The last few years have seen a rise in popularity of the rideshare company, Uber. All you have to do is open your app, schedule your ride, and wait for it to arrive. Many people choose to Uber rather than drive their own cars. With this convenience comes risk. When you get in the car with an Uber driver, you are placing your safety in their hands. It doesn’t always end well. There were 22 fatalities resulting from an uber accident in 2018.
If you or a loved one has been injured while riding as an Uber passenger, you may be entitled to compensation. The seasoned Uber accident attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, LLP, can help determine who is responsible for your accident. Call today for a free consultation to see if we can help you.
Why hire an Uber accident attorney?
You do not have to hire a lawyer to represent you in your case against Uber, but claims against rideshare companies present unusual complications in determining liability. Our rideshare attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis understand these complexities. In addition, hiring a lawyer can provide you with the following benefits:
- An understanding of the personal injury claims process
- The resources to thoroughly investigate your claim
- The skills necessary to negotiate with multiple parties
- The ability to represent you at trial if negotiations are not successful
There is a lot that goes into a successful personal injury claim. Hiring the right attorney is a great step to help ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
What makes an Uber accident case complicated?
Unlike taxi drivers, Uber drivers are not considered employees of the rideshare company. When you are in a crash with a taxi driver, the taxi company can be held responsible automatically because the driver is an employee. Holding Uber responsible for an accident is harder because their drivers are contractors, not employees.
If you’re considering a claim against Uber, you should know they can only be held liable if their drivers were interacting with their app at the time of the accident. If you were involved in a crash with an Uber driver, you can attempt to file an insurance claim against the rideshare company if the driver:
- Was on their way to pick up a customer
- Was transporting a passenger during an Uber trip
- Was using the app and waiting for a ride request
The complications of filing a claim against Uber are many. It’s important to talk to an experienced Uber accident lawyer for help assessing your case.
Who pays in an Uber accident?
There can be multiple layers of responsibility in an Uber accident. Determining liability for your injuries will likely require a thorough investigation of your accident. Negotiating with several insurance companies at once may be necessary to ensure your maximum compensation.
You can seek compensation from one or more of the following:
- Uber’s insurance policy if the driver was using the app
- The Uber driver’s personal insurance policy
- An at-fault driver, if the Uber driver was not responsible for the accident
- Your insurance, depending on the terms of your policy
Insurance companies are for-profit companies. This means they would rather not pay on a claim. Utilizing a skilled Uber accident attorney who has experience in these sorts of negotiations can put you in a stronger position to recover compensation.
Types of Compensation After an Accident
If you sustained injuries in an Uber accident, you could recover compensation from various insurance companies. This compensation is intended to provide the financial relief you and your family need to move forward with your life. You may be entitled to compensation to cover:
- Current and future accident-related medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost income earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
One of our experienced Uber accident attorneys from Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis will work to identify all responsible parties involved in your crash. We can also estimate the value of your case based on your needs and the facts about your accident.
The Statute of Limitations for Uber Accidents
The state of Maryland has a three-year statute of limitations in which an injured person can initiate a lawsuit. The period begins on the date of the accident. If you do not start your lawsuit within the time allotted, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for your loss. Maryland allows three years from the date of death to file this type of suit.
Get Help for Your Uber Accident Claim in Suburban Maryland
The Suburban Maryland Uber accident lawyers at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis can provide strong legal representation when you need it most. Put our more than 40 years of experience to work for you. Let us handle your lawsuit, so you can focus on getting better. Contact us today.