Rideshare Accident Attorney in Suitland, MD

Injured While Using Uber, Lyft, or Another Service? We Can Help!

Have you been injured in a car accident while using a rideshare service? Contact the Law Office of Ben Evan to protect your rights. Unlike in a normal car accident, getting injured while using a ridesharing service can be complex.

You must deal not only with the driver’s insurance, but the corporation’s as well. This is why, if you have been injured in such an accident, you need competent legal advice.

With over 15 years of experience in defending the rights of clients, the Law Office of Ben Evan is right for you. Call today for a free same-day consultation in person or by phone. English or Spanish services are available.

Our rideshare accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us online or give us a call today to get the help you need: (301) 969-9775.

What Is Considered a Ridesharing Accident?

A ridesharing accident is an accident that occurs with a ridesharing employee, either while you are using their services or they are on the job. Examples of ridesharing services include Lyft and Uber.

Using a rideshare service can be really convenient, because all you typically need to access the service is a phone and the provider’s app. However, recovering from such a situation can be uniquely difficult because of the legal status of the driver. This is why you need an attorney to help you through the ramifications of such an accident.

How Do Ridesharing Companies Work?

Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have made transportation around the world much easier. With the push of a button, you can summon a ride from almost anywhere to reach your destination.

In order to effectively run this business model, Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies rely on private drivers who use their own vehicles and work as independent contractors under the corporation.

The training of these drivers is minimal; drivers are responsible for safe driving and the upkeep of their vehicles. This has resulted in many public policy experts calling for further regulations on rideshare companies.

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

After a rideshare accident, you may be able to collect damages from the following parties:

• The rideshare driver
• The rideshare company
• A third-party driver (if involved)

If you were a passenger in a rideshare accident, both the driver and the rideshare company may be held liable. You need to act fast and file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance as soon as possible in order to receive compensation for your injuries.

You may be able to collect damages for physical injuries that incur expenses such as:

• Medical bills
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages
• And sometimes pain and suffering

Rideshare situations are unique and very complex from a legal standpoint. While the company insurance for Uber or Lyft does provide coverage while the car is on duty, the drivers are not company employees and are considered independent contractors.

This means that the insurance coverage from the rideshare company they work for can have limitations. For example, if the driver was driving recklessly and caused an accident intentionally or if they were driving under the influence, the rideshare company may deny the claim. In that case, you would need to file your claim against the driver themselves.

If you are unsure how to proceed with your rideshare accident claim, contact the Law Office of Ben Evan as soon as possible to get started on your case.

Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident?

It is best to contact a lawyer after a rideshare accident. The fact that Lyft and Uber drivers work as independent contractors makes recovery a less simple matter than if the driver were simply an employee of the corporation.

While companies usually have a duty to recompense individuals for wrongs done by their employees, they may only need to compensate people for wrongdoing by contractors if the actions of the contractor were within their scope of employment. This can make for challenging legal analysis, depending on the fact of the case.

Further, because at least three separate legal parties are involved in every ridesharing accident and each has their own insurance, insurance matters can quickly become complicated.

Whether Lyft or Uber’s insurance will cover a crash is also dependent on whether a driver is actually conducting a ride at the time of the accident or is between rides. If they are between rides, you may have to rely more on their personal auto insurance in order to receive compensation.

Call the Law Office of Ben Evan Today to Talk About Your Claim

The Suitland rideshare accident lawyer of the Law Office of Ben Evan has the experience and determination needed to get you the compensation you deserve — don’t face rideshare corporations alone.

Call (301) 969-9775 today to schedule a free consultation with our rideshare accident attorneys.