www.pinderplotkin.com

Laurel Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash in or near Laurel — as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian? You pay nothing unless we win.

  • Rideshare coverage depends on what the driver’s app was doing
  • Serving Laurel plus Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery
  • Free case review · No fee unless we win
Jason Plotkin, Managing Attorney, Pinder Plotkin Legal Team

Recognized by

Million Dollar Advocates Forum
The Reisman Awards — Legal Impact Award 2021 Winner
Pinder Plotkin Legal Team BBB Business Review
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Reviewed
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My experience was fantastic, Charlotte was a big help and had the lawyer return my call within minutes. Jason was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I will have them represent me and my family.More
Lee HarperVerify on Google

Tell us what happened. We’ll take it from there.

A free case review with no obligation, and no fee unless we win. Someone on our team reads every message that comes in.

  • No fee unless we win
  • We deal with the rideshare company and its insurer, not you
  • Serving Laurel plus Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery

Would rather talk now? Call (888) 844-5373

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Pay nothing unless we win!

At Pinder Plotkin, the initial consultation is free, whether by phone or in person. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis — we only charge you after we recover compensation on your behalf, typically 33% of your insurance settlement. Our fee is increased if a lawsuit is filed. There won't be any charges if we don't win.

Millions recovered for clients every year Fighting for injury victims since 2002
See Results

What clients say after working with us

Pinder Plotkin Legal Team holds a 4.9-star average across 900+ verified client reviews. Here’s what injured Marylanders say about working with us.

5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I have worked with Pinder Plotkin on a car accident and they were nothing but professional. The whole team were very caring and kept me informed through the whole process. I could not think of a better firm to represent me.More
Denise C.Verify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Received support from Day 1. No question went unanswered and they worked to make sure I was comfortable and understood everything. Very patient in ensuring my needs are met. I am grateful.More
Maxine WashingtonVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I been a client since 2017 and I had a good experience with them as far as getting results and being treated like family, I had a major injury and the whole team was very supportive and stayed on top of my case, I was able to maintain my bills due to being out of work for a year and had a favorable outcome with my settlement which helped me start my business ventures, so thanks again to the team and if need be I’ll have them represent me in the future.More
CamRon AndersonVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Jason, Charlotte, and Tony were absolutely amazing! I was in a car accident 4 years ago, they made sure I was taken care of and even though we had a lot of set backs due to Covid, they never made me feel like my case (or me) were not important. Tony knew my medical history better than I did, Charlotte was always an absolute delight to talk to and was so kind, and Jason was just great! I'm really sad that I won't be talking to them anymore, they became like family! I know that is something a lot of people say, but it is 100% true with this team.More
The Rhodes We Travel “Mystika”Verify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great team took my cases when most wouldn’t did all the work fluently and worry free would not be any happier 😊. Highly recommend them for your legal servicesMore
Ivan OmwegaVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I cannot thank the team at Pinder Plotkin enough for their compassion, patience, and relentless dedication throughout my car accident case. They went above and beyond — jumping through hoops, explaining every step with care, and standing by me when I felt overwhelmed or lost. The communication was incredible, and I always knew I was in good hands. I truly appreciate everything they did to help me get through such a stressful time. Highly recommend to anyone looking for people who genuinely care about their clients.More
Stephanie HVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Mr Jason, Mr Balsamo, Nancy and the team worked on my case meticulously until I got justice. Thanks Nancy for your assurance and patience. If you need a team of injury lawyers, Pinder Plotkin team should be your first call.More
TenderCare NursingVerify on Google
5
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how this process would go since I usually let the auto insurance company handle accident. However, I would not hesitate to call upon the Pinder Plotkin legal team FIRST. They took on my case and exceeded expectations and removed any doubts I had. The folks at Pinder Plotkin fought through a long drawn out case, keeping my best interests in mind. A settlement was reached, more than what I would say, your insurance company would give. I’m extremely happy with the Pinder Plotkin team for their hard work, dedication to me as a client and as a veteran. I was treated with compassion, empathy and they communicated every step of the process. I high recommend the Pinder Plotkin legal team for your legal services. Thank you Pinder Plotkin, truely, thank you.More
Jamal BurtonVerify on Google

Results we have won for Maryland families

$625,000Truck accident
$1.1 MillionPremises & workers’ comp
$328,000Car accident
$308,000Dog bite
See all results

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is decided on its own facts.

Free Case Value Calculator

Get a fast, free estimate of what your case could be worth.

The calculator below is a working tool, not a contact form. Nine questions, about three minutes, and you get an estimated settlement range for a Maryland Uber or Lyft accident claim.

