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Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get around, but when accidents occur, things can become complicated quickly. Unlike traditional car crashes, where you deal with one driver’s insurance, rideshare accidents often involve multiple potential sources of coverage. Who pays for damages depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident and whether other parties share liability.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Maryland, here’s what you need to know about who may be responsible for covering your losses.
The Rideshare Driver’s Status Matters
The first step in figuring out coverage is understanding what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash. Insurance policies shift depending on whether the driver was logged into the app and whether a passenger was in the vehicle.
Off the App (Personal Driving)
If a rideshare driver is not logged into the app, they are considered to be using their vehicle for personal purposes. In this situation, the rideshare company has no responsibility for an accident. The driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage.
This means that if you’re hit by a rideshare driver who wasn’t working, your claim proceeds just like a typical car accident case.
Logged In and Waiting for a Ride Request
If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, both personal insurance and the rideshare company’s policy may apply. Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage in these situations, often up to:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage.
This coverage is designed to step in when the driver’s personal insurance either denies the claim or is insufficient to cover the costs.
Traveling to Retrieve a Rider
Once a driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger, the insurance coverage increases. Rideshare companies provide $1 million in liability coverage during this period. This policy may also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if another driver causes the crash and lacks adequate insurance.
Transporting a Passenger
The highest level of coverage applies when a passenger is actually in the vehicle. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with potential coverage for property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorists, and sometimes medical expenses.
For injured passengers, this coverage is often the primary source of recovery. However, depending on the facts of the accident, other drivers or third parties may also share responsibility.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Not all rideshare crashes are caused by the rideshare driver. Other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance may share liability. For example:
- A distracted driver collides with an Uber vehicle.
- A defective brake system contributed to the crash.
- Poorly maintained roadways leading to loss of control.
In these cases, multiple parties and insurers may be involved. Determining liability requires careful investigation, and claims can quickly become complex.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Maryland follows one of the strictest negligence standards in the country–contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
This means that insurers will often look for any opportunity to argue that you contributed to the crash—for example, by speeding, failing to signal, or not wearing a seatbelt. Protecting yourself against these claims is critical to preserving your right to compensation.
What Damages Can Victims Recover?
Whether you are a rideshare passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian injured in the crash, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
The source of payment depends on the driver’s status, the involvement of third parties, and the outcome of fault determinations.
How an Attorney Can Help With Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple insurers, each trying to minimize its share of responsibility. A lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the accident and determining which policies apply
- Collecting medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions
- Negotiating with insurers to push back against low offers
- Protecting you from contributory negligence claims that could bar recovery
At McGowan & Cecil, we represent rideshare accident victims throughout Maryland, and we know how to untangle complex insurance issues to pursue the compensation our clients deserve. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.