Maryland Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Insurance Work in a Rideshare Accident?

In the majority of car accident cases, individuals who sustain injuries are typically restricted to seeking compensation from either the insurance provider of the party responsible for the accident, or their own insurance company. However, the available options for pursuing compensation after a rideshare accident can vary significantly depending on the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the collision.

• If the driver was off duty: Drivers who are not actively offering rides through a rideshare app are considered off duty, which may mean their personal car insurance policy solely covers them. In Maryland, basic liability insurance policies cover $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury and up to $15,000 in property damage.
• If the driver was on duty but not carrying passengers: Rideshare drivers who are available for rides but not actively transporting or traveling to pick up passengers are considered on duty in a limited sense. For accidents involving inactive, on-duty drivers, most rideshare companies’ insurance policies kick in with coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries and up to $25,000 for property damage.
• If the driver was carrying or picking up passengers: Drivers who are actively carrying passengers or on their way to pick up a fare are fully covered by rideshare liability insurance policies. This means up to $1 million for most rideshare companies for bodily injury and property damage per accident.

Who Is Liable in a Waldorf Rideshare Car Accident?

To limit their liability, rideshare companies opt to hire drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Consequently, although it is possible to file compensation claims against companies like Uber and Lyft, it is generally not feasible to hold these companies responsible for the actions of their drivers. It is important to note, however, that the legal options available to you following a rideshare accident are heavily contingent upon the specific circumstances. Parties potentially liable may include:

• Rideshare drivers: If you can establish that a rideshare driver is responsible for an accident, they may be held accountable for your injuries and losses resulting from the crash. Generally, you will need to file a claim with the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance company.
• Other drivers: If the accident was caused entirely by the driver of another vehicle, you may be able to seek compensation from their insurance carrier by filing a claim. In cases where both a rideshare driver and another driver are partially at fault for the collision, you may even have the opportunity to file multiple claims.
• Passengers or pedestrians: Not all rideshare accidents occur due to driver negligence. In some cases, rideshare passengers or pedestrians who are intoxicated, distracted, or negligent themselves might step into or obstruct traffic unexpectedly. As a result, drivers may be forced to swerve to avoid colliding with vulnerable individuals on foot, potentially endangering other vehicles in the process.

What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident?

If you find yourself caught in a rideshare accident in Maryland, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. However, there are several crucial actions you can take to safeguard your legal rights and enhance your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve:

• Seeking prompt medical attention
• Gathering as much evidence as possible from the accident, including witness statements and photos of the scene
• Keeping a comprehensive log of all losses and expenses associated with accidents, including medical bills, repair expenditures, and income lost due to missed work hours.
• Writing down everything you can recall about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind
• Following your doctor’s treatment plan exactly as prescribed
• Avoiding social media activity while your claim is pending since even innocent posts or comments could undermine your case
• Contacting our Maryland rideshare accident attorneys for a free consultation

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit?

When considering filing a lawsuit for a rideshare accident in Maryland, it is crucial to understand Maryland’s statute of limitations and its impact on your case. A statute of limitations sets specific time limits for initiating legal action.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within three years from the date of the injury. For rideshare accidents, this means you must file your compensation claim within three years from the date of the accident.

If you wait too long and attempt to file a lawsuit after the three-year statute of limitations has expired, the court is likely to dismiss your case. This dismissal not only means losing your right to sue but also diminishes your negotiating power in any insurance claims you may file.

Contact Our Maryland Rideshare Accident Lawyers Now

Determining liability and insurance coverage in the event of a rideshare accident can be a complex endeavor. You need not delve into the driver’s circumstances at the time of the collision. Allow the accomplished Maryland rideshare accident lawyers at Hyatt & Goldbloom to uncover the answers for you. Our firm is committed to ensuring justice is accessible to all, regardless of financial means. That’s why we offer complimentary initial consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis. Rest assured, we will not charge any fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf. Don’t let the opportunity for justice slip away. Reach out to us today via phone or our website to schedule your free case evaluation.