Uber and Lyft are ridesharing services that are getting more and more popular in the Maryland area due to their reputation for dependability and efficiency. However, just like any other form of transportation, Uber/Lyft accidents occur more often than you may think. If you were wrongfully injured in a rideshare service accident and you require financial compensation to heal, follow along to learn how one of the seasoned Howard County car accident attorneys at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can aggressively fight on your behalf.
What are the frequent causes of Uber/Lyft accidents in the state of Maryland?
Since Uber/Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors instead of employees, they essentially only require a valid driver’s license and an insured automobile to work for the rideshare companies. The point here is that these drivers are not immune to the dangers on the road, such as driving hazards and poor weather conditions, nor to the negligence of other drivers on the road. In fact, these drivers may even be negligent themselves at times. Below are common examples of negligence that can contribute to a Uber/Lyft accident:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or looking at a GPS while driving.
- Reckless driving, such as ignoring traffic signals and signs or speeding.
- Drunk or drugged driving.
- Drowsy driving.
Does Uber/Lyft accident liability coverage apply to me?
It is not common knowledge that Uber/Lyft has a liability coverage service at your disposal in the event that you received injuries or other damages in an accident involving one of their drivers. Notably, the amount of payment available to you will depend on the circumstances of the accident. This system is broken down into “periods,” which are identified below:
- Period 0: the driver was involved in an accident when they were not yet logged into the rideshare app.
- Uber/Lyft will not provide liability coverage.
- You must independently sue the negligent driver’s insurance company.
- Period 1: the driver was involved in an accident when they were logged into the rideshare app, but had not accepted a ride yet.
- Uber/Lyft will provide the following liability coverage:
- $50,000 per injured person.
- $100,000 total injury liability per accident.
- $25,000 property damage liability.
- Uber/Lyft will provide the following liability coverage:
- Period 2: the driver was involved in an accident when they had accepted a ride and were on the way to pick up a passenger.
- Uber/Lyft will provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Period 3: the driver was involved in an accident while a passenger was in the car.
- Uber/Lyft will provide the following:
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Limited coverage for damages to the driver’s car.
- Uninsured motorists’ coverage.
- Uber/Lyft will provide the following:
For more information on this service, contact one of the competent Howard County auto accident attorneys today.
Contact Our Howard County, Maryland Firm
If you or a family member has sustained severe injuries in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
