Prince George’s County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Navigating Rideshare Accidents with Care, Experience, and Results

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more accessible across Prince George’s County. Whether commuting to work or heading home from an event, these services offer flexibility for residents and visitors alike. However, the convenience of rideshare platforms is not without risks. As more Uber and Lyft drivers operate on local roads, the number of collisions involving these vehicles has also grown. If you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, whether as a passenger, another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be facing complicated insurance issues and questions about liability. These cases differ from standard car accidents and often involve multiple layers of coverage and responsibility.

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different from Other Collisions?

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare collisions involve additional layers of complexity due to the nature of how Uber and Lyft operate. The drivers for these services are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction affects how liability is assigned. 

In addition, the availability and scope of insurance coverage changes depending on the driver’s status at the time of the incident. When an accident involves a rideshare vehicle, it is not always clear which insurance policy applies. 

These differences mean that people injured in rideshare accidents need to carefully evaluate how the accident occurred, what role the rideshare driver was playing at the time, and what insurance policies may apply.

Who May Be Held Responsible After a Rideshare Accident?

Responsibility in a rideshare accident can lie with multiple parties. If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash while transporting a passenger or en route to pick someone up, then the rideshare company’s commercial insurance coverage may be in effect. If the driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride, a more limited policy may apply. 

In cases where another driver caused the crash, that individual and their insurer may bear full or partial liability. There are also instances in which both the rideshare driver and another driver share responsibility for the collision. These multi-party situations can complicate insurance claims and require a careful review of evidence. In some cases, road design, weather, or vehicle defects could also contribute to liability.

How Is Insurance Coverage Structured for Uber and Lyft Drivers?

Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage that depends on the status of the driver at the time of the accident. If the driver is not logged into the app, only their personal auto insurance applies. Once the driver logs into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, limited liability insurance provided by the rideshare company becomes available. This usually covers bodily injury and property damage, but may not include collision or comprehensive protection. 

If the driver has accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle, then the company’s full commercial policy applies. This includes up to $1 million in liability coverage and often includes uninsured or underinsured motorist protection. This structure means it is essential to know whether the driver was actively working during the crash to determine which coverage applies.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Many injuries are not immediately apparent. It is also critical to report the incident to the police so that an official accident report is generated. You should gather the names, contact details, and insurance information from everyone involved, including the Uber or Lyft driver. Take photographs of the vehicles, your injuries, and the surrounding scene. 

If you were a passenger, screenshot your trip details in the app for documentation. Notify the rideshare company about the accident using their internal reporting tools. Avoid making recorded statements to insurance representatives before understanding your rights, as this could affect your ability to recover damages later.

What Compensation Might Be Available After a Rideshare Accident?

People injured in Uber or Lyft accidents may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other financial losses. The total amount available depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, how clear liability is, and which insurance policies are triggered. In cases involving permanent injuries or long-term treatment, the financial stakes may be higher. 

Because multiple parties may be involved, it is important to determine all possible avenues for recovery. You must also be cautious when dealing with insurers, who may attempt to minimize your claim. Being thorough in documenting your injuries and expenses is critical to supporting your case.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland has a statute of limitations that governs how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim. This deadline applies to court cases, not insurance claims, which typically need to be filed soon after the incident. Missing the legal deadline can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation. 

Additionally, if the accident involves a government-owned vehicle or a claim against a municipality, shorter deadlines may apply. Acting quickly allows you to preserve evidence and gives you a better chance of holding the responsible parties accountable.

Can Uber or Lyft Passengers File a Claim?

Yes, passengers injured in Uber or Lyft vehicles have the right to file a claim for damages. Passengers are rarely found at fault in vehicle collisions, which usually allows them to recover from the responsible party’s insurance. The primary challenge is determining which insurance policy is in effect. If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash and was actively providing the ride, the rideshare company’s commercial policy should apply. 

If another driver was at fault, that driver’s insurance may be responsible. In cases involving uninsured drivers, the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage may offer protection. Filing a claim as a passenger requires clear evidence and often involves communication with more than one insurer.

What Happens If the Uber or Lyft Driver Was Not Responsible?

When the rideshare driver is not at fault, the focus shifts to the person who caused the accident. If the at-fault driver is identified, their insurance should cover damages to the injured parties. In situations where the responsible driver has inadequate or no insurance, the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist policy may apply if a ride was in progress. Documenting the sequence of events and proving that the other party was negligent is essential. Eyewitness accounts, police reports, and any dashcam footage can be valuable tools in establishing fault.

If more than one party contributed to the crash, you may need to file claims with multiple insurers.

What If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?

Accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers can be particularly difficult. Fortunately, Uber and Lyft provide coverage for uninsured motorists during active rides. This means that if the rideshare driver is transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up and the other driver lacks adequate coverage, the rideshare company’s insurance may step in. 

This protection can cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, insurers may still dispute claims or limit payments, especially if liability is contested. Demonstrating the at-fault driver’s lack of coverage and documenting your injuries thoroughly will help strengthen your position.

Why Are Rideshare Accident Claims So Complicated?

Several factors contribute to the complexity of rideshare accident claims. First, the legal classification of drivers as independent contractors means rideshare companies often deny direct responsibility. Second, the layered insurance coverage creates uncertainty about which policy is responsible. Third, injured parties may face delays or confusion when dealing with multiple insurance adjusters. 

In addition, Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule can bar recovery if you are found to be even slightly at fault. These factors make it important to understand how the claims process works, be meticulous in gathering documentation, and understand your rights.

A Prince George’s County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer at Maryland Accident Law Firm Understands the Legal Issues of Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents in Prince George’s County can involve complicated legal and insurance issues that go far beyond a typical car accident. Whether you are a rideshare passenger, another motorist, or a pedestrian, the steps you take after an accident can directly impact your ability to recover compensation. A Prince George’s County Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Maryland Accident Law Firm is ready to help you understand your legal options and move forward with confidence. Call us today at 443-302-9810 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.