Do Rideshare Companies Pay for Accidents Caused by Their Drivers?

 Posted on November 04, 2026 in Automobile Accidents

When an Uber or Lyft driver gets in an accident, the victims of the crash might have some pressing questions about how they will be paid for damages. The answer is not always clear-cut. If you were hit by a gig driver and need to know your options for securing compensation, contact a Timonium, MD car accident attorney.

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we have over 20 years of legal experience, and we know how to handle car accident claims involving large companies like Uber and Lyft.  We will exhaust all possible avenues of compensation in your case, seeking full payment for your damages. 

Are Uber and Lyft Required by Maryland Law to Carry Insurance Coverage in Case of a Crash?

Uber and Lyft must carry insurance under Maryland law, but the amount of coverage depends on what the driver was doing when the crash happened. Maryland calls these businesses transportation network companies. State law requires the driver, the company, or both to keep primary auto insurance in place while the driver is working (Maryland Public Utilities Code Sec. 10-405).

The coverage changes in stages. When the driver has the app on but has not accepted a ride, lower limits apply. These limits are $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage. Once the driver accepts a ride request, coverage rises to $1 million. That higher amount stays in place until the passenger leaves the car.

If the driver had the app turned off, the company’s policy usually does not apply. In that case, the driver’s personal auto insurance is often the main source of payment. Proving which stage the driver was in may require compiling app records and trip data. Rideshare companies do not always hand over that information without a formal request.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident in 2026?

The steps you take right after a rideshare accident in 2026 can protect both your health and your claim. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, as a police report documents what happened and lists all parties involved. If you can do so safely, take these steps at the scene:

• Take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries.

• Get the rideshare driver’s name, license plate, and insurance details.

• Take screenshots of the trip in your Uber or Lyft app.

• Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.

• See a doctor, even if you feel fine.

Some injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. A medical record made soon after the crash links your injuries to the wreck. You should also avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company before you talk with a lawyer. Adjusters may use your words to lower the value of your claim.

How Does Maryland Law Affect Recovery Rideshare Accident Claims?

Maryland uses a strict fault rule for rideshare accident claims and other injury cases. This rule is called contributory negligence. Under state law, you cannot recover money if you were even slightly to blame for the crash. Being found just one percent at fault can defeat your entire claim.

Very few states still follow this rule. Most states simply lower your payment based on your share of the blame. Maryland does not. Insurance companies know this, and they often look for any reason to blame the injured person. They might say you distracted the driver or stepped out of the car into traffic.

Passengers are rarely at fault for a car crash. Still, other drivers and pedestrians hit by an Uber driver may face harder questions about what they could have done to prevent the accident. Clear evidence helps show that someone else caused the wreck. Maryland also gives most injured people three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can cost you the right to seek payment.

Contact Our Pikesville, MD Rideshare Accident Attorney

Injuries from an Uber or Lyft crash can keep you off work and stuck in a back-and-forth with more than one insurance company. At Posner & Cord, LLC, we sort out which policy applies, gather the app data and police records that show what happened, and stand firm when an adjuster suggests you share the blame. Call 410-252-0600 or contact our Timonium, MD personal injury lawyer to schedule a free consultation today.