Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation, offering a convenient alternative to public transportation. However, with more rideshare drivers on the road, the risk of accidents increases.
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident in Greenbelt, MD, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your suffering, medical treatment, property damage and other losses.
An Uber or Lyft car accident attorney in Greenbelt, Maryland, can help you navigate your car accident case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today: 410-753-4611.
How a Greenbelt Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Car accident lawsuits involving injured passengers and rideshare drivers can be complex due to multiple parties and insurance policies.
A Greenbelt, MD, car accident lawyer with extensive experience in handling accident claims can assist by:
Investigating the accident and gathering evidence: This includes obtaining police reports, documentation of injuries, medical records and eyewitness statements to prove fault.
Determining liability: The at-fault driver could be the Uber or Lyft driver, another driver or even the Uber or Lyft if negligence is involved. If a driver ran a red light, they could be held liable for the crash.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance providers often attempt to pay as little as possible. An attorney can ensure their clients collect compensation that accurately reflects their medical costs, lost income and suffering.
Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If settlement negotiations fail, an attorney can take their clients’ cases to court to fight for maximum compensation.
Ensuring compliance with legal deadlines: Car crash claims have strict deadlines, and a legal team can handle the necessary paperwork efficiently while working diligently on your case.
Evaluating personal injury protection (PIP) benefits: Understanding how PIP coverage affects your vehicle crash claim is critical, as it can help cover medical treatment and other costs regardless of fault, though gathering evidence is still essential for maximizing your benefits.
When Is a Rideshare Driver On Duty?
Determining whether a Lyft or Uber driver was on duty at the time you were injured in a crash is crucial in deciding which coverage by the insurance companies applies.
A Lyft or Uber driver is considered on duty in the following situations:
- Offline: When the driver is not logged into the app, their personal car insurance applies.
- Available for ride requests: When the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a request, the rideshare company provides limited liability coverage.
- En route or transporting a passenger: When the driver accepts a request for a ride, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance coverage is in effect.
Driver mode and app-turned status play a key role in determining the applicable insurance policy.
What Are Punitive Damages in a Rideshare Accident?
In some lawsuits, car accident victims may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages for medical expenses and lost wages. These damages are separate from standard compensation for negligence and are granted in cases where the responsible party’s actions were especially reckless or egregious, including situations such as:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Excessive speeding or reckless driving
- Knowingly operating a vehicle with faulty brakes or other dangerous conditions
- Engaging in road rage or aggressive driving
An accident lawyer in Greenbelt, Maryland can assess your case and determine whether pursuing punitive damages in court is an option. Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Law for a free consultation about your rideshare car accident case.
Rideshare Personal Insurance Policy Requirements in Maryland
Maryland law requires drivers to carry specific levels of insurance coverage to protect themselves and others in case of an accident.
Rideshare drivers must have personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum liability requirements, which are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
Understanding these three tiers of coverage ensures that car accident victims know how to proceed with their Uber and Lyft accident claims.
Driver Status and Uber Insurance Coverage
Uber and other rideshare companies provide different levels of coverage based on the driver’s status. If an accident occurs while the driver is:
- Offline: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- While waiting for a request: Uber offers third-party coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
- En route or transporting a passenger: Uber’s $1 million policy is in effect, covering injuries, bodily harm, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Navigating these policies can be complex, especially since drivers operate as independent contractors, and a Greenbelt car accident lawyer can ensure that the correct insurance provider pays for your injuries and losses. Whether dealing with their own insurance or the rideshare company’s policy, accident victims need legal guidance to maximize their settlement.
The Three Types of App Statuses
To determine which insurance policy covers a car accident victim, it is necessary to understand the three main statuses of an Uber or Lyft driver:
- Offline Status: When an Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the rideshare app, they are considered off-duty.
- Available Status: This phase begins the moment a driver logs into the rideshare app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride request. If a car accident occurs during this time, passengers or other drivers suffering injuries may be eligible for damages under the rideshare company’s limited liability coverage.
- Active Status: This covers two situations. The first is when a driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up the passenger. The second is when they are actively transporting a passenger to their destination.
Each status significantly impacts responsibility and compensation, making it critical to have legal representation to navigate these complexities.
Contact a Greenbelt Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, don’t face the legal process alone. An experienced law firm can help you prove fault, handle negotiations with insurance companies and fight for fair compensation. Whether you were a passenger, Uber or Lyft driver, or the other driver, a skilled attorney can provide the legal support you need.
A car accident victim should not have to deal with the aftermath of an accident alone. Whether you were the other driver involved or a passenger, an accident lawyer in Greenbelt can help. Clients across Maryland rely on experienced lawyers to help them recover compensation for medical care, accident total losses and income loss.
Contact a Zirkin & Schmerling Greenbelt car accident lawyer today for a free consultation and free case review to take the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and personal injury case: 410-753-4611. We work on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your claim.