A Lyft accident can be one of the most stressful and confusing events someone experiences. The crash itself may last only a moment, but the medical bills, missed work, and insurance problems can last for months. Many victims are left wondering who is responsible, how to pay for treatment, and what steps to take next.
If your injuries were caused by a careless or unsafe driver, you may be entitled to compensation under Maryland law. The personal injury attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson and DePaolis LLP have helped rideshare passengers, Lyft drivers, and pedestrians recover money after serious crashes in Maryland. Our lawyers understand the unique issues that come with rideshare accidents and we are ready to stand up for you.
What To Do After an Lyft Accident in Maryland
Lyft accidents involve more than one insurance company, and the decisions you make right after the crash can affect your entire claim.
#1 Seek Medical Care
Your health comes first. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get checked by a medical professional. Conditions like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries often get worse after the adrenaline wears off.
Seeing a doctor protects your health and creates documentation that links your injuries to the accident. If you wait too long, Lyft’s insurance company may attempt to argue that your pain came from something unrelated.
#2 Call 911 and File a Police Report
Always call the police after a rideshare accident. The police report will include important information such as:
- The date, time, and location
- Driver statements
- Witness names
- Road and weather conditions
- Initial observations of fault
Your attorney will use this report to build your claim.
#3 Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, gather information before leaving the scene. Helpful evidence includes:
- Contact information for all drivers and witnesses
- Photos of the vehicles and your injuries
- Pictures of the roadway
- Screenshots of your Lyft trip details and driver profile
Write down your own account of what happened while it is still fresh.
#4 Speak with a Maryland Lyft Accident Lawyer
Rideshare claims are more complex than normal auto accidents. The insurance coverage depends on what the Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash. A lawyer will determine which policy applies and how much coverage is available.
The Statute of Limitations for Lyft Accidents in Maryland
In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within three years. Waiting too long can cause you to lose your right to compensation, even if the evidence is strong.
Proving Liability in a Maryland Lyft Accident
To recover compensation, you must show that someone else was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. Negligence may involve:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Improper vehicle maintenance
Lyft accidents can involve multiple responsible parties, including other drivers or the rideshare driver. Strong evidence is necessary to show how the crash occurred and who is at fault.
Types of Compensation Available After a Lyft Accident in Maryland
Victims of Lyft accidents may be able to recover money for:
- Emergency room care and hospital bills
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Permanent injuries or disability
- Wrongful death damages
Once a settlement or verdict is finalized, you cannot request additional money later. This makes it important to work with a lawyer who can fully evaluate your losses.
How Maryland’s Insurance Rules Affect Lyft Accident Claims
Maryland follows a fault-based insurance system. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. Insurance companies may try to limit their responsibility by arguing about fault or the severity of your injuries. A lawyer can step in and communicate directly with them while protecting your rights.
Contributory Negligence in Maryland
Maryland uses a contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1 percent responsible for the accident, you may not be able to recover compensation. Insurance companies know this and may try to shift blame onto you. An attorney can push back against these tactics and help prevent unfair blame.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft provides different levels of insurance depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Driver offline
Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Driver online but waiting for a ride request
Limited Lyft liability coverage applies.
Passenger in the car or ride accepted
Lyft provides up to 1 million dollars in commercial insurance coverage.
Your lawyer will obtain records from Lyft that show the driver’s status at the time of the crash, which helps determine which insurance policy applies.
Your attorney will determine exactly which policy applies by securing:
- Trip logs
- App activity data
- Phone records
- Lyft driver status reports
This is critical for securing full compensation.
Contact Our Maryland Lyft Accident Lawyers
After an Lyft accident, your main focus should be your health. The legal team at Koonz McKenney Johnson and DePaolis LLP can take on the paperwork, investigations, and insurance disputes so you can focus on getting better.
We represent Lyft accident victims throughout Maryland and the surrounding DMV region.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Maryland Lyft accident lawyer.
You deserve answers. We are ready to help.