limits of the personal insurance policy, victims can think about additional legal actions against the Uber/Lyft driver.
Uber App is Switched On, No Passenger On-Board
Rideshare drivers are no longer personally liable for the damages in case of an accident as soon as they switch on the app and begin looking for a fare. They are covered by Uber’s limited liability coverage, which includes the following minimums:
- $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage coverage per accident
In this case, the driver’s personal policy will be primarily responsible for the damages. Only in cases when the damages exceed the driver’s policy, the Uber’s policy kicks in as secondary coverage.
Uber App is Switched On, A Passenger is On-Board
When an Uber rider enters the vehicle, the rideshare company’s insurance policy includes:
- $1,000,000 of general liability coverage
- $1,000,000 of uninsured (UIM) coverage
The Uber coverage limits are significantly higher than those offered by the most traditional taxis in the Baltimore area. Note that the UIM option applies only in cases when the driver responsible for your injuries is unknown, lacks car insurance, or does not have enough car insurance coverage to pay for your damages.
The picture is straightforward when the driver crashes during the ride, but the ‘insurance gap’ may be encountered when the driver has the app on but waits for a pickup. Uber has recently started offering the option of the abovementioned limited liability coverage, but if an accident occurs during this time, neither Uber nor the driver’s own insurance company may cover the full extent of the injuries. This leaves the victims and driver facing a coverage gap. Consulting the best Baltimore Uber accident attorney will allow you to understand your legal options and help you get the insurance settlement you are entitled to.
Read What Clients Say About Dubo Law Car Accident Attorneys
“From my very first conversation with Neil who answered the phone, I felt confident in his abilities. He was actually my third call after being rear-ended by an uninsured driver. Neil was kind and relatable. The case took longer than initially expected due to the driver providing false insurance information, but Neil and his team were easy to work with. In this new world with covid and everything moves at a slow pace. They provided me with feedback and provided reasonable deadlines for all parties. I would highly recommend Neil and his team.”
“I had a great experience with the Dubo Law firm, they will go out of their way to make sure you get what is owed to you. The team I had the pleasure of working with was very professional! I am truly satisfied with my result.”
“I cannot say enough about Neil and the exceptional job he does for his clients. Without hesitation, I have referred clients with great comfort knowing how well they will be cared for.”
Baltimore Uber Accident Case Evaluation at Dubo Law
When it comes to rideshare accidents, liability and insurance matters are far from simple and straightforward. Many legal questions do not have an answer, so having our legal team by your side can be highly beneficial. We offer free and confidential case analysis to determine the range of possible options for recovering the damages, depending on your situation. Regarding the fact that Uber’s liability is in most cases unclear, especially when establishing if the company could be found accountable for the actions of its drivers. Call Dubo Law at (443) 275-6345 to find out your options and obtain a speedy recovery.
Contact Us for Your Free Case Review!
Address
9515 Deereco Rd, Suite 704
Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
Phone
443-275-6345
Texting number
(443) 870-4329
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
COVID-19 Update
Your health and safety are important to us. Please be advised that we are open for business during COVID-19 quarantines. All consultations will be conducted either via video chat, phone, or email.
Sign up for our newsletter
