When you’re involved in a car accident with a Lyft vehicle in Maryland, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Recent trends suggest that rideshare services will continue to expand throughout the state, which means accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers will become increasingly common. These accidents present unique challenges that make them fundamentally different from traditional car crashes, which is why working with an experienced Lyft car accident attorney in Maryland is crucial for protecting your rights.
Whether your Uber or Lyft driver was at fault or not, Lyft accident victims should work with a personal injury lawyer who understands the unique nature of Lyft accident claims. The Lyft accident lawyers at Zirkin and Schmerling Law are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to Lyft car accidents and other rideshare crashes.
Contact our law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your Lyft accident case. We also work with victims of Uber accidents and any other rideshare company. Transportation network companies play an important part in the commuting culture in Maryland, but the circumstances surrounding Uber or Lyft accidents can be life-changing.
Filing a personal injury claim with a Lyft car accident attorney in Maryland at Zirkin and Schmerling Law is the best way to protect your rights and get your life back on track.
Role of a Maryland Lyft Accident Lawyer – How We Can Help
At Zirkin and Schmerling Law, we understand the intricacies of rideshare accident claims. Our car accident lawyers work tirelessly to protect the rights of victims while navigating the complex web of insurance company claims that often accompanies these cases.
An insurance company will often try to minimize claims or shift responsibility to other parties, making experienced legal representation crucial to receive fair compensation.
When you work with a Lyft accident attorney in Maryland, we handle every aspect of your case. Our team communicates with all relevant insurance companies, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
We understand how both Uber and Lyft accidents can impact victims’ lives, and we fight to secure compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Maryland
The unique pressures and distractions faced by Uber and Lyft drivers often contribute to rideshare accidents. Unlike traditional drivers, an Uber or Lyft driver must constantly monitor their phones for each new ride request, navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods and locate specific pickup points, all while maintaining safe driving practices. These competing demands can lead to dangerous situations on Maryland’s roads.
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of rideshare crashes. When Lyft operators attempt to monitor the app, follow GPS directions and communicate with passengers simultaneously, their attention diverts from the road.
This split focus can result in serious car accidents, especially during heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
Other common factors that contribute to Lyft accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Pressure to complete rides quickly
- Unsafe stopping or parking while picking up passengers
- Unfamiliarity with local roads and traffic patterns
- Gross negligence actions
How Lyft Car Accident Liability Is Determined
Determining liability after a Lyft accident requires careful analysis of multiple factors. The driver’s status at the time the accident occurred plays a crucial role in establishing which insurance policy applies. This status can affect everything from available coverage limits to which insurance company takes primary responsibility for the claim.
When a Lyft driver causes a car accident while actively transporting a passenger, the $1 million liability policy of the rideshare company typically provides coverage. However, the situation becomes more complex when an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride or when they’re between rides. These scenarios often involve multiple insurance policies and can lead to disputes between insurance companies about who bears responsibility.
Maryland’s contributory negligence law adds another layer of complexity to Uber or Lyft accident cases. Under this strict rule, if you’re found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
However, it is unusual for a Lyft passenger to be found at fault for the accident, so it is more likely that fault will be assigned to the Uber or Lyft driver, other drivers involved in the accident or additional parties who contributed.
This makes it essential to work with an experienced Maryland Lyft accident attorney who can protect your rights and build a strong case demonstrating the other party’s liability.
All About Lyft Insurance Coverage
Understanding insurance issues in rideshare collisions can be confusing, as coverage depends entirely on the Lyft driver’s status when the accident occurred. Maryland personal injury attorneys experienced in handling Uber and Lyft accidents know how to navigate these complex insurance scenarios to maximize their clients’ recovery.
Working with a Maryland Lyft accident lawyer on your Lyft accident claim improves your chances of recovering appropriate compensation, no matter what the insurance company initially decides.
