App-based ridesharing has been gaining popularity since becoming available to the public and unfortunately, the need for a good rideshare law firm Maryland residents can rely has also been on the rise.
Rideshare Related Problems
Even though rideshare companies have been forced to change and improve their safety policies because of lawsuits, and public and media scrutiny, people continue to be injured in incidents involving rideshare drivers.
Unlike taxi companies that require their drivers to go through extensive training and licensing procedures in order to be allowed to legally drive a taxi in the United States, some rideshare companies like Uber, only recently started to do background checks before they hire new driver-partners. And even though Uber and Lyft now both do background checks, they are typically done through a 3rd party company and do not usually use fingerprints or law enforcement in this process (except when states require this). Uber still does not interview their driver partners in person before hiring them.
The following are common reasons that people are injured and die in incidents related to rideshare drivers:
- Automobile accidents
- Sexual assaults, rape, and stalking
- Physical assaults and battery
- Kidnappings
- Robberies
When Uber expanded their services into Maryland, there was concern for the safety of their passengers and other drivers and passengers on the road. In 2015, legislation was passed that held Uber to the same requirements and regulations as taxis and other transportation-for-hire companies. This legislation is unique to Maryland because many other states allow rideshare companies to self-regulate. It requires that drivers pass strict background checks, including the fingerprinting of all drivers, and sets out insurance requirements that protect Uber users and private-citizen drivers.
When a person is injured through no fault of their own and because of another party or parties’ negligence, malice or reckless behavior, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for expenses related to their injury. When someone dies as the result of this, their surviving family members (sometimes through the deceased person’s estate) may be entitled to compensation for expenses related to their loved one’s injury and for their loss. Because personal injury laws differ from state to state, many people find this is easier to do with the help of a personal injury lawyer who is licensed to practice in the state that the injury occured.
If you or someone you love was injured in a rideshare related incident in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, or in the surrounding areas, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a rideshare law firm Maryland rideshare personal injury victims and their families can trust.
The following are common reasons that people seek compensation for expenses for injuries related to ridesharing incidents:
- Emergency services
- Hospitalizations
- Doctor visits
- Medications
- Treatments and therapies
- Loss of wages
- Loss of health benefits
- Loss of childcare
- Loss of household management and/or maintenance
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of abilities
- Loss of quality of life
- Funeral and burial or cremation costs
- Loss of retirement benefits
- Loss of consortium (spousal support)
- Loss of parental guidance and support
- Pain and grieving
For a rideshare law firm Maryland rideshare injury victims and their families recommend that has been successfully defending the rights of injured people and their families for over 30 years, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.