What the nine questions ask
  • Jurisdiction and date — which state’s rules apply, and whether you are still inside the filing deadline
  • Accident and property damage — how the collision happened and what it did to your vehicle
  • Injuries and MMI status — what you were diagnosed with, and whether you have finished treating
  • Medical bills and lost wages — your economic losses so far
  • Impact and history — how the injuries changed your daily life, and your prior treatment

Free and no obligation. Your name, email, and phone number are required on the final step before the estimate is shown. The result is an estimated settlement range for information only — it is not a written case analysis, legal advice, or a promise of any outcome.

Why it happens

Common types of Uber and Lyft accidents

Common types of rideshare accidents

The increase of rideshare vehicles on the road has significantly contributed to different types of accidents. Here are the most common types of Lyft and Uber accidents:

  • Passenger and driver injury due to a malfunctioning or defective vehicle part
  • Lyft and Uber driver injury due to the negligence of another driver
  • Lyft and Uber driver injury because of their own negligence
  • Property damage due to the negligence of a Lyft and Uber driver
  • Passenger injury as a result of another Uber driver’s negligence
  • Third-party injury due to the liability of a Lyft and Uber driver
  • Passenger injury due to the negligence of the Lyft and Uber driver

Who can be found liable?

Different parties can be found liable in an Uber or Lyft accident. The Uber or Lyft driver can be held liable if they caused the crash — for instance, by running a red light. The rideshare company can be held liable when its cars are involved in an accident, though rideshare companies rarely accept liability on their own. Other related third parties may include an at-fault pedestrian, a parts or vehicle manufacturer, the government, or the driver of another vehicle.

Step by step

What to do after an Uber or Lyft accident in Laurel

1

Call 911 and get medical attention

If possible, contact local law enforcement and get medical attention right away, even if you feel fine after the crash — symptoms of injury can appear later.

2

Document the scene

Take photos of the vehicles and note the weather, traffic, and road conditions, the date and time of the crash, and the names, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved. Screenshot your trip details in the Uber or Lyft app before they disappear.

3

Contact a rideshare accident lawyer

Contact a Laurel Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from Pinder Plotkin before you talk to any insurance company. Rideshare claims involve extra layers — the driver's insurance, the rideshare company's coverage, and whether the app was on — and we sort it out so you don't have to.

Know your rights

What compensation can you seek for an Uber or Lyft accident?

The time limit for filing an Uber or Lyft accident claim in Maryland is three years from the time of the accident (Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5-101). If you do not file within this period, you lose the chance of getting compensated.

Economic damages

These damages are compensatory and seek to compensate injured victims for financial losses incurred after a rideshare accident, including current and future lost wages, rehabilitative costs, and all medical expenses.

Non-economic damages

It is often challenging to quantify non-economic damages. These include loss of consortium, emotional anguish and trauma, reduced earning capacity, scarring and disfigurement, and physical pain and suffering.

Punitive damages

These are meant to punish the at-fault party for malicious actions and are only used in cases where the defendant intended to cause harm. There is no cap on punitive damages in Maryland, unlike in many other states.

Uber's $1 million insurance policy

Uber does have a $1 million insurance policy relative to the driver's employment status at the time of the crash. Their liability insurance covers damages caused by the driver to individuals involved in the accident — but who pays depends on how the driver was using the app when the accident happened.

Good to know

How rideshare claims differ from regular car accident claims

Insurance

In a regular car accident, the negligent driver's personal insurance covers your injuries — Maryland's minimum is $15,000 for property damage, $30,000 for bodily injury per person, and $60,000 per accident for two or more people. In a rideshare accident, you may recover up to $1 million under Uber's liability coverage.

Liable parties

In a regular car accident, the negligent driver is usually responsible for compensating the victim. In a Lyft or Uber accident, both the rideshare company and the rideshare driver can be held liable — and if another driver was also negligent, you could hold them liable too.

Complex issues

When it comes to insurance, rideshare accidents can be complicated. It's often challenging to establish whether the rideshare company's insurance, the driver's insurance, or both will cover your injuries.

How we help

Why do I need a lawyer for my rideshare claim?

Case preparation & filing

We prepare and compile all the evidence needed to build a successful case. We also work closely with other attorneys to ensure your claim accounts for all the injuries you sustained and losses incurred.

Settlement negotiation

We conduct negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you are fully compensated, and handle all the paperwork and requirements necessary for filing your claim.

Trial preparation & representation

If we cannot settle with the insurance company out of court, we represent you at trial, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

The money question

Who pays, and what's my Laurel rideshare accident case worth?

