Wilkes-Barre Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Lawyer / Wilkes-Barre Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen every day, but they can be more complicated if you are a passenger or other driver who has been in an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver. To ensure you’re compensated for your injuries, it’s important you have an expert rideshare accident attorney on your side. We represent rideshare passengers injured by their Uber or Lyft driver, as well as other motorists and pedestrians hit by a rideshare driver. Reach out to a Wilkes-Barre rideshare accident lawyer.

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Who Can Be Held At Fault for a Rideshare Accident in Wilkes-Barre?

Rideshare accidents in Wilkes-Barre (and most places in the United States) can have added complications. These car accidents are treated differently than an accident with a normal vehicle or traditional commercial vehicle.

Determining liability and insurance coverage in a rideshare accident can be complicated. Any rideshare mobile app companies that pick up passengers including Uber and Lyft, have $1 million in liability insurance. However, this coverage doesn’t always apply; it depends on the circumstance and who is involved. Drivers are also required to carry their own auto insurance coverage, though this coverage is not always sufficient to pay for your damages. The insurer responsible for paying you compensation will depend largely on whether the Uber or Lyft driver at fault was on-duty or off-duty at the time of the accident. While in some cases, the answer is quite obvious, in others, it can be more ambiguous. For example, if a rideshare driver is waiting for a request to come in and becomes distracted by the app, they may cause an accident as a result.

In many cases, the ridesharing company fights the claim and denies liability. This can happen even if your driver is determined to be at fault and on duty when the accident occurs. This is why you need an accident attorney on your side.

Dealing with these complicated issues is why it’s important to have an experienced Wilkes-Barre Uber accident attorney. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has fought for Wilkes-Barre car accident victims for over 60 years. Our experienced accident attorneys have obtained the maximum compensation for injured victims.

Why Do Wilkes-Barre Rideshare Accidents Happen?

While the popular rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft vet their drivers by driving history background checks, these checks aren’t everything. Just because someone has a clean driving history doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to the same accident risks on the road.

The top reasons Wilkes-Barre rideshare accidents happen include:

Drowsy driving. Rideshare drivers in Wilkes-Barre are very prone to driver fatigue. Whether they are working multiple jobs, or working nights, many get behind the wheel tired. This impacts alertness and reaction time as much as driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Distracted driving. Many rideshare drivers rely on smartphones for directions, tracking their time, and arranging pick-ups. Drivers being attached to their phones can cause distractions.
Speeding. Whether late to pick up a passenger or trying to hustle to meet a passenger’s schedule, drivers can feel pressured to speed.
Inclement weather. Driving in poor conditions like snow or rain is already hard enough. Couple that with a driver who must constantly look at their phone for directions or navigate unknown roads, which could lead to disaster.
Inexperienced Uber driver. As the rideshare economy grows, newer drivers are turning to the apps for extra income. Or some for full-time employment. However, the distractions can be even more dangerous if they haven’t been driving for as long. Be wary of a new Uber driver.

Rideshare Standards and Requirements in Wilkes-Barre Uber Accidents

Uber and Lyft rideshare drivers have to meet specific standards to drive. Both rideshare services require their drivers:

Are a minimum age. For Lyft, drivers must be at least 21 years old; for Uber, drivers must meet or exceed the minimum age for the city where they work/are driving.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Are licensed drivers for at least one year (or three years for Uber if younger than 23)
Give proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and valid inspection
Pass a driving background check and safety screening

In addition, vehicles must also meet certain standards. In general, they must be four-door vehicles in good condition, less than 10-15 years old. While these are good standards, they cannot alone prevent Wilkes-Barre rideshare accidents.

Rideshare Accident FAQs

Q: What should I do if I am in an accident with a rideshare driver?

If you are in a car accident as a rideshare passenger, here are the steps you should take to protect yourself. First and foremost, seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get checked by a healthcare professional because unseen injuries are not always immediately apparent.

At the scene of the accident, call the police and ensure that a report is made. Even if the damage doesn’t seem to warrant police response, reporting the accident at the scene will guarantee that an official record is made. This police accident report will be crucial if you need to seek compensation or pursue legal action in the future. Likewise, be sure to obtain contact and insurance information from the drivers involved if you are safely able to do so.

Keep track of any costs you incur as a result of the accident, including medical bills, vehicle damage, missed time from work, etc.

And, contact our auto accident lawyer in Wilkes-Barre as soon as possible. Rideshare companies have aggressive legal teams and insurance representatives motivated to minimize your claim and resolve it as quickly as possible. You need someone on your side to protect your interests and make sure you receive full, fair compensation for your injuries.

Do not give any recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company and do not accept any offer of settlement. Your lawyer will handle these negotiations for you while you focus on recovery.

Q: How much compensation will I receive in a rideshare lawsuit?

The amount you receive in compensation for your rideshare accident will vary depending on your unique circumstances. It will depend largely on the extent of your injuries, the cost of your ongoing medical care, the wages you have missed from work and your capacity to continue earning in the future, as well as the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident. It will also depend on the available insurance coverage.

Q: How much does a Wilkes-Barre rideshare lawyer cost?

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Wilkes-Barre Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. This means that we do not charge a fee for our services unless we win your case. The contingency fee protects you from financial risk in pursuing your case; we put forth all of the resources necessary to build your case, and if we don’t win you compensation, you owe us nothing.

Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

Getting the justice you deserve after a Wilkes-Barre Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated. To ensure you or a loved one is compensated for pain, suffering, and other injuries, you will need an expert car accident lawyer on your side. One who knows the intricacies of fighting big rideshare companies who use contract drivers.

A Wilkes-Barre rideshare lawyer will ensure you get the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney will provide a free consultation, including reviewing the details of your accident and answering any questions you may have.

Call Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today for a rideshare accident consultation.

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Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406