Hiring an Uber is a convenient way to get around Silver Spring, but Uber drivers are just as prone to crashes as any Maryland motorist. You could be entitled to compensation if you sustained injuries in an Uber accident, but understanding when and how to file a rideshare injury claim can be confusing. A Silver Spring Uber accident lawyer can clarify your next steps and help you pursue financial compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
If you sustained injuries in a Maryland rideshare crash, contact Marks & Harrison immediately. For over 100 years, our Silver Spring personal injury attorneys have recovered millions in compensation for accident victims. With 30 skilled lawyers and over 100 support staff to perform the legal legwork for your case, you can count on our firm to seek maximum compensation with minimal disruptions to your life. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Silver Spring Uber accident lawyer.
What Is Uber?
Uber is a popular rideshare platform that connects passengers with drivers through a mobile app. Passengers use the Uber app to request rides, track their driver’s location, and pay digitally. As one of the largest rideshare companies, Uber has transformed the transportation industry by offering flexible, on-demand travel options. However, the popularity of rideshares as alternatives to taxis and public transportation presents unique legal challenges when accidents occur, especially regarding liability and insurance coverage.
What Are Some Causes of Silver Spring Uber Accidents?
Some common causes of rideshare accidents in Silver Spring include:
- Distracted driving – Uber drivers may focus on navigation apps or incoming ride requests instead of the road.
- Fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel can increase sleepiness, slowing an Uber driver’s reaction time and impairing their judgment. In this fatigued state, rideshare drivers are much more likely to cause a crash.
- Speeding – Uber drivers who speed to pick up or drop off passengers quickly increase the risk of losing control or plowing into other cars.
- Failure to obey traffic laws – Negligent actions like ignoring stop signs, running red lights, or making illegal turns can cause dangerous Uber accidents.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in severe accidents and serious injuries.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – If Uber drivers neglect to get routine maintenance on their vehicles, they could be legally responsible for car accidents caused by brake failure or tire blowouts.
- Other drivers – Uber drivers are not always to blame. Accidents can also happen when another Silver Springs driver behaves recklessly, such as by tailgating or weaving through lanes of traffic.
- Hazardous road conditions – Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or debris can cause Uber drivers to lose control. Local authorities or construction companies could be liable for a crash in these car accident cases.
What Are Common Injuries in an Uber Accident in Silver Spring?
Like all car accidents, Uber accidents frequently result in severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, ruptured discs, and other back injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Vital organ damage
- PTSD and other mental health conditions
Does Uber Provide Their Drivers with Insurance Coverage?
Uber provides its drivers with insurance, but this coverage only applies in specific circumstances. Furthermore, Uber’s insurance only covers accidents that their drivers cause.
When an Uber driver is offline, the driver’s personal auto insurance applies to any crash they cause. Once the driver logs into the Uber app and is available to accept ride requests, Uber maintains liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person for injuries ($100,000 per accident) and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
After a driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up or transport a passenger, Uber’s insurance provides increased coverage. This includes at least $1 million for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident where the Uber driver is at fault.
While Uber’s insurance coverage for its drivers is extensive, the company often disputes claims or tries to shift blame to avoid paying claims. That’s why it’s vital to hire a Silver Spring Uber accident lawyer who can help you recover fair compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Silver Spring Uber Accident?
Establishing liability for a Silver Spring Uber accident depends on the unique facts of every case. An Uber driver could be liable if their negligent actions caused the collision. On the other hand, another driver might be liable if they collided with the Uber driver. In these cases, compensation could come through their personal auto insurance policies.
Other parties, such as state governments, local municipalities, and vehicle manufacturers, might be legally responsible for the wreck. Your lawyer can investigate the crash to identify every at-fault party and hold them accountable. The process may involve filing multiple car accident claims with the relevant insurance companies.
Can Uber Be Held Liable for Its Driver’s Negligence?
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which shields the company from the actions of its drivers and makes it difficult to hold Uber itself liable for a collision. The only way to hold Uber liable for a crash is if you can show the company’s actions somehow contributed to an accident.
For example, if an issue with the company’s app caused the crash or the company’s policies encouraged drivers to engage in risky behaviors, Uber might be directly liable for a collision. An Uber accident attorney can investigate your situation to see if the company might be liable for your injuries.
How Do You Recover Compensation for an Uber Accident?
Recovering compensation for an Uber accident may involve filing an insurance claim against Uber under their insurance policy, filing a claim against the Uber driver, or identifying other liable parties who could be at fault for your injuries. An experienced Uber accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your losses from the crash, including compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An experienced attorney can gather and organize compelling evidence from the accident scene to support your case for maximum compensation.
Do I Have a Time Limit for Filing an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland law typically gives accident victims three years from the date of an Uber accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Talk to an experienced rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation.
Contact a Silver Spring Uber Accident Lawyer
Getting compensation after a rideshare car accident can quickly become complicated. Let the Silver Spring Uber accident attorneys from Marks & Harrison evaluate your options and demand the compensation you deserve. Call or reach out online now for a free case evaluation.