Every car accident case is unique, and the amount you recover depends on the circumstances — as determined by the insurance company or a jury. Factors that affect your settlement's value include:

  • Extent, severity, and duration of your injuries
  • Property damage to each vehicle
  • Mechanism of injury and whether it's temporary or permanent
  • Pre-existing injuries and whether they're directly related to the crash
  • Time lost from work and the credibility of each driver

How much is my case worth?

What actually moves the number in a rideshare case

Rideshare claims turn on one question before any other: what the app was doing at the moment of the crash. Driver offline, and it is an ordinary claim against their personal auto policy. App on but no ride accepted, and a limited contingent policy applies. Ride accepted or passenger aboard, and a $1 million commercial policy is available. The same collision can be worth wildly different amounts depending on which of those three it was.

That fact lives in the trip record, which belongs to Uber or Lyft rather than to you, and the personal auto insurer will often deny outright the moment it learns the driver was working. Getting the app status established early, in writing, does more for the value of the claim than anything that happens in the negotiation afterwards.

How Maryland personal injury settlements are calculated — the multiplier and per diem methods, the damages caps, the deadlines, and our settlement calculators.

No two cases are worth the same, but insurers lean on two common methods to estimate pain and suffering. Understanding them helps you spot a lowball offer. Try our free Maryland Car Accident Settlement Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Should I speak to the insurance company?

We generally advise against it. Insurers will most likely make an immediate offer well below the true cost of your damages. If you work with us, we handle all discussions and negotiations so you're protected from being victimized in the claims process.

Should I accept their offer?

The adjuster's first offer is in most cases very low and doesn't represent what the case is actually worth. Negotiations typically go back and forth for a few months before settling — at which point we file a lawsuit based on the value of the case.

What could your claim be worth?Try the free Maryland Car Accident Settlement Calculator below for a personalized estimate.
What you're dealing with

Common injuries after a Laurel rideshare accident

Brain Injuries

Back Injuries

Neck Injuries

Head Injuries

Internal Injuries

Facial Disfigurement

Leg & Knee Injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries

Death

These injuries can temporarily or permanently hinder your quality of life. Anyone requiring extended medical care or dealing with a lack of mobility is also likely to be affected by job loss, expensive hospital bills, depression, lost wages, inability to perform routine tasks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Where Laurel-area rideshare crashes happen

The City of Laurel sits at the junction of four counties, and serious car crashes cluster on the same high-traffic corridors in each. Here is where we see the worst wrecks and where injured drivers are treated.

140Traffic deaths in 129 fatal crashes, Prince George's County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard
46Traffic deaths in 45 fatal crashes, Montgomery County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard
45Traffic deaths in 42 fatal crashes, Anne Arundel County, 2023Source: MDOT's Anne Arundel County crash summary
23Traffic deaths in 23 fatal crashes, Howard County, 2023Source: MDOT Zero Deaths Maryland Fatal Crash Data Dashboard

An in-depth study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have contributed to a 3% increase in accident fatalities. Between 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes, resulting in 107 deaths — 21% of the crash victims were drivers.

City of Laurel

  • High-risk corridors: US-1 (Washington Blvd), MD-198 (Fort Meade Rd), Main Street, and Contee Road.
  • Nearest ER: UM Laurel Medical Center on Contee Road — a freestanding 24/7 emergency department. Serious trauma goes to UM Capital Region Medical Center in Largo.
  • Where cases are filed: a Laurel injury lawsuit is filed in Prince George’s County — the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at Upper Marlboro, or the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro if the claim exceeds $30,000.

Prince George's County

  • Where crashes cluster: US-1 (Route 1), MD-198, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), and I-95.
  • Nearest ER: UM Laurel Medical Center (freestanding 24/7 ER); serious trauma transfers to UM Capital Region in Largo (Level II).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 100 Prince George’s County cases since 2017 — 43 in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, 57 in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County at Upper Marlboro. Mostly auto accident claims.

Anne Arundel County

  • Where crashes cluster: MD-32, MD-3, I-97, and MD-198.
  • Nearest ER: Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (Annapolis) and UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (Glen Burnie).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 51 Anne Arundel County cases since 2017 — 30 in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, 21 in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County.

Howard County

  • Where crashes cluster: US-1, US-29, I-95, MD-32, and MD-100.
  • Nearest ER: Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (Columbia).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 29 Howard County cases since 2017 — 13 in the Circuit Court for Howard County, 16 in the District Court of Maryland for Howard County.