Periods of Insurance Coverage
In the event of a collision, Lyft’s company insurance can act as a financial safeguard under specific circumstances. It offers additional coverage that supplements a driver’s personal policy while they are working. Here’s what you should know about the various coverage periods for Lyft drivers:
Period 0:
This period refers to the time when the Lyft app is off, and the driver is not available to accept ride requests. During this time, Lyft’s insurance does not offer coverage, and the driver’s personal auto insurance is the only applicable coverage in case of an accident.
Period 1:
This period begins when the driver logs into the Lyft app and is waiting for a ride request. If the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the situation, Lyft provides third-party liability insurance, which includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Period 2:
This period starts when the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. Lyft’s insurance policy increases to $1 million in third-party auto liability coverage during this time.
Period 3:
This period covers the time from when the passenger enters the vehicle until they are dropped off. The $1 million third-party auto liability insurance continues, and if the driver has personal comprehensive and collision coverage, those policies are also in effect during this time.
Many personal insurance policies exclude coverage when drivers use their vehicles for commercial purposes. This coverage gap can create significant complications for any Lyft or Uber passenger who is seeking compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers understand how to identify all available insurance claims and ensure that no potential source of compensation goes unexplored.
Medical Treatment After a Lyft Accident
It is crucial to seek medical treatment after any car crash is crucial, but it becomes especially important in rideshare wrecks. Common Lyft accident injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and other neck injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
Waiting to seek treatment can not only compromise your health but also make it more difficult to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident.
Key Steps To Protect Your Health and Legal Rights
Any accident involving injuries should be taken seriously. After a car crash, it is important to seek medical care and document any out-of-pocket medical expenses related to your treatment. You should
- Keep all medical records and follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Keep records of all medical expenses and related costs
- Track how your injuries affect your daily life and ability to work
- Maintain a journal of your recovery process, including all medical complications
- Save all communication with insurance companies
Common Challenges in Rideshare Claims
Insurance companies often employ various tactics to reduce or deny claims after a Lyft or Uber accident. They may dispute the severity of injuries, argue about liability, or attempt to shift blame between multiple insurance policies. Some insurers may even try to pressure accident victims into accepting quick settlements that don’t fully cover their losses.
A car accident lawyer from Zirkin and Schmerling Law can anticipate and counter these tactics, protecting our clients’ rights throughout the claims process.
We understand how both Uber and Lyft handle accident claims, and we know what evidence is needed to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Contributory Negligence & Lyft Accidents in Maryland
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule makes having experienced legal representation particularly crucial in rideshare accident cases. Unlike many other states, Maryland prevents recovery if the injured party bears any responsibility for the accident. This strict rule means that insurance companies often try to assign even minimal blame to accident victims to avoid paying claims.
Even if rideshare accident is unlikely caused by an Uber or Lyft passenger, a car accident lawyer for the rideshare company may argue that you were responsible. If the insurance company implies that you were responsible, don’t sign anything. You shouldn’t sign anything at all until you have spoken to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who will protect your rights.
The accident lawyers at our law firm understand how to combat these tactics. We meticulously document evidence showing the other party’s liability while protecting our clients from unfair allegations of fault. This approach proves especially important in Lyft accident cases, where multiple parties and insurance companies may attempt to shift blame.
Contact an Accident Lawyer at Zirkin and Schmerling Law Today
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident or other motor vehicle accidents in Maryland, don’t face the complex legal system alone. An experienced Lyft car accident attorney in Maryland understands the unique challenges of rideshare accident claims and know how to fight to help you recover compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. You need competent legal representation to navigate any accident that involves Uber or Lyft drivers.
Contact our law firm today to schedule your confidential consultation. Our team of Maryland personal injury attorneys will help you understand the best path forward. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or deny you fair compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident. Let our experienced legal team fight for your rights while you focus on recovery.
Remember, time limits apply to filing accident claims in Maryland. The sooner you reach out, the better we can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence. Contact us now at 410-753-4611 to schedule a free consultation and learn how a Lyft car accident attorney in Maryland can help you navigate the aftermath of your Lyft accident and secure the compensation you deserve.
