If you suffered injuries in a Bethesda Uber accident, Maryland law allows you to pursue financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. However, recovering compensation for a rideshare accident can raise complex questions regarding liability. Even worse, the insurance company might not be willing to pay you fairly, causing undue stress for you in an already difficult time.
You don’t have to go up against Uber or any insurer alone. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer from Marks & Harrison can help. We understand the unique challenges involved in Uber accident cases and have recovered millions for injured people in Maryland, Virginia, and the DC area.
Since 1911, our team of talented personal injury lawyers have advocated fiercely for the wrongfully injured. Put us to work for you. Call or contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation with a Bethesda Uber accident lawyer.
What Is Uber?
Uber is a multinational company most famous for its rideshare service, which has more than 150 million active riders worldwide and more than six million individual drivers in its network. Riders use the Uber app to hail a driver, who uses GPS coordinates to take the rider to their preselected destination. Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. Many are non-commercial drivers and work for Uber as a second job.
Does Uber Have a Process for Choosing Their Drivers?
Uber requires Maryland drivers to:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a Maryland driver’s license
- Provide proof of residence in their city or state
- Provide proof of insurance if they use their own car
- Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S.
- Use an eligible four-door vehicle
After signup, drivers must submit to an online screening of their driving record and criminal history.
Are Uber Drivers Considered Employees?
Currently, Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors. Uber enjoys considerable legal benefits from this arrangement, including not having to pay overtime or payroll taxes or to oversee their drivers directly. Where motor vehicle accidents are concerned, the fact that Uber’s drivers are not employees means that the company is shielded from respondeat superior liability. This legal doctrine holds employers legally responsible for injuries their employees cause while on the job.
What Are Some Common Causes of Bethesda Uber Accidents?
Uber drivers do not receive any special training or licensure. As such, they’re prone to making the same mistakes as any driver, such as:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Making unsafe turns and dangerous lane changes
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Getting distracted by the Uber app or navigation devices
- Driving while fatigued
In addition, Uber drivers often push to complete as many fares as possible to maximize their income. Drivers in a hurry are more likely to make critical mistakes that could result in car crashes with potentially serious injuries.
What Sort of Injuries Could Happen in a Bethesda Uber Accident?
Uber accidents in Bethesda often result in severe injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
What Should I Do If I Get Hurt in a Bethesda Uber Accident?
What you do in the aftermath of an Uber accident can affect your ability to recover fair compensation for what happened. Protect yourself and your legal rights by taking the following steps:
- Report the accident to Uber through its app.
- Get the names and insurance information for everyone involved.
- Seek prompt medical attention to identify and treat your injuries.
- Keep all crash-related documentation, such as the police report, medical bills, co-pays, proof of lost wages, and repair estimates for any damaged property.
- Contact an experienced Uber accident lawyer in Bethesda.
Does Uber Provide Insurance for Its Drivers?
Uber provides insurance for its drivers, but whether it is active and how much coverage it provides depends on the circumstances. Here’s how it works:
- Uber’s insurance is not active when the driver is offline. The driver’s own insurance provides coverage when the app is not active.
- When the driver is actively looking for a fare, Uber provides up to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $20,000 per accident for property damage. However, this insurance only applies if the driver does not have at least that much coverage through their own policy.
- When the driver is carrying a fare or on their way to pick one up, Uber’s insurance policy provides a higher amount of coverage. Getting Uber to accept responsibility for the collision can be challenging. So, consult a lawyer before speaking to their insurance representatives.
Who Do I Sue If My Uber Driver is Responsible for the Accident?
Uber’s insurance policy should cover your injuries and property damage if your Uber driver caused the accident while driving or after accepting the ride request. A Maryland Uber accident attorney can review the circumstances of the accident, determine which insurance coverage applies, and help you demand maximum compensation for your losses.
What If Another Driver Hits the Uber I Am Riding In?
If another driver hits the Uber vehicle while you were a passenger, the negligent driver is likely to blame for the accident and will be financially responsible for its consequences. Under these circumstances, you would pursue your claim against that individual’s auto insurance company rather than the Uber driver or the rideshare company.
Contact a Bethesda Uber Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in an Uber accident? Let the Bethesda car accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison help. We can prevent companies like Uber from taking advantage of legal loopholes to deny you the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
