Rideshare Accidents in Maryland: Whose Insurance Actually Pays When a Driver Is At Fault

Uber and Lyft have made getting around Maryland easier but figuring out who pays after a rideshare crash is anything but simple. Unlike a standard car accident involving two personal vehicles, rideshare collisions often involve layered insurance policies that only apply during certain parts of a trip. Our Maryland car accident attorneys explain how coverage typically works and what injured passengers, drivers, and other motorists need to know.

Why Rideshare Insurance Coverage Depends on the App’s Status

Rideshare companies are required to carry commercial insurance policies, but the amount of coverage available depends on what the driver’s app was doing at the moment of the crash. Under Maryland Code, Insurance Article Section 19-505, transportation network companies must maintain specific levels of coverage tied to these distinct periods:

• App off, driver not logged in: only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• App on, waiting for a ride request: limited contingent liability coverage applies through the rideshare company.
• En route to pick up a passenger or during an active trip: the company’s full commercial policy applies, offering significantly higher coverage limits.

This layered structure means the same crash can be handled very differently depending on the exact status of the app when the collision happened.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Maryland Rideshare Accident

Depending on how the crash occurred, more than one party could be responsible, including:

• The rideshare driver, if their own negligence caused the crash while logged into the app.
• Another motorist, if a third party driver caused the collision.
• The rideshare company’s insurer, depending on the driver’s app status at the time.
• A vehicle manufacturer, if a defect contributed to the crash.

Passengers injured in a rideshare vehicle generally have a more straightforward path to compensation, since the app was almost certainly active during an active trip. Drivers of other vehicles and the rideshare driver themselves often face more complicated coverage disputes.

Steps To Protect Your Rights After a Maryland Rideshare Crash

To protect your right to compensation after a rideshare accident, take these steps:

• Take a screenshot of the trip details in the app before it disappears from your ride history.
• Get the names of both drivers involved, along with insurance and contact information.
• Call the police and request a copy of the accident report.
• Seek medical attention immediately and follow all recommended treatment.
• Avoid giving a statement to any insurer, including the rideshare company’s carrier, before speaking with an attorney.

Insurance companies representing rideshare platforms are experienced at limiting payouts, and coverage disputes between insurers can drag out a claim for months. Having professional legal help early can prevent unnecessary delays.

Contact Our Team Today for Guidance in Your Case

Determining whose insurance pays after a rideshare crash in Maryland is rarely simple. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our Maryland car accident attorneys sort through layered insurance policies, identify every liable party, and fight to get injured passengers and drivers the compensation they deserve.

If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, whether as a passenger, driver, or another motorist, contact our office today. Request a consultation with our Maryland car accident lawyers to discuss your case.

Source:

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gin&section=19-505&enactments=false