Have you been injured as a result of being involved in a collision with a Lyft vehicle? No matter if you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or the occupant of another car at the time of the crash, these accidents often cause major injuries and create a lot of confusion surrounding liability.
It’s safe to say that the aftermath of a Lyft-related car accident can be very stressful, but you don’t have to go through this experience all alone. Instead, let a Lyft accident lawyer in Ocean City deal with the legal side of things on your behalf.
At The Bishop Law Group, we have 25 years of combined experience, and in that time, our attorneys have recovered millions in damages. You can count on us to help you make sense of your options and pursue compensation as your rideshare accident lawyer in Ocean City.
Rideshare Operations in Maryland
Just like other rideshare companies, Lyft operates under specific regulatory frameworks in the state of Maryland. More specifically, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) classifies these companies as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs).
Since Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, their status affects how liability and insurance coverage are determined in the event of a collision.
To legally operate in the state of Maryland, TNC drivers must adhere to the following requirements:
- Pass a criminal background check
- Maintain a valid Maryland driver’s license
- Register their vehicle with the PSC
- Carry minimum insurance coverage as outlined by state laws
Despite these requirements, Lyft drivers are not immune to collisions caused by high speeds, distractions, fatigue, and other negligent actions. When you reach out to an Ocean City car accident lawyer, your attorney can look into how these legalities apply to your situation.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Ocean City, call (410) 390-3101
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Ocean City
Rideshare services like Lyft have become a common part of daily transportation. Even though they are a convenient way to get around, Lyft drivers can be involved in accidents just like everyone else on the road.
Sometimes, these crashes happen for preventable reasons. Let’s take a look at a number of causes that may result in a Lyft–related car crash:
- Driving while distracted
- Operating a vehicle while fatigued
- Speeding
- Driving while inexperienced
- Operating a vehicle while impaired
- Being affected by third-party negligence
Figuring out what caused the accident is an important part of understanding who’s responsible. If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, an Ocean City personal injury lawyer can help you make sense of what happened and what your options might look like moving forward.
Ocean City Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (410) 390-3101
Determining Liability in Lyft Accidents
Liability in Maryland is determined under the doctrine of contributory negligence, which is one of the strictest standards in the country. According to this rule, a plaintiff who is even 1% at fault for the incident will be fully barred from recovering any damages they would otherwise receive.
This applies to Lyft passengers and other drivers on the road as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. As a result, proving that the Lyft driver—or another responsible party—is fully responsible for the crash is a must if you want to recover compensation.
Here’s what the evidence used to establish liability may include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Dashcam footage
- GPS or Lyft app data
- Vehicle damage reports
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Time Limits for Filing a Claim
In most personal injury cases, Maryland enforces a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which includes those that arise from Lyft-related accidents. This means that you must file a claim in court within 36 months of the day that the crash took place.
Missing this deadline can result in you losing your right to pursue compensation and recover damages altogether. In the event of a wrongful death resulting from a collision with a Lyft driver, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the deceased party’s death.
Exceptions to these deadlines exist, though they are rare, and they typically apply only in cases involving minors or mentally incapacitated people. It’s important to notify insurance companies as soon as possible, as well, because they may have even shorter deadlines for reporting claims.
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Call Our Ocean City Lyft Accident Law Firm Right Away for More Information About What We Can Do for You
If you were injured in a collision involving a Lyft vehicle, you’re likely feeling a lot of stress, confusion, and other overwhelming emotions. Unanswered questions might exacerbate the uneasiness that you’re already feeling, but you don’t have to face it all on your own.
Instead, reach out to The Bishop Law Group. Our Ocean City Lyft accident attorneys are ready and willing to spend our time fighting for the compensation that you need to move forward. We know what it takes to stand up to rideshare companies, and we’re here to protect your future.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
