Although ridesharing service apps are still relatively new to consumers, Uber and Lyft drivers are now everywhere you look in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. If you’ve sustained serious or life-altering, catastrophic injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be unsure of where you should turn for compensation and assistance. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you are in the right place. Continue reading and contact a seasoned Uber accident lawyer from Simeone & Miller, LLP for help today.
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys help injured victims recover when negligence disrupts their lives and livelihoods. As members of the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum®, our lawyers are well-equipped to help you explore all of your legal options and seek maximum compensation from all liable parties.
There is no such thing as a “simple” car accident, but Uber and Lyft accidents tend to present additional challenges. This is due to the ridesharing business model. Although companies like Uber and Lyft insure their drivers up to $1 million, this accident coverage depends on the driver’s status and does not apply in many circumstances.
If the driver was not working at the time of the accident – for example, they were waiting to accept a ride request – then the driver will only be covered by their personal liability insurance, which will likely provide lower insurance coverage. This is often not enough to cover serious injuries, which can lead to an uninsured motorist claim.
To make matters more complicated, ridesharing companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This may allow Uber and Lyft to deny liability for accidents, which can significantly reduce the amount of compensation available to you after a crash. This is why it’s critical to work with an attorney.
There may be many parties involved in an Uber or Lyft claim, such as:
To maximize your financial compensation, your attorney will need to have a clear understanding of the laws governing rideshare accidents in your state. Your Washington, D.C. auto accident lawyer will also need to facilitate an in-depth investigation of the crash and work to uncover the Uber or Lyft driver’s exact status at the time of the accident.
Because insurance coverage depends on whether the ridesharing driver was working for Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, it can be tricky to tell who is responsible for covering your damages. When you call on Simeone & Miller, LLP, we’ll perform an extensive investigation into the circumstances of your ridesharing accident.
From interviewing witnesses to gathering expert testimony, we can help you assemble a solid case and serve as your advocate in any legal proceedings. Whether you need to file a claim with Lyft’s or Uber’s insurance company or against the driver’s personal insurance, we’ll help you make the best decision to maximize your compensation.
After a serious car crash, you may be dealing with lasting injuries, missed work, and mounting medical bills. When you factor in the emotional trauma of an accident, these changes may seem impossible to overcome.
However, it’s important to speak with an experienced Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. In addition to negotiating with insurance providers to obtain a good settlement without a lawsuit, a qualified lawyer can advocate on your behalf if a civil lawsuit is necessary and take your case to trial if needed.
It’s also crucial that you avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or representatives for Uber or Lyft until you have sought legal counsel, as anything you share may be used against you in insurance negotiations.
At Simeone & Miller, we’re committed to helping you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Even if the other driver was working for Uber or Lyft at the time of your accident, we can help you determine who was at fault, what insurance company will be responsible, and whether you should file a claim for the best chance at recovery.
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