Rideshare accidents have become more common in recent years, making it important for all Uber and Lyft riders to know what steps to take after a collision.
Uber and Lyft cover rideshare accidents when the app is on, up to different amounts. If the driver’s rideshare app is not on, the auto insurance they purchased for their vehicle applies. Like any accident, rideshare crashes result in expensive hospital bills, considerable lost wages, damage to personal property, and pain and suffering that affect quality of life. Let us determine who is ultimately liable for your damages and secure compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident in Montgomery Village.
You can call Rice Law at (410) 694-7291 to discuss your case for free with our Uber and Lyft rideshare injury lawyers.
Who Covers Your Damages After a Rideshare Accident in Montgomery Village?
Who covers your damages after a rideshare accident in Montgomery Village depends on who is ultimately liable for the crash.
Uber or Lyft Third-Party Coverage
A rideshare company’s third-party liability insurance may cover your damages after an Uber or Lyft accident, provided certain conditions are met.
If the driver’s app was on and they were actively completing a ride or en route to pick up a rider, rideshare liability insurance covers up to $1 million in damages per accident.
If the driver’s app was on but they did not have a rider and were not en route to pick one up when the accident took place, rideshare liability insurance would cover up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Rideshare Driver’s Personal Auto Insurance
Even if a driver drives for Uber or Lyft, they can be personally liable for any accident that occurs when the app is off. In those situations, the driver’s auto insurance for their vehicle could help cover your damages, most likely up to the mandatory minimums in Maryland, unless the driver had more than the minimum coverage.
The mandatory minimums for auto insurance in Maryland are $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
What Are the Top Damages from Uber + Lyft Rideshare Accidents?
Even when sitting in the backseat of a rideshare car, victims can suffer incredibly painful and expensive injuries, among other costly damages that are worthy of compensation.
Medical Expenses
Facial fractures, internal injuries, concussions, and other common injuries from Uber and Lyft accidents all require some form of medical attention. You deserve compensation for your injuries, no matter their severity, and can still pursue a claim for minor or moderate injuries that have cost you money.
Lost Wages
Whether you are unable to work for several days, several weeks, or several months after sustaining injuries in a rideshare accident, you can seek relief for your damages due to lost wages. Never return to work against the advice of your treating physicians, as that could hurt your case.
Lost wages are calculated based on your pre-injury income, which our Uber and Lyft rideshare injury lawyers can prove with recent tax returns and pay stubs.
Personal Property Damage
Rideshare passengers may have valuable items and personal property with them during accidents. You can also seek compensation for any of your personal property that was damaged or destroyed, such as your laptop or smartphone.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are among the top damages from rideshare accidents, affecting most victims who suffer physical injuries or experience traumatizing collisions. Non-economic damages differ from economic damages in that they are not proven with bills and records but rather with testimony from victims and mental health experts.
Non-economic damages can be just as great as economic damages, sometimes even greater, depending on the case.
FAQs About Rideshare Accidents Involving Uber + Lyft
How Do You Report Rideshare Accidents to Uber and Lyft?
Victims can report rideshare accidents involving their drivers directly through the rideshare app on their phones. Prompt reporting is important and notifies the rideshare company’s insurance of your accident.
Should You Call 911 After a Rideshare Accident in Montgomery Village?
You should absolutely call 911 after a rideshare accident, especially if you are in any pain or notice any injuries. Law enforcement officers will complete an accident report and upload it to the Montgomery County Department of Police Public Record Center’s online portal, where our lawyers can download it on your behalf in preparation for your case.
Are Uber and Lyft Always Liable for Rideshare Accidents?
Uber and Lyft are not always liable for accidents involving rideshare drivers, and whether their liability insurance covers damages will depend on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident.
How Long Do You Have to Get Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in Montgomery Village?
You may have up to 3 years to get compensation after a rideshare accident in Montgomery Village. While you can technically file your claim at any point during those 3 years, you should not delay your case for the sake of it, just because you have more time in the statute of limitations.
Why Do Most Rideshare Accidents in Montgomery Village Happen?
Many rideshare accidents happen because of the rideshare driver’s negligence. Making sudden or illegal turns, following another car too closely, speeding, making unsafe lane changes, not paying attention to the road, and other negligent conduct make Uber and Lyft drivers liable for rideshare accidents.
What Makes Getting a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident Worth It?
If you do not seek an attorney’s help after a rideshare accident, you might end up accepting a bad settlement that leaves far too much of your damages uncovered. Getting a lawyer is worth it when you get the compensation that you deserve.
Get Our Help After Your Montgomery Village Rideshare Accident
Call the Uber and Lyft rideshare injury lawyers of Rice Law at (410) 694-7291 for your free case discussion today.