The Legal Rights of Ride-Share Passengers: Navigating Injury Claims in Maryland
In Maryland, passengers in ride-share accidents have legal options to seek compensation for injuries sustained during an incident. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft carry insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. If you’re injured as a passenger in a ride-share vehicle due to the negligence of the driver or another party, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit to recover damages.
Insurance Coverage
When a ride-share driver is actively engaged in transporting a passenger, the ride-share company’s insurance typically serves as the primary coverage for any injuries sustained by the passenger during the ride. This coverage often includes liability insurance, which covers injury and property damage caused by the driver’s negligence. Coverage limits may vary, but they are generally substantial enough to provide adequate protection for passengers and other parties involved in accidents. In addition to liability coverage, ride-share companies often provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This form of coverage protects passengers when they are hurt in an accident that was caused by an uninsured driver or one who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. Drivers also must carry their own auto insurance, which may cover passengers.
Determining Liability
Liability for the accident will need to be established to pursue a claim for compensation. This could involve determining whether the ride-share driver was at fault, if another driver was responsible, or if other factors contributed to the accident. In many ride-share accidents, driver negligence is the primary factor in determining liability. This could involve behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), failing to yield, or driving when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the ride-share driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident, they may be liable for injuries and damages. If another motorist’s negligent actions, such as reckless driving or failure to maintain their vehicle, caused the accident, they could be held liable for the injuries suffered by ride-share passengers. In some cases, several parties may be liable for the accident.
Negligence
To succeed in a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a ride-share accident, the injured passenger must prove that the ride-share driver or another party was negligent. Negligence primarily involves the failure of individuals or entities to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm to others. Ride-share drivers may be negligent through actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or running red lights. Other motorists, pedestrians, or road authorities may contribute to accidents through negligence. Proving negligence in these cases involves establishing that the driver had a duty of care that required them to act with reasonable caution and consideration toward others to avoid causing harm. It must be proven that they breached that duty, which directly caused the passengers’ injuries and resulted in damages.
In MD, a passenger cannot be contributorily negligent. Given these complexities, seeking legal counsel from experienced personal injury attorneys is crucial for navigating negligence claims and pursuing fair compensation for ride-share accident victims.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations establishes the legal time limit for individuals to file a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to ride-share accidents. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for such cases is three years from the date of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline results in an inability to pursue compensation for injuries and damages resulting from the accident. Ride-share accident victims in Maryland must understand the statute of limitations and act promptly to safeguard their legal rights.
Steps to Take After a Ride-Share Accident
If you’ve been involved in a ride-share accident, several important steps must be taken to protect your well-being and legal rights.
Prioritize your well-being and seek medical attention immediately if you’re injured. Call law enforcement to ensure that a police report is created that documents the incident. Gather information at the scene, including the names and contact information of those involved and from any witnesses. Also, obtain insurance information from all parties involved. Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and relevant signage, can be used as evidence. Report the accident to the ride-share company through their app or customer service hotline, providing as much detail as possible. Avoid discussing fault or making statements to insurance adjusters until you consult a personal injury attorney. Finally, consider seeking legal representation from an experienced attorney who can assess your case, navigate insurance claims, and advocate for your rights to compensation for injuries and damages resulting from the ride-share accident.
Legal Representation
Given the complexities of personal injury law and insurance claims, ride-share accident victims should obtain the help of a personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate the events of the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the passenger’s interests in court if necessary.
Don’t Face Ride-Share Accidents Alone! Trust the Team at The Joel Bieber Firm to Protect Your Interests
If you’ve been injured in a ride-share accident, you need experienced legal representation. The team of skilled personal injury attorneys at The Joel Bieber Firm handles ride-share accident cases in Maryland. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling accident cases, we recognize your challenges and are committed to advocating for your rights at every step. We can help you throughout the legal process by dealing with insurance companies while pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait – contact us today at 866-891-7225 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.