MARYLAND UBER ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Uber, as a service, has revolutionized getting around an area. Whereas once we had to hail a cab, if one was available, now we can tap a few buttons, and have a ride within minutes. For the most part, these rides are smooth, safe, and convenient.
Unfortunately, with the sheer volume of drivers on the road, there are accidents. As with taxicab companies, these can range from minor fender benders to serious motor vehicle accidents that can seriously harm every one from passengers to pedestrians to other motorists. Lawyers experienced in Maryland car accident cases can assist in investigating and evaluating your claim for injuries and other damages, as the result of a Maryland Uber accident.
How Uber Works
Uber, like Lyft, is an app-based program where smart-phone users summon an available driver. Drivers have the right to accept rides at any time. Some drivers only cover a ride or two a day, while some have made Uber a full-time job. However, there is no specific training to be an Uber driver.
Is There Regulation For Uber in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland Uber drivers are regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission. The MPSC is supposed to keep a database of all authorized drivers. This is very useful, as we have encountered accidents where Uber drivers have been involved in hit-and-runs, and we can request searches of this database to confirm whether or not someone is a bona-fide Uber driver.
Additionally, Maryland has set out specific insurance requirements for Uber, to operate within the state. Maryland is one of many states where Uber does business under an alias, called Raiser, LLC. This does not change how a car accident claim involving an Uber driver is handled, but it is important to know. Many companies, especially national ones, set up shell-corporations and other entities to try to limit their total liability, in the event of an incident.
Do Uber Drivers Have Insurance in Maryland For A Crash?
Yes. Maryland law requires Uber drivers to be covered by insurance. However, they are covered by different insurance companies at different times. Uber drivers work in stages, and they are:
Stage 1 - signed on to the Uber App, and waiting for a Maryland Passenger (no ride yet accepted)
Stage 2 - en-route to pick up a passenger
Stage 3 - an Uber passenger is in the vehicle
During Stage 1, the Uber driver is just a regular driver at this moment. Her personal car insurance applies, if she gets into the accident.
During Stage 2, the Uber driver is covered by Uber's liability insurance, which has a policy limit of $50,000.
During Stage 3, the Uber driver is covered by Uber's insurance, which during passenger transport, increases to $1,000,000.
The insurance issues surrounding Uber, as well as Lyft, can be very difficult to appreciate. Call a Maryland Uber Accident Attorney right away.
What Can I Claim?
If you have been involved in a Maryland car crash that was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for any injuries that you sustained.
Uber drivers have a responsibility to drive with due car, and to follow all of the rules of the road. If a rideshare driver has violated those rules, caused a collision, and caused injury to you, then you are entitled to make a claim for those injuries. A sum total of what a person may claim is referred to as a person’s “damages.” Damages include everything from medical expenses, inconvenience, permanent injuries, broken bones, property damage, lost wages, and of course, the expansive term “pain and suffering.” There is no law book that determines what pain and suffering is worth in Maryland – it is what a Judge or jury says it is. An experienced, aggressive car accident attorney who knows the Maryland Court System is vital to proving your case, and fully proving your damages.
Speak to a Maryland Uber Accident Attorney Today
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles are on the road, every day and every night, normally driven by competent, intelligent drivers trying to earn a little extra money, or a lot of extra money! But sometimes, one violates the rules of the road, and causes an crash that injures an innocent person. If an Uber driver's negligence has injured you in a car accident that is not your fault, email us, or call Blaszkow Legal today – 703-879-5910
Though our office is in Alexandria, our attorneys represent people all over Maryland, Northern Virginia, and DC!