Bethesda Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Bethesda, offering convenient travel options for residents and visitors alike. But these services also introduce unique legal complexities when accidents occur. Whether you are a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even the rideshare driver themselves, navigating liability, insurance coverage, and Maryland law can be confusing. Our experienced Bethesda rideshare accident lawyers help victims understand their rights and pursue full compensation after a rideshare-related crash.

Understanding Maryland Rideshare Laws and Insurance Requirements

Maryland has established specific rules governing rideshare operations, designed to protect both passengers and the public. Rideshare drivers must be properly licensed, complete background checks, and carry commercial liability insurance while logged into the rideshare app. When it comes to liability and the amount of insurance required, state law distinguishes between different periods of a driver’s activity:

1. App Off: If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app when a crash occurs, they are treated as a private driver, and standard personal auto insurance applies. This can be as little as $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for injury to two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage.
2. App On, No Passenger: While logged in and waiting for a ride request, drivers must have liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, with $25,000 for property damage.
3. Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: Once a passenger enters the vehicle, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance coverage kicks in, providing $1 million in liability coverage per incident, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This limit applies as soon as the driver accepts a ride request and is on the way to pick up a passenger. It lasts until the ride is completed.

These distinctions are critical when pursuing a claim. Knowing which insurance applies at the time of the crash can determine the strength of your case and the amount of compensation you may recover.

Who Can Be Injured in a Bethesda Rideshare Accident

Rideshare accidents can affect a wide range of individuals, and each situation presents unique legal considerations:

• Other drivers: If a negligent rideshare driver causes a collision, the other driver may suffer property damage, medical bills, and lost wages. Their claim may involve the rideshare driver’s personal policy or the rideshare company’s commercial policy, with the insurance companies arguing over the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
• Rideshare passengers: Passengers injured while inside the vehicle may have claims against the driver, the rideshare company, or a third-party at-fault driver. Insurance coverage is broader during the period when a passenger is in the car, making it crucial to accurately document the circumstances of the crash.
• Pedestrians and cyclists: Pedestrians struck by a rideshare vehicle have the right to pursue compensation, just as they would if hit by a private driver. These claims often involve serious injuries because rideshare vehicles operate in dense, urban traffic conditions.
• Rideshare drivers: Drivers themselves can be injured while performing their work, often because another driver caused the accident. Their personal insurance may be limited during rideshare activity, making it essential to navigate commercial policies and any available workers’ compensation coverage carefully.

Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims

Rideshare accidents present unique challenges compared to standard motor vehicle crashes. Insurance companies may dispute which policy is responsible, the extent of the driver’s liability, or whether injuries were pre-existing. Additionally, the rideshare company often has teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts, even when their driver is clearly at fault.

Because of these complexities, having a skilled attorney who understands both Maryland rideshare law and the tactics used by insurance companies is critical. Our attorneys gather evidence from multiple sources, such as police reports, dashcam or app data, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong claim. We ensure that all potentially responsible parties, including the rideshare driver and the company, are held accountable.

Serious Injuries and Compensation

Rideshare crashes often result in significant injuries. Passengers may suffer broken bones, head or spinal injuries, or soft-tissue damage due to the sudden impact. Other drivers and their passengers can experience similar trauma, and pedestrians or cyclists may face life-altering harm. Injured rideshare drivers often contend with lost income in addition to medical expenses, making compensation vital to recovery.

Compensation may cover:

• Medical treatment, including emergency care and ongoing therapy
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Property damage to vehicles or personal items
• Long-term care or rehabilitation expenses

Our Bethesda rideshare accident lawyers evaluate each case to ensure all damages are accounted for, from immediate medical needs to long-term consequences.

How Maryland Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we understand the intricacies of rideshare accident claims and the challenges victims face. Our team provides a comprehensive investigation to determine liability, including analysis of personal and commercial insurance policies and coordination with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and are prepared to litigate if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

We provide personalized attention throughout the process, ensuring that every client understands their rights and receives the maximum compensation available under Maryland law.

Contact a Bethesda Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Bethesda, don’t navigate the complex legal and insurance issues alone. Contact Maryland Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We will review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the compensation you need to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.