Uber and Lyft have changed the way people get around. A quick request from a phone can replace a taxi ride, a late-night drive home, or a trip to the airport. With more rideshare vehicles on the road comes a higher chance of collisions involving them. Rideshare accidents in Maryland bring liability questions that do not come up in a standard two-car crash.
Why Rideshare Crashes Can Be Different
A rideshare driver is not a traditional employee of Uber or Lyft. Both companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, which affects how insurance applies after a crash. Coverage can shift depending on what the driver was doing at the moment of the accident, and the available policy limits can vary widely from one phase of a trip to the next.
How Insurance Coverage Works
Rideshare insurance usually operates in three phases. When the app is off, the driver’s personal auto policy applies. When the app is on but no ride has been accepted, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. When the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the car, the companies provide higher coverage limits, often up to one million dollars.
Determining which phase applied at the time of the crash is the first step in a rideshare claim. Trip logs, app records, and GPS data can all help establish what the driver was doing.
Who May Be Held Responsible
Responsibility in rideshare accidents in Maryland can extend to several parties. The rideshare driver may be at fault for speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield. Another motorist may have caused the crash, in which case that driver’s insurance comes into play. In some cases, both drivers may share responsibility, which brings Maryland’s contributory negligence standard into focus.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence standard. An injured person found even slightly at fault may be barred from recovering compensation. Passengers in rideshare vehicles usually have the strongest position, since they rarely contribute to the cause of a crash. Other drivers and pedestrians involved in rideshare accidents in Maryland may face more scrutiny from insurers looking for reasons to deny or reduce a claim.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Crash
Call law enforcement and seek medical attention first. Taking screenshots of the ride details in the app, including the driver’s name, trip time, and route, can help later. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries can support a claim. Contact information for the driver, any passengers, and witnesses can also make a meaningful difference.
Contact Mobley & Brown After a Rideshare Accident
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Maryland, Mobley & Brown can help you sort through the insurance questions that follow. Call 410-385-0398 today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.
