Car Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles

Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, make transportation easier than ever. However, due to the nature of the ridesharing business, things can get a bit complicated when an Uber or Lyft vehicle is involved in a car accident. To determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and whose insurance is going to pay for the damages and any injuries involved, there are a number of factors that will need to be considered, including whether the driver was on duty at the time of the accident. If you are injured in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, a skilled car accident lawyer will address all your questions and concerns and ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Car accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles are different from conventional car accidents because, unlike a conventional car accident that is resolved between the two drivers, there are multiple parties involved when a ridesharing vehicle is in an accident. They include the two drivers, the ridesharing company, and the passengers. This also means that there are multiple insurance companies that may be responsible for compensating the victim for any injuries sustained.

Coverage by Ridesharing Companies

Uber and Lyft both have similar insurance policies, with three tiers of coverage, including the following:

• The driver’s app is not turned on at the time of the accident. If the driver gets into an accident, they are only covered by their personal auto insurance policy.
• The driver turned the app on, but has not yet accepted a ride request. The driver is covered by the ridesharing company’s liability insurance, which provides:
  – Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  – Up to $100,000 per accident total for bodily injury
  – Up to $25,000 per accident for property damage
• The driver accepts a ride request, has picked up the customer, and is en route to the destination. The driver is covered by the rideshare company’s auto liability and uninsured/underinsured coverage up to $1 million per accident injuries. For property damage, drivers are covered by contingent collision and comprehensive coverage up to the cash value of the vehicle or the repair cost, whichever is less.

If you are injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you are entitled to recovery, regardless of whether the driver was at fault or someone else caused the accident. If the at-fault person is not covered by insurance, or does not have enough coverage, a car accident lawyer will seek additional compensation from Uber and Lyft’s insurance companies to ensure that you are compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Ridesharing Car Accidents

If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident involving a Lyft, Uber, or any other rideshare vehicle, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will investigate the details of your case and determine whose insurance is responsible for the damages. Our dedicated team will protect your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.