Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Maryland

The Uber/Lyft-type (transportation network) driver, the company, or both must carry primary motor vehicle insurance covering the driver while providing transportation network services, which the law defines as the time logged on and ready to accept a ride, traveling to pick up an accepted passenger, and transporting the passenger until the passenger leaves the vehicle. The required coverage is at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 for two or more persons for bodily injury or death and $25,000 for property damage, plus uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection required by the Insurance Article. If the driver's insurance is canceled or lapsed, the company's insurance must cover from the first dollar of a claim.

Personal injury protection (PIP) is part of required coverage unless waived. Required security must cover at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death and $15,000 for property damage, plus PIP benefits of at least $2,500 (medical expenses, 85% of lost income and household services) unless the PIP coverage is waived, and required uninsured motorist coverage.

Contributory negligence. Maryland is one of the few states that keeps the common-law rule: an injured person whose own negligence contributed to the injury generally cannot recover. Maryland's highest court declined to replace this rule with comparative negligence in 1983 and again in 2013, saying any change is for the General Assembly.

Three years from the date the claim accrues. This is Maryland's general deadline for civil actions unless another law sets a different period.