Gaithersburg Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, are popular throughout the United States. These companies have grown rapidly and had some notable benefits. For instance, some evidence suggests that the rate of drunk drivers is decreasing as a result of the easy alternative transportation that rideshare services offer.
However, when we hail a rideshare, we are counting on another person to behave responsibility behind the wheel. Most drivers will be in a crash multiple times throughout their lives. If you are unlucky enough to be injured because of a rideshare driver’s mistakes or negligence, you likely have many questions regarding what you can do next. Pursuing a personal injury claim might be your best option.
Contact the dedicated Gaithersburg, Maryland car accident attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today to discuss your claim. Our Gaithersburg rideshare accident attorneys have over three decades of experience representing individuals injured in car accidents. Call 301-670-7030 to learn about how we can help you.
How are Rideshares Different From Public Transportation?
Rideshare services provide on-demand transportation to individuals. Passengers need only request that a car come to their location to have one of these drivers show up ready to give them a ride. Because of this, rideshares are far more convenient than traditional forms of public transportation such as buses, trains, and even taxi cabs. Individuals who choose to use rideshare services must download an app on their phone. Public transportation is typically heavily regulated, but there is far less oversight when it comes to rideshares. To become a driver for a rideshare service, individuals need little more than a driver’s license. It is important to consider the lack of regulations when deciding whether or not to use these services.
Crashes Involving Rideshare Drivers in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Rideshare drivers are private citizens, and like other motorists, are often involved in car crashes. These drivers are no less apt to make a mistake while turning left, changing lanes, or engaging in any other driving-related activity. Instances of rideshare drivers speeding or driving while distracted can lead to crashes and related injuries. One of the issues victims of rideshare crashes face is whether that person or the company is liable for the harm the driver caused.
Liability related to rideshare crashes is not as clear-cut as it is for other car crashes. After all, these drivers are often using their personal vehicles in the service of the rideshare companies. Car insurance companies will typically cover compensation for victims of an accident caused by one of their insured drivers. However, most of these policies will cease to remain in effect if the driver uses his or her car for commercial purposes. As such, a person injured by a rideshare driver may not be able to collect through that driver’s private car insurance policy. This scenario presents problems for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others who may suffer injuries in a crash with a rideshare driver. Passengers in any car operated by a rideshare driver would also face issues in this scenario. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft must cover drivers so that injured individuals are not left to suffer the consequences of a crash caused by another person.
Rideshare services have policies that will vary depending on the car’s use at the time of the crash. Suppose a rideshare driver is currently using their car for personal reasons and not as part of their work as a rideshare driver. In that case, that individual’s private insurance should step in to cover any losses. Minimum private insurance in Maryland is $30,000 per injured individual, $60,000 per crash, and $15,000 for property damage.
When a rideshare driver is logged into a rideshare app, Uber and Lyft cover $50,000 per injured person, $100,000 total for bodily injuries resulting from the crash, and $25,000 for property damage resulting from an accident. The policy will change at the point in time when a rideshare driver accepts the request to pick up a client, and until the driver drops off that passenger at the end of that trip. The coverage then increases to $1,000,000 in liability for crashes that occur while the rideshare driver is engaged in transporting a passenger. Sometimes this variance leads to disputes about whether the larger coverage amount applies, the lower amount, or whether the driver’s individual insurance should cover the injuries and other damage related to a crash.
Negligence in Gaithersburg, Maryland Rideshare Crashes
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, individuals injured in car accidents must be able to prove that another person caused his or her injuries. A person injured in a car accident in Maryland who bears even partial liability for the crash will not be able to recover compensation from another driver – even in cases where the other motorist is far more at fault than the injured individual. The same applies to rideshare drivers. However, if you were a passenger in a rideshare car involved in a collision, it is highly unlikely that you were partially at fault for that crash. To learn more about your ability to collect compensation, contact a Gaithersburg, Maryland car accident attorney.
Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP After a Rideshare Car Accident in Gaithersburg
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our dedicated car accident attorneys understand how important it is for you to recover compensation for injuries you suffered at the hands of a negligent motorist. Call 301-670-7030 to discuss your claim with a dedicated and experienced Gaithersburg, Maryland car accident attorney.
