Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer transportation services at the palm of a person’s hand. However, unlike traditional taxi companies, when a rideshare driver gets into a vehicle accident that results in injury, property damage, or even death, the rules aren’t always clear about where liability lies. People in Harford County who have been in rideshare car accidents might run into legal obstacles when demanding compensation.
If you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle accident involving a rideshare driver, you can work with a Harford County rideshare accident lawyer from Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers to build your case against the driver, rideshare company, or another relevant party. Our law firm offers the first consultation for free when you call so that you can better understand your legal options. For more information contact our Harford personal injury lawyer.
Liability Coverage in Rideshare Accident Cases Depend on App Activity
In general, if a rideshare driver was actively working at the time of the accident, the rideshare company may be held vicariously liable for the damages that resulted. However, the extent of coverage or when a rideshare company may step in to provide it can vary, depending on if the rideshare driver was engaging with the company’s app.
Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have similar policy terms when it comes to liability coverage for their drivers in the following scenarios:
If the Rideshare Driver Was Not Logged Into the App
If the rideshare driver got into a vehicle accident but was not logged into the company’s app, they would have to use their own auto insurance to cover accident damages.
App activity is the general form of evidence to prove that the driver was working at the time of the accident. If a driver was not logged into the rideshare app, they cannot prove their accident was work-related and would have sole liability if deemed at fault.
If the Rideshare Driver Was Logged Into the App and Waiting for a Ride Request
If the rideshare driver was logged into the app and available for ride requests, the rideshare company may provide liability coverage if the driver’s personal auto insurance does not cover the accident. This policy may be relevant if you collided with a rideshare driver in a separate vehicle.
If the Rideshare Driver Was Logged into the App and Giving Someone a Ride
If the rideshare driver was logged into the app and actively transporting you or someone else at the time of the accident, the rideshare company may be held liable for damages. This coverage also applies if the accident occurred while the driver was picking up or dropping off a passenger.
What Kind of Coverage Do Rideshare Companies Offer in Accident Cases?
Regardless of Uber’s or Lyft’s policy terms, all rideshare companies must abide by Maryland’s insurance standards as written in Md. Insurance Code § 19-517. This statute pertains to all transportation network companies (TNCs), which applies to companies that offer transportation via rideshare app networks. As such, the state requires companies like Uber and Lyft to offer the following types of coverage in case of accidents:
- Personal injury protection
- Bodily injury and property damage
- Comprehensive collision
A Harford County rideshare accident lawyer from Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers can review all relevant insurance policies that apply to your case so that you understand your rights. Our team can then build your claim and help you negotiate a potential settlement deal to cover your damages.
You May Have Grounds to Demand Compensation for Your Damages
If you decide to file a personal injury action about the rideshare accident, you may demand compensation for the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repair costs or other property damage expenses
- Loss of income or reduced earning potential
- Emotional distress, such as depression or anxiety
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Diminished quality of life
This is not a complete list of damages, so you may claim other losses specific to your case. Additionally, if you lost a loved one in a rideshare accident in Harford County, you may qualify to file a wrongful death action and pursue related damages, such as funeral arrangement costs or loss of consortium.
Contact Us Today And Take The First Step Towards Justice In Your Case! Call (410)777-8960
A Harford County Rideshare Accident Lawyer on Our Team Can Handle Your Case
Working with a personal injury lawyer from Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers can relieve you of the burden of building your case. When you decide to partner with our firm, we offer the following legal services:
- Investigating your accident to gather evidence and confirm key information about your case
- Speaking with all involved parties on your behalf to protect your case from potential partial fault claims
- Reading relevant insurance policies to determine how much compensation you may pursue
- Calculating your damages to determine how much compensation you need to recover your losses
- Performing standard administrative services to prepare your case, such as filling out legal paperwork and keeping track of court hearing dates
- Representing you in all legal appearances, both in and out of court
Our legal team will update you as your case moves forward in litigation. If there is an opportunity to negotiate a settlement deal for your case, your attorney can counsel you on whether to accept an offer or proceed with a lawsuit. Our team is also available to answer any questions you might have, as we provide clients with their own unique text number that they can use to contact us 24/7.
Harford County Rideshare Accident Attorney (410)777-8960
Your Time Is Limited to Submit Your Rideshare Accident Case in Maryland
Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code § 5-101 is Maryland’s statute of limitations, which sets a legal deadline for all personal injury cases. Per this statute, you generally have three years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, the rideshare company, or another liable party.
This is a strict deadline, so you do not want to jeopardize your opportunity to pursue compensation by filing late. Once you decide to work with our team, we will take appropriate measures to ensure your case is on time and valid in civil court.
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Call Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle accident involving a rideshare driver, such as an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have grounds to demand compensation for your damages. A Harford County rideshare accident lawyer from Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers can look into your case, then gather evidence to support your argument against the negligent driver.
Our firm helps accident victims like you in Maryland fight for their financial recovery so that you can get back on your feet. Don’t let rideshare companies intimidate you from demanding the compensation you need. When you work with our firm, we stand up for you throughout your legal journey. Call now to get your first consultation for free.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
