Rideshare Accidents in Maryland: Who Is Liable When an Uber or Lyft Driver Causes a Crash?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a daily part of life in Maryland, especially in the DC Metro Area. Whether you are commuting to work, getting home after a night out, or heading to the airport, these services are convenient and widely used. But what happens when a rideshare driver causes an accident and you are the one left injured? Figuring out who is responsible, and whose insurance applies, can be far more complicated than it is after a typical two-car collision.

Maryland’s Layered Insurance System for Rideshare Accidents

Maryland law specifically addresses insurance requirements for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. Under Md. Code, Public Utilities Art. § 10-405, rideshare companies are required to maintain or ensure that their drivers maintain primary motor vehicle insurance that covers the driver while providing transportation network services.

What makes these claims particularly complex is that the applicable insurance coverage depends heavily on the driver’s app status at the moment of the crash. There are generally three phases to be aware of:

• App is off: The driver is not working for the rideshare platform. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and personal policies often exclude coverage for commercial activity.
• App is on, but no ride accepted: The rideshare company’s contingent coverage may apply, typically providing up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and up to $25,000 for property damage.
• Ride accepted or passenger in the vehicle: The rideshare company’s commercial liability policy applies, which generally provides up to $1 million in coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused by the driver’s negligence.

Understanding which phase the driver was in at the time of your accident is often a central issue in these claims, and it is not always easy to determine without conducting a thorough investigation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

When a rideshare driver causes a crash, multiple parties may potentially bear responsibility. The driver is often the most obvious party, but the rideshare company, another motorist, or a combination of parties may also be relevant depending on the facts of the crash. Because rideshare companies typically classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, disputes often arise over the extent of the company’s legal responsibility for the driver’s actions.

Maryland is also a contributory negligence state, which means that if an injured person is found to be even partially at fault for the accident, it may affect their ability to recover compensation. This makes thorough evidence gathering particularly important in rideshare accident cases in Maryland.

Steps That Can Help Protect Your Claim

After a rideshare accident, the evidence that exists in the first hours and days can be critical. Trip logs, GPS data, and app records from the rideshare platform may all be relevant to establishing what was happening at the time of the crash. Insurance adjusters for large rideshare companies often move quickly after an accident, which is why it can be important to act promptly to preserve evidence and understand your rights.

Contact the Law Office of Vanessa R. Dozier, Esq. Today

Rideshare accident claims in Maryland involve complex insurance rules, potential disputes over driver status, and the challenges of dealing with well-resourced companies and their insurers. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a rideshare accident in the DC Metro Area, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Vanessa R. Dozier, Esq., our Columbia personal injury lawyers are ready to review the facts of your situation and help you understand your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.