A Maryland Uber Accident Lawyer Will Fight For Compensation
Rideshare services such as Uber have become one of the most common ways to get from point A to point B. People use Uber to get to and from work, the airport, or get around town for social events. While Uber can be incredibly convenient, the reality is that your risk of getting into a car accident is the same as if you had driven yourself. If you are injured in an Uber accident, you should know that these cases involve unique issues that complicate them. We recommend that you contact a Maryland Uber accident lawyer to discuss how these issues could impact your claim.
Complex Uber Insurance Questions in Maryland
The main challenge with Uber accidents is determining whose insurance will provide coverage. All drivers under Maryland law are required to carry insurance. In the event of a car accident involving two private passenger vehicles, the question would become which driver’s insurance will cover any losses. If the accident involved a commercial vehicle, then the driver’s employer would likely provide coverage if the commercial vehicle driver is at fault.
Uber accidents are complicated because Uber drivers are not employees of Uber. Instead, they are considered independent contractors who use their vehicles to provide passenger rides. As a result, drivers are required to have their own personal insurance. The issue is that most personal insurance policies do not provide coverage if the driver uses their vehicle for commercial purposes.
Originally, Uber provided no insurance coverage at all. When accidents occurred, the driver’s insurance would deny coverage since they were using their vehicle to transport passengers for profit. As a result, accident victims would find themselves pursuing a claim against an Uber driver with little resources to cover their losses.
Fortunately, Uber now provides insurance coverage due to negative publicity and pressure from state legislatures across the country. While there is now coverage, how this coverage applies in the event of an accident can be complicated. If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you should contact a Maryland Uber accident lawyer to discuss how this could impact your claim.
A Maryland Uber Accident Lawyer Explains How Coverage Applies in an Uber Accident
While coverage should be available, navigating the coverage issues isn’t easy. The general rule is that Uber should provide coverage as long as the driver works. More specifically:
- If the driver was transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger, Uber will provide up to $1,000,000 in coverage for both bodily injury and property damage.
- If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a passenger, Uber will provide coverage for bodily injuries up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. They will provide coverage for property damage up to $25,000.
If the driver is not logged into the app, Uber does not provide any coverage. In that situation, the driver’s personal insurance policy should provide coverage.
While this seems straightforward, dealing with Uber’s insurance company can be difficult. As with any insurance company, they may be inclined to deny your claim or pay as little as possible. You may need to hire a Maryland Uber accident lawyer to get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Maryland
Uber drivers are incentivized to work when demands for rides are at their peak. As a result, they often drive in heavy traffic or other conditions that increase their risk of getting into an accident. Several other contributing factors can lead to Uber accidents:
- Fatigue and drowsy driving. Most drivers do Uber as a “side hustle” to earn extra money. As a result, they often drive late at night after working at their primary job. This means they are more likely to drive while tired and are less alert with slower reaction times.
- Neglected vehicle maintenance. Regularly driving in heavy traffic with a lot of stopping and starting can cause premature wear and tear on a vehicle. And because Uber does not pay very well, drivers may lack the funds and time to properly maintain their vehicles. This can result in a mechanical failure that causes an accident.
- Passenger behavior. Many people use rideshare services to avoid drinking and driving. Drunk or unruly passengers can distract the driver and cause an accident.
- Distracted driving. Many Uber drivers have very little free time. As a result, they may be managing their lives while on the road, texting with family or friends, or reading emails as they come in. They can also become distracted by talking with their passengers, putting on music, or in any other way that all drivers can become distracted.
- Unsafe driving. Because Uber drivers are paid for each trip they make, they are arguably incentivized to complete each trip as quickly as possible. Many Uber accidents are caused by unsafe driving, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, or other hazardous driving behaviors.
However, Uber accidents can happen for any number of reasons. It is critical to identify the cause of the accident so that you can determine who is at fault. If the Uber driver was negligent in some way, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or losses you have suffered. A Maryland Uber accident lawyer can review your case and explain your options.
A Maryland Uber Accident Lawyer Helping Injured Uber Passengers
If you were injured in an Uber accident as a passenger, you have two options for pursuing compensation if you need to:
- The other driver was at fault: if the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence, then you may be able to pursue a claim against the other driver under their insurance policy.
- The Uber driver was at fault: in this situation, you should be able to make a claim under Uber’s $1,000,000 policy.
While this seems simple enough, injured passengers often feel like they have no control over the situation. The Uber driver and the other driver may disagree over who should be held responsible for the accident, meaning that the question of liability must be resolved before the passenger’s claim will be paid. The situation could become even more complicated if both drivers were at fault for causing the accident. If you have been injured in an Uber accident, a Maryland Uber accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Uber Accidents When You Are The Other Driver
Drivers injured in car accidents with Uber drivers also face unique challenges. As discussed above, you need to know whether or not the Uber driver was logged into their Uber app in order to determine whether the service will provide coverage. If the driver was logged in, whether or not they had accepted a fare will also make a difference:
- If the driver had accepted a fare, there would have been $1,000,000 in coverage for bodily injuries and property damage. This means they were either en route to pick up their passenger or already had the passenger in the vehicle.
- If the driver logged in and awaited a fare, there is only $50,000 in coverage for bodily injuries per person and $100,000 per accident. The aggregate coverage applies if more than one person was injured. For example, let’s say that you and two of your passengers were severely injured when you were struck by a negligent Uber driver. All three injured persons would be covered under the $100,000 policy limit rather than $50,000 per person. In addition, there is only $25,000 in coverage for property damage, which can be problematic if you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident.
Untangling all of this and determining how it will apply to your case is not easy, especially if you are suffering from serious injuries. An Uber accident lawyer can pursue the claim on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.
Injured in an Uber Accident? Contact a Maryland Uber Accident Lawyer Today
For over twenty years, Timothy A. Dachille & Associates has been helping accident victims throughout the Baltimore region recover the financial compensation they deserve. On top of all of the complexities unique to Uber accidents, you will also need to face the challenges common to all car accident cases—determining fault, proving negligence, and documenting your injuries and losses. This can quickly become overwhelming when you are worried about your health and your ability to take care of your family. To get the compensation you need to rebuild your life, you need an experienced Maryland Uber accident lawyer on your side. Timothy A. Dachille & Associates has been helping car accident victims throughout the Baltimore region for over 30 years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.