If you are a passenger in the rideshare vehicle who has been injured in a car accident, it would be virtually impossible for you to be at fault for the accident. One or both of the motorists who are involved in the crash would be blamed for what happened. It is crucial to know exactly who was to blame, and what percentage of the fault they bear, so that you are able to seek compensation from the right source. An attorney experienced in Uber and Lyft accidents will investigate the accident and help make this determination.
How Fault Is Determined in a Maryland Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accidents employ the same overarching legal principles as other types of personal injury cases. The party that caused your injury through their own unreasonable actions is the one who owes you financial compensation. This is also known as negligence. In the car accident context, negligence means that a driver did something that an ordinary motorist would not have done under the circumstances. The insurance companies review the evidence about the car accident to determine who the negligent party was and which driver was to blame for the accident.
There may be numerous parties who are putting forward evidence about the crash involving the Uber or Lyft vehicle. Not only is an injured rideshare passenger seeking compensation for their injuries, but also there may have been another driver who was hurt in a crash with the Uber vehicle. In some cases, the rideshare driver was injured because of the negligent actions of the other motorist.
Fault Outcomes in an Uber or Lyft Accident
As you can see, there is a complicated mechanism in place for determining fault for these accidents. Typically, one of the following results will occur:
- The Uber or Lyft driver will be at fault for the accident, and anyone who was injured will file a claim against them and the insurance coverage that the rideshare companies provide.
- The other driver involved in the crash was at fault, and the rideshare driver and their passengers will seek compensation from their insurance company.
- Both drivers share in the blame for the accident, and the rideshare passenger will need to file a claim against several insurance policies. Owing to Maryland’s contributory negligence laws, neither of the drivers can seek financial compensation for their injuries if they were even 1% to blame for the accident.
If you were a driver who was involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, it is crucial that you hire a car accident lawyer to protect your legal rights immediately. Maryland’s contributory negligence system can be very harsh in its operation, and the insurance companies that provide coverage to Uber and Lyft may be hypervigilant in trying to spread blame for the accident.
How to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim in Baltimore
Here are the steps that you would need to take to file a claim in the wake of an Uber or Lyft accident:
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer who can represent you in the legal process.
- Verify all of the applicable insurance coverages that could pay for your damages and the order of precedence.
- Gather evidence that can be used to prove negligence in your claim.
- File a claim against all of the available insurance coverages.
- Negotiate settlements with each of the insurance carriers who have a liability to pay for your damages.
Baltimore Uber and Lyft Car Accident Lawyers at Garner Legal Can Help You Recover From Your Rideshare Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, speak to the Baltimore Uber and Lyft car accident lawyers at Garner Legal. For a free consultation, reach out to us by calling 443-889-1758 or filling out our online form. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.