Rideshare companies like Lyft offer a flexible and easy way to get around Bethesda. However, having more cars on the road also increases the risk of auto accidents. If you suffered injuries in a Maryland motor vehicle accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, Lyft accident claims can get complex, and the company has a vested interest in disputing liability and paying as little as possible. Rather than trusting the at-fault parties and their insurance companies to do what’s right, stand up for yourself with the help of Marks & Harrison.
Our highly skilled team of more than 30 personal injury lawyers and 100 support personnel have the resources and skills to pursue your claim to its fullest. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Bethesda Lyft accident attorney.
What Is Lyft?
Lyft is one of the two biggest rideshare services operating in the United States, along with Uber. It allows users to request a driver through a mobile application. Once the user has requested a fare, the app matches them with a driver in the area, who arrives to pick up the passenger and transport them to their preselected destination. Lyft’s network of drivers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles to take passengers from place to place.
What Are Bethesda’s Laws Regarding Ridesharing Services?
Statutes concerning transportation network companies (TNCs) like Lyft can be found in 20.95.01.20 of the Maryland Code of Regulations. Under Maryland law, TNCs must:
- Have a permit with the relevant Commission, register with the Maryland State Department of Assets, and maintain a registered agent within the state
- Provide or require its drivers to maintain insurance covering at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident in bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage
- Ensure that vehicles meet specific safety and insurance standards
Furthermore, individual drivers must display TNC identification on their vehicles, accept fares only through the TNC app, adhere to all traffic laws, and responsibly use the TNC app.
What Are Some Causes of Lyft Accidents in Bethesda?
Lyft drivers are apt to make the same mistakes as any other motorist, such as:
- Becoming distracted or fatigued
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving aggressively
Lyft drivers may also neglect vehicle maintenance, increasing the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failure.
What Are Different Types of Injuries That Can Happen in a Lyft Accident?
Common rideshare accident injuries in Bethesda include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
In addition to physical injuries, passengers may experience mental health effects following a collision, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
What Sort of Insurance Does Lyft Have for Their Drivers?
Here’s how insurance works for Lyft drivers:
- When the app is off, the driver’s own insurance policy applies.
- When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides insurance that meets Maryland’s legal minimums. However, Lyft’s policy only activates if the driver’s individual insurance does not meet those minimums.
- When the driver has a fare or is on the way to pick one up, Lyft provides up to $1 million of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bethesda Lyft Accident?
Depending on the circumstances involved, any of the following parties might be liable for a Lyft accident in Bethesda:
- Lyft driver – The Lyft driver could be to blame if their negligent operation of their vehicle caused the accident. In many cases, Lyft’s insurance policy assumes this liability.
- Another driver – In cases where another motorist’s negligence caused the collision, that party would likely be at fault.
- Vehicle manufacturers – The manufacturer of a defective auto component that contributed to the accident could bear liability, depending on the circumstances of the case.
- Pedestrians or cyclists – In cases where the involved drivers were simply reacting to the behavior of another road user, that person could be responsible for the wreck.
Lyft typically avoids direct liability for rideshare accidents because their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. However, the company may be responsible in specific situations, such as failing to conduct sufficient background checks or confirming that the Lyft driver was adequately insured. Car accident victims should always check with a personal injury attorney to ensure all liable parties are held accountable for their role in causing a Lyft crash.
What If Another Vehicle Hits My Lyft Ride?
If another driver hits your Lyft ride, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy should cover any injuries you sustain in the crash. In these types of car accident cases, the insurers will conduct a thorough investigation to pinpoint who is to blame.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Lyft Accident in Bethesda?
The following steps can help protect your right to fair compensation after a Lyft accident in Bethesda:
- Report the accident to Lyft through the app and call 911.
- Take photos of the accident scene and get the names of all involved parties.
- Seek medical treatment so a doctor can diagnose your injuries.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Keep all receipts and proof of your losses, such as medical bills, pay stubs, tax returns, and any communications with your employer.
Finally, consult a Bethesda Lyft accident attorney as soon as you can. Determining liability for a rideshare accident claim can be complex, and a lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party, file a personal injury claim, and negotiate for maximum compensation from the insurance company.
Can I Receive Compensation for my Lyft Accident Injuries?
If someone else caused the Lyft accident, you could file a car accident claim seeking compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help place a fair value on your case and demand every cent you deserve.
Contact a Bethesda Lyft Accident Lawyer
The car accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison can help you demand fair compensation after a Lyft accident in Bethesda. For more than a century, our law firm has successfully represented injured people throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC — and our multi-million-dollar case results show we’re good at what we do. Contact us today for a free consultation.
