Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide a safe alternative to drunk driving, drugged driving and drowsy driving. They have surely prevented many potentially catastrophic car accidents in Baltimore and the rest of the country by having a sober and alert person drive instead.
However, rideshare drivers are human, and thus occasionally prone to serious mistakes. Some of those mistakes can lead to violent wrecks that put you, as the passenger, at risk of serious injury.
If you were driving and got hit by a negligent driver, it would be obvious who was at fault – and who is liable for your injuries. But being a passenger in a car crash can make things more complicated. The fact that your driver was working for Lyft or Uber at the time make the issue more complex.
So, who should you seek compensation from if you get hurt while using a rideshare service? There may be three (or more) possible parties.
The other driver
If the driver of the other vehicle caused the accident, such as by running a red light, speeding or texting and driving, they likely are the party liable for the harm you suffered.
Your driver
Though most Lyft and Uber drivers are responsible and careful behind the wheel, all it can take is one reckless move to leave you in terrible pain and living with profound disabilities. In Maryland, a negligent motorist is as liable for the injuries they cause their passengers as they are for people in other cars.
Uber/Lyft
A legal concept known as respondeat superior makes an employer responsible for the harm an employee negligently causes while in the course of their work duties. Unfortunately, both Uber and Lyft have won several court victories that back their position that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees.
At the same time, both companies provide collision insurance on top of their drivers’ personal policies. Filing a claim under that policy might be worthwhile, depending on how extensive your damages are.
You might have more options for full compensation than you realize. You deserve maximum compensation after a major car accident and need to know all possible methods for recovery.