Waldorf, Maryland Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for Accidents Involving Uber/Lyft Drivers in Waldorf

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are used by many people to get around in Waldorf and other nearby cities. These apps allow people to use their own personal vehicles to provide transportation. In some cases, rideshare drivers might not be qualified to provide these types of services, or they may engage in dangerous behaviors that could lead to car accidents. When a driver working for Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare app causes an accident, the issues that injury victims may face can quickly become complicated.

The attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer have the experience needed to help people who have been injured in rideshare accidents. We can provide the guidance needed to address the complex legal issues involved in these cases and make sure insurance claims will be handled correctly. We will identify every available source of compensation and help our clients move forward as they recover from their injuries.

Why Rideshare Accidents Can Occur

Rideshare drivers may face a combination of issues that can make them more likely to be involved in accidents. Some of the reasons that they may be responsible for causing collisions include:

Distraction From Rideshare Apps

Rideshare drivers use apps to accept ride requests, communicate with passengers, navigate to the locations where they pick people up, follow directions to destinations, and more. The use of apps can be an ongoing source of distraction. Like other drivers, rideshare drivers who engage in distracted driving will be more likely to cause car accidents. When a driver uses an app to accept a ride request, follow navigation directions, or read or send a message, they may miss important details and be unable to avoid a collision.

Unfamiliar Routes

Rideshare drivers will often need to travel to locations they may not know well. They will follow turn-by-turn navigation through neighborhoods, commercial areas, and other places where roads may be busy. When driving through unfamiliar territory, they will need to pay close attention to the road. Distractions or other issues may prevent them from noticing important details, which could lead to accidents.

Passenger Interactions

When carrying passengers, rideshare drivers may try to hold conversations and pay attention to their needs. They need to be able to maintain high ratings, so they may focus on their passengers rather than on the road. When conversing with a passenger or answering questions about the route, a driver may not notice important details that could prevent an accident.

Driver Fatigue

Many rideshare drivers work long hours, and they may have other jobs while driving for a rideshare service in their off-hours. Drivers may work during late-night or early-morning hours to meet demand. These issues can lead to exhaustion or fatigue, affecting a driver's alertness and their ability to maintain control of their vehicle. A rideshare driver who is fatigued or drowsy will be more likely to cause an accident.

Speeding and Other Traffic Violations

When a rideshare driver is late in picking up a passenger or is trying to complete rides more quickly, they may violate traffic laws. They may exceed speed limits, run yellow or red lights, tailgate behind other vehicles, or take other types of risks. These issues can greatly increase the risks of accidents.

The Independent Contractor Issue

The business model of rideshare services involves classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees of these companies. In many cases, employers can be held liable for the negligent acts of employees who are performing their job duties. However, this type of liability does not apply to independent contractors. Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies will usually argue that they cannot be held liable for the negligence of drivers who are independent contractors.

Our attorneys can help address these types of claims and determine whether a rideshare company may be held liable for an accident caused by one of its drivers. Even though drivers are not employees, companies have control over how they work, including by establishing standards for conduct, requiring drivers to follow certain procedures, and detailing how they may interact with passengers. In some cases, it may be possible to hold companies responsible for policies or practices that put people's safety at risk.

Because of these issues, taking steps to recover compensation for a rideshare accident is not always a straightforward process. In addition to addressing issues related to liability, victims may encounter confusion about the insurance coverage that may apply in a specific situation. Our attorneys can review all of the facts of a rideshare accident case, make sure insurance claims are filed correctly, and advocate for compensation that will fully address our client's damages.

Contact Our Waldorf, MD Rideshare Accident Lawyers

A rideshare accident can leave you with serious injuries, and you may be unsure about where to turn to obtain financial compensation. Whether you have been injured in an accident as a rideshare passenger, a driver or passenger in another vehicle, or a pedestrian, the lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer can provide the legal representation you need and make sure all legal issues involved in your case will be handled correctly.

We will work to ensure that the negligent parties responsible for a rideshare accident can be held accountable for the harm you have suffered. Contact our Waldorf Uber/Lyft accident attorneys at 301-843-3890 to arrange a free consultation and get legal help with your case.