Legal Support After a Rideshare Crash in Howard County
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving Uber or Lyft — whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver — you may be entitled to compensation. At Kunka Law, we understand the complex insurance policies and legal challenges unique to rideshare accident claims in Maryland.
As a trusted Ellicott City personal injury attorney, Attorney Matthew Kunka fights to recover the maximum compensation for victims of rideshare negligence.
???? Rideshare Accident Trends in Maryland
Rideshare services have become increasingly popular throughout Ellicott City, Columbia, and the Baltimore-Washington corridor, but with that rise comes increased accident risk.
- Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not traditional employees — making liability harder to prove without legal representation.
- A national study by the University of Chicago and Rice University found that rideshare services have increased traffic fatalities by 2-3% since their widespread adoption.
- In Maryland, rideshare drivers are regulated under Md. Public Utilities Article §10–101 through §10–407, including insurance minimums and driver background checks.
???? Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
You may be eligible to file a claim if you are:
- A passenger injured in an Uber/Lyft crash
- A driver hit by a rideshare vehicle
- A pedestrian or cyclist struck by a rideshare vehicle
- A rideshare driver injured due to another driver’s negligence
???? Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Rideshare insurance is broken into three phases depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App Off: The driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App On (No Passenger): Uber/Lyft provides liability coverage up to $50,000/person, $100,000/accident, and $25,000 property damage.
- Passenger Onboard or Ride Accepted: Uber/Lyft provides $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
It’s crucial to identify the driver’s app status at the time of the crash to pursue the right insurance claim.
⚖️ Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Unlike standard car accidents, rideshare claims often involve:
- Multiple insurance carriers
- Independent contractor defenses
- Third-party liability (e.g., Uber or Lyft apps)
Attorney Kunka will:
- Determine liability and app status
- File claims against all liable parties
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers
- Take your case to court if necessary
???? Local Relevance: Ellicott City & Howard County
We’re proud to serve clients injured in crashes along Route 40, US-29, I-70, and near major rideshare pickup/drop-off zones including:
- The Mall in Columbia
- Downtown Ellicott City
- Howard County General Hospital
- Columbia Gateway Drive business park
Rideshare collisions in these high-traffic areas are increasingly common, and our office is experienced in navigating both local traffic laws and court procedures in Howard County Circuit Court.
???? What Damages Can You Claim?
We fight for full compensation including:
- ER, hospital, or chiropractic bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
Matt Kunka is an outstanding attorney. He provides exceptional customer service, listens attentively, and approaches every situation with a non-judgmental attitude. His professionalism, knowledge of the law, and prompt communication truly set him apart. Throughout my experience, he consistently kept me informed and updated, which made a significant difference. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal support—you’ll be in good hands.
Matt Kunka is an extremely competent, vigilant, persistent, knowledgeable, and kind attorney. Our son had some legal issues over COVID and it took over four years to resolve, resulting in the best outcome we could have hoped for. Matt was not only diligent and available this whole time, he went above and beyond to represent our son in the best possible way, providing support and hope along the way. We have sincerely thanked him many times for his outstanding service, and he is very humble, refusing extra compensation. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for our son and our family, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.
Matt is an incredibly hardworking and trustworthy lawyer. He’s made some of the most stressful and difficult times in my life worry free, explaining each step of the way and doing everything in his power to get you the results you want. Not only does he provide knowledgeable representation, but he’s cost effective and understanding of financial situations. I wouldn’t want anyone but Matt handling my court cases and my future.
I can’t thank Matt Kunka enough for his outstanding support and expertise in handling my cases. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for me. Matt guided me through every step of the legal process, patiently answering my questions and providing clear, strategic advice. He made me feel like a top priority, ensuring that my voice was heard and my concerns addressed. His courtroom skills and keen attention to detail made a significant difference in my case, and I felt truly supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate criminal lawyer, I highly recommend Matt Kunka.
Matt is an amazing attorney! He puts his all into showcasing his client’s strengths and personal accomplishments to a judge. He made my family and I feel comforted during a very dark time where we felt like there was no coming back from a very unfortunate auto incident. Matt was always personable and would handle things in a very swift and prompt manner. We are so grateful for everything he has done for us, he is the best!
????️ How It Works
1. Free Consultation
Schedule a call or in-office visit. We’ll evaluate your claim, app status, and liability.
2. Documentation
We obtain rideshare logs, insurance policies, medical records, and police reports.
3. Negotiation
We negotiate aggressively with Uber, Lyft, or third-party insurers.
4. Litigation (if needed)
If insurers won’t settle, we take your case to court to secure justice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the statute of limitations for filing a rideshare injury claim in Maryland?
????️ You have three years from the date of the crash under Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5–101.
What if the rideshare driver was off duty?
We’ll help determine whether the driver’s personal or rideshare insurance applies.
Does Uber/Lyft pay me directly?
No — compensation comes from their insurance carriers, and negotiation is required.
???? Call a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Ellicott City Today
Don’t let Uber or Lyft’s legal teams deny you fair compensation. At Kunka Law, we stand up to powerful insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Us:
???? Office Address: 7420 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Suite 300
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
???? Call: (410) 787‑0110
???? Email: [email protected]
???? Website: kunkalaw.com