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Hagerstown, Maryland Uber & Lyft Accidents Lawyer

Attorney for Rideshare Accident Injuries in Hagerstown

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have become very popular, and they offer convenient options for transportation for many people. While these services offer flexibility and convenience, Uber and Lyft drivers may be involved in motor vehicle accidents. These accidents may involve several layers of liability, from the driver to the rideshare company itself, and insurance coverage can vary depending on the circumstances.

At Serafini Law, our Hagerstown rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the challenges you may face after an accident with a Lyft or Uber driver, and we will work to hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, the driver or passenger of another vehicle, or a pedestrian, our attorney will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover from the injuries you have suffered.

Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can happen for many reasons. However, the nature of rideshare services, with drivers relying on apps and managing multiple passengers, can add unique challenges to these cases. Some reasons rideshare accidents may occur include:

  • Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers frequently rely on apps for navigation and communication with passengers, which can be distracting. Any activities that take a driver's attention away from the road can lead to a serious accident.
  • Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work for long periods of time, and they may juggling driving with other jobs. This may lead them to become fatigued, which can impair a driver's reaction times and decision-making, increasing the risk of an accident.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Uber and Lyft drivers may feel pressure to complete as many rides as possible to maximize their earnings. This can lead to speeding, unsafe lane changes, running red lights, or other unsafe behaviors that can put passengers and others on the road at risk.
  • Inexperience: Uber and Lyft generally do not require drivers to have specialized training beyond holding a valid driver's license. As a result, some drivers may lack the experience that can help ensure that they can safely handle certain road conditions or navigate through unfamiliar areas.
  • Poor Vehicle Maintenance: The responsibility for maintaining a car will fall on a rideshare driver. Neglected maintenance can lead to mechanical failures that may contribute to accidents.

Understanding the cause of the accident is a crucial first step in determining liability. A thorough investigation can uncover whether a driver or rideshare company bears responsibility for the crash or whether other parties may share liability. Our attorney can gather the necessary evidence, including driver logs, app data, and witness statements, to build a strong case.

Determining Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents

One of the most complex issues in Uber and Lyft accident cases is determining who may be held liable for the damages. Unlike many other car accidents, where liability may be limited to the drivers involved, rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties, including the rideshare company, the driver, and their insurance providers. Liability can depend on several factors, including whether the rideshare driver was actively transporting a passenger or was waiting for a ride request when the accident occurred.

A rideshare driver may be held liable if negligence such as distracted driving or other traffic violations caused an accident. The driver's private auto insurance policy may provide coverage if they were not logged into a rideshare app at the time of the accident. If an accident occurred while a driver was on duty, different insurance policies come into play.

Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage that may vary depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident. In cases where a driver was on duty but had not yet accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. However, once a driver is on their way to pick up the passenger, up to $1 million of liability coverage may apply. This coverage will also apply when accidents occur while drivers are transporting passengers.

If another driver caused an accident, claims may be filed through that driver's insurance policy. However, if the at-fault driver's insurance coverage is insufficient, Uber and Lyft's insurance may provide additional coverage, or a person may be able to receive uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage through their own policy.

Determining which insurance policy applies and how to maximize your compensation can be a complicated matter. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can carefully evaluate your case to ensure that all available insurance policies are identified. We will negotiate with insurance companies to make sure you will be able to receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Due to the sudden and often violent nature of car accidents, passengers and others involved in rideshare crashes can suffer a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries seen in Uber and Lyft accidents include:

Even if your injuries seem minor at first, they can worsen over time, and extensive medical treatment may be required. Our lawyer can help ensure that your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages will be fully addressed for when negotiating with insurance companies.

Contact Our Hagerstown, MD Lyft and Uber Accident Attorney

After being injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. These cases can be complex, but with the right legal support, you can take steps to secure the compensation you need to recover. Contact Serafini Law by calling 240-744-1600 to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice.

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