Frederick Rideshare Accident Attorney
Most drivers will be involved in more than one crash throughout their lives. Rideshare drivers, like any other motorist, risk being in collisions. Sharing the road with these drivers means there is always a possibility of being involved in a crash caused by a driver who is working for rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft. Using rideshare companies means that you are requesting a ride from a stranger and that you could be involved in a collision while in the car with that person.
Rideshare services create certain new issues regarding how to handle the aftermath of a car accident. However, some evidence suggests that the spread of rideshare services is helping to reduce the risks of drunk drivers on the road. A readily available ride home from virtually any location might be helping to lower the chances of alcohol-impaired individuals being tempted to get behind the wheel.
Whether you believe rideshare services are overall a good thing or a bad thing, the reality is that you are likely to come across these drivers when you are out on the road. If you were injured in a car crash caused by a rideshare driver, contact a dedicated Frederick, Maryland car accident attorney to discuss your case. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our Frederick rideshare accident attorneys have been working for more than three decades throughout the state of Maryland. We understand how important your claim is to you and your family. Call us at 301-668-2100 for a consultation after a rideshare accident in Frederick.
Proving Liability in Frederick, Maryland Rideshare Car Accidents
In Frederick, Maryland, and throughout the state, individuals injured by negligent drivers’ actions have the ability to collect compensation. In Maryland, courts follow what is called contributory negligence. Under this system, if you are partially liable for your injuries, you cannot recover damages from a negligent motorist. In many cases, car accidents are messy and complicated situations, and determining fault can be a challenge. Still, many people are injured in crashes caused by the negligence of one driver. For passengers traveling in rideshare cars, contributory negligence is unlikely to be a factor. If you were injured in a car crash involving a rideshare driver, and you have questions regarding your case, contact a Frederick, Maryland car accident attorney.
Rideshare Services, Crashes and Claims
Rideshare drivers are private individuals who operate their cars for the purposes of providing transportation to the public. These motorists need little more than a valid driver’s license in order to begin working as a driver for companies such as Uber or Lyft. Rideshare services are not forms of public transportation in the same way as commuter trains or buses. This new form of transportation presents issues not previously dealt with in car crash claims.
When you drive in Maryland, you are required to hold a liability insurance policy. The minimum insurance required under Maryland law includes $30,000 in coverage to an injured person, $60,000 for injuries to all persons hurt in the crash, and $15,000 for property damage. In some situations, that coverage will not be enough to compensate a person for severe losses resulting from a car accident. Medical bills can quickly add up to greater than $30,000. Although drivers can carry greater amounts of insurance coverage, they are not required to do so, and many choose only the minimal policy. Rideshare companies carry larger amounts of coverage that apply for their drivers, but only at certain times.
Rideshare drivers use their cars for their own purposes, too. If you are involved in a car crash with a rideshare driver who is on the way to buy groceries, that person’s personal insurance policy will likely apply. If you are involved in a crash with a rideshare driver who is transporting a passenger for Uber or Lyft, then the rideshare company’s policy will be relevant. The rideshare policies, which carry higher amounts of coverage up to $1,000,000, will apply as soon as the driver accepts a ride and until that trip is complete and the passenger is no longer in the vehicle. If the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a fare and is not transporting a person, Uber and Lyft provide insurance amounting to $50,000 per person, $100,000 for total injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
Sometimes rideshare car accidents will lead to controversy regarding whether private insurance or the company’s policy is applicable. It is important to understand which insurer covers the accident in which you are involved. Contact a Frederick, Maryland car accident attorney to discuss your claim and determine your best course of action.
What Damages Can I Collect Following a Rideshare Car Crash in Frederick, Maryland
Following a car accident, an injured person who successfully pursues a personal injury lawsuit against another driver can recover damages that will compensate for medical bills, lost earnings from work, property damage, and pain and suffering, among other potentially relevant losses. Determining the damages available in your case will require an attorney’s careful analysis.
Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP After a Rideshare Car Accident in Frederick
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our attorneys understand how important it is for an accident victim to recover compensation. The damages recovered in a personal injury lawsuit help injured people and their families move on and heal from the harm that was done. Call us at 301-668-2100 to discuss your claim.
