Rideshare Accidents in Maryland: Who is Liable for Uber and Lyft Crashes?

Ridesharing services play an essential role in providing transportation for many Maryland residents. However, with the rise of companies such as Uber and Lyft and the increase in ridesharing drivers, the risk of accidents also increases.

If you get injured in a rideshare accident in Maryland, you need to know who to hold liable for damages you suffer as a result. Our Maryland rideshare accident attorneys explain more about how these crashes happen, who may be liable, and how to protect your rights in an Uber or Lyft accident claim.

Know The Risks And Why Maryland Ridesharing Accidents Happen

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) hails ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft for reshaping road traffic in the United States. Introduced over 15 years ago, they quickly spread in popularity.

Today, many Maryland residents rely on ridesharing to get safely home after a night out with friends, save on parking at airports, run errands, or take trips. Unfortunately, as the popularity of ridesharing increased, the NIH warns that accident risks increased as well. Common reasons they happen include:

• Reckless ridesharing drivers: Distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, and other dangerous behaviors put others at risk.
• The recklessness of other motorists: Dangerous driving behaviors on their part may have contributed to the crash.
• Negligence on the part of the ridesharing company: Not vetting drivers when hiring, allowing excessively long shifts, and ignoring traffic violations and rider complaints increase crash risks.

Uber and Lyft provide million-dollar insurance coverage to reassure drivers and passengers and protect them in the event of a crash. However, this coverage is contingent on whether the driver was at fault, if they were logged into the app, and if they were about to pick up or carrying a passenger at the time. Even if you meet these requirements, insurers will likely try to dispute or downplay your claim.

Protect Your Rights In A Maryland Rideshare Accident Claim

Ridesharing accidents in Maryland can leave passengers and other road users suffering potentially devastating harm. As these cases are complex and often disputed, take action to protect your rights in a claim:

• Report the accident immediately: Notify the police so they can complete an accident report and call an ambulance if anyone is severely injured.
• Get contact info for everyone involved: This includes the ridesharing driver, the company they work for, other motorists, and any witnesses at the scene.
• Gather evidence: If possible, take pictures or videos of the accident site, your injuries, and vehicle damage.
• Get care for your injuries: Downplaying ridesharing accident injuries in Maryland could leave you paying future costs out-of-pocket. Visit your doctor, describe all symptoms, and follow their recommendations.

Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Maryland Rideshare Accident Attorney

Ridesharing accidents in Maryland are complex cases. Both ridesharing companies and insurers often balk at paying. Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP protects your rights, represents you in negotiations, and fights for the maximum compensation. Contact us today to request a consultation with our experienced Maryland rideshare accident attorneys.

Sources:

uber.com/us/en/drive/insurance/

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9431654/