Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have grown popular in recent years. The increasing number of Uber and Lyft drivers on the road means that the occasional accident is likely to happen. Yet, there is very little accident data available about Uber or Lyft wrecks because rideshare companies are still relatively new, or they do not want to make that information available to the public. According to a report released by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), Uber drivers were involved in more fatal car accidents than cab drivers in 2015. While Uber officials claimed that some of these accidents involved Lyft drivers, the fatalities occurred in either an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Ultimately, the statistics show that taking an Uber or Lyft is slightly riskier than a taxicab, however, the difference is not statistically significant.

If you are involved in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, the following steps will help protect your legal rights and ensure that you are compensated fairly for any injuries you may have sustained:

• Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, regardless of how minor they may seem.
• Contact law enforcement as soon as possible to report the accident.
• If possible, take photographs of the scene of the accident, including the vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, traffic lights, and any other details that are pertinent to the accident. Write down exactly what happened while it is still fresh in your mind.
• Contact the rideshare company and report the accident. Obtain confirmation from the company that they received a copy of the accident report.
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer who will protect your rights and recommend the best legal course of action.

It is also important to know that Uber and Lyft cars are not considered commercial vehicles. Therefore, if you are involved in an accident in one of these rideshare vehicles, and the officer at the scene does not specifically indicate that the vehicle involved was an Uber or Lyft car, there is nothing in the accident report that allows the officer to include that information. Fortunately, rideshare companies carry an insurance policy that offers $1 million in coverage per incident, which starts the moment the driver accepts the trip until the passenger is dropped off. However, the two companies will not share information about whether their coverage helps passengers who are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeVIness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims Injured in Rideshare Accidents

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving an Uber, Lyft or other ride-sharing vehicle, contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will investigate the details of the accident and ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.