Montgomery County (neighboring)

  • Where crashes cluster: I-270, US-29, the Intercounty Connector (MD-200), and MD-355.
  • Nearest ER: Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, Level II trauma) and Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring).
  • In court: Jason Plotkin and Anthony (Tony) Balsamo, attorneys of record in 15 Montgomery County cases since 2017 — 12 in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, 3 in the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County.

Source & method

Counts are Maryland Judiciary Case Search records for Jason Plotkin and Anthony Balsamo as attorneys of record, filed January 1, 2017 through September 4, 2026. Court filings only — most injury claims settle before a lawsuit is filed, so these are a floor, not a total. A filing count is not a results claim, and prior filings do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. To verify, search “Plotkin, Jason” or “Balsamo, Anthony” as Attorney at casesearch.courts.state.md.us.

Check out our ebooks

The Smart Consumer's Guide to Maximizing Auto Insurance Policy Limits

The Smart Consumer's Guide to Maximizing Auto Insurance Policy Limits

Free guide to Maryland auto insurance and how policy limits affect your recovery.

Download the guide
The Maryland Rideshare Accident Manual

The Maryland Rideshare Accident Manual

Free guide covering what to do after an Uber or Lyft accident in Maryland.

Download the guide
The Role of a Chiropractor in Treating Auto Accident Injuries

The Role of a Chiropractor in Treating Auto Accident Injuries

Free guide on how chiropractic care can support your recovery after an auto accident injury.

Download the guide
Car Crash Course: My Journey from Survival to Recovery and Beyond

Car Crash Course: My Journey from Survival to Recovery and Beyond

Jason Plotkin’s personal account of surviving a car accident and the road to recovery.

Buy on Amazon

Watch: Jason Plotkin on your Maryland injury claim

TV interview: What happens after a car accident
Jason Plotkin's story: surviving a major car accident
FAQ: What to do immediately after a car accident

Laurel Uber & Lyft Accident FAQs

Should I accept a settlement offer?

It will be best to speak with a rideshare accident lawyer before accepting a settlement offer. With a settlement, you are guaranteed to receive money, but there is a chance the insurance company is taking advantage and not giving you the compensation you deserve. Consulting our Laurel rideshare accident lawyers ensures you have a fair chance at getting maximum compensation.

How much does a rideshare accident lawyer cost?

Our Uber accident lawyers have a contingency fee arrangement with clients — we do not charge a fee to work with or consult our team. You only pay us if we win your case.

Is there a time limit for filing an Uber accident claim?

The time limit for filing an Uber accident claim in Maryland is three years from the time of the accident. If you do not file your claim within this period, you lose out on the chance of getting compensated.

Does Uber or Lyft's $1 million insurance policy always apply to my accident?

No. Coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the crash — whether the app was off, on and waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger — so the amount available can vary significantly.

What happens if the rideshare driver's app was off when the crash happened?

If the app was off, it's treated like a regular car accident: the driver's personal auto insurance applies, subject to Maryland's minimum coverage requirements, not Uber or Lyft's $1 million policy.

Can I still recover money if I was partly at fault for a rideshare accident in Maryland?

Maryland follows contributory negligence, so if the insurer can show you were even slightly at fault, it can reduce or completely bar your recovery. A lawyer can help protect against that argument.

Do I file my claim against the driver, Uber or Lyft, or both?

It depends on the driver's app status and who's actually liable. Our attorneys identify every available source of coverage — the driver's personal policy or Uber/Lyft's contingent or $1 million policy — and pursue the right one(s).

What should I do right after a rideshare accident in Laurel?

Get medical care, report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app, take photos of the scene and vehicles, collect witness information, and talk to a lawyer before giving a statement to any insurance company.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us at (888) 844-5373 and ask — there is no charge and no obligation to hire us.

Visit our Laurel office

329 Prince George St, Laurel, MD 20707 · Call (888) 844-5373 to schedule a visit. · View on Google

Serving All of Laurel

We handle Uber and Lyft accident cases throughout the Laurel area and the surrounding counties.

City of LaurelView Area
Prince George's CountyView Area
Anne Arundel CountyView Area
Howard CountyView Area
Montgomery CountyView Area

Rooted in Laurel

Jason Plotkin does not just take Laurel cases — he shows up in the community. He serves as a Director of the Laurel Board of Trade, hosts Around Town on Laurel TV, and has moderated the Laurel Candidates Forum for the past two election cycles. When you work with our firm, you are working with people who know this city — its roads, its courts, and its neighbors.

Jason Plotkin, Managing Attorney, Pinder Plotkin Legal Team

Hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Laurel? Let's talk.

Free case review, no pressure, no fee unless we win. Reach out and one of our attorneys will walk you through your options.

Call (888) 844-5373