Yes, it is possible to sue Uber if you were in an accident as a passenger in Allentown, PA. Unfortunately, Ubers experience car accidents just like any other vehicle. After such an accident, you’ll need an experienced Allentown car accident lawyer at Munley Law to help with your accident claim.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability and Passenger Rights
Uber has frameworks in place to protect itself from legal obligation, similar to cases involving a distracted driving accident lawyer, in the event of an accident. They treat their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which helps mitigate the company’s responsibility. When a driver is an independent contractor, they are more easily held responsible for their actions rather than those actions reflecting on the company as a whole.
That being said, there are still situations where the company, not the driver, may be liable. These include:
- Failure to properly screen drivers: Uber is legally responsible for screening all drivers before hiring them to ensure they are safe, licensed, and fit to work. If it can be proven that employees were not adequately screened and an accident ensued, Uber could be held responsible.
- Failure to train or supervise drivers: Besides screening operators, Uber must train them and ensure they receive adequate support and supervision. If these things are not done and there is an accident, the company could be responsible.
- Local and state regulations: Both state and local governments have taken different approaches to when and how Uber can be held liable in the event of a car accident. In Allentown, since drivers are considered independent contractors, it can be difficult to hold Uber responsible. However, there are situations where Uber may have played a part, such as not deactivating a driver who has a history of at-fault car accidents.
Lyft Accident Liability and Rideshare Insurance Policies
After a Lyft accident, understanding which policy applies is critical for customers. If the Lyft driver is logged in and waiting for a customer request, Lyft’s liability covers up to $50,000 per person for injuries and $25,000 for property damage. During active rides, when customers are onboard or the driver is en route to pick them up, Lyft maintains a $1 million policy. This comprehensive coverage protects victims injured in rideshare accidents.
In most cases, Lyft’s policy covers medical bills, vehicle destruction, lost wages, and damages for emotional trauma and physical harm. If another motorist causes the collision and lacks sufficient auto insurance, Lyft’s one million uninsured motorist settlement coverage protects injured passengers. Because insurance companies often contest cases, hiring experienced accident attorneys or an Allentown-based personal injury lawyer can significantly simplify your recovery and ensure fair settlement for your rideshare accident.
Insurance Policy Coverage After an Uber Car Accident
Insurance coverage is divided into four “periods,” depending on where the driver and passenger are in the ride.
No Coverage Period: If an Uber driver is not logged into the app, and gets into an accident, Uber is not liable. The driver’s own insurance company would cover any related costs.
Period one occurs when an Uber driver is logged on and waiting to be matched with a specific ride. Uber’s coverage during this period is 50/100/25, meaning if an accident occurs, their policy can cover up to $50,000 per person for personal injury, up to $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property loss.
In period two, an Uber driver has accepted a fare and is en-route to pick up a customer, but they have not yet gotten into the ride. If a collision occurs during this period, Uber provides up to $1 million in coverage and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
In the last period, a passenger or passengers are in the ride, and a ride is underway. The coverage here is essentially the same as period 2: $1 million and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to anyone injured.
Uber Driver Liability and Passenger Compensation
Yes, it may be possible to sue for a hit-and-run if the Uber driver caused a collision and fled, but you were in another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist at the time of the collision. Additionally, if the driver was in periods 1, 2, or 3, as described above, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against their policy and receive financial compensation. If the driver was not logged onto the app, you’d likely file legal actions against their insurer.
Filing an Accident Claim Against Uber or the Drivers
After an Uber accident, injured customers typically file cases against the responsible driver, usually the driver. Uber provides a one million policy to cover passenger injuries, vehicle damage, medical costs, and lost wages from rideshare crashes. Pennsylvania laws ensure high liability coverage standards, protecting accident victims. However, insurers may dispute liability, challenge your case, or offer inadequate compensation. Working with an Allentown personal injury attorney helps ensure you receive fair recovery without unnecessary delays or disputes.
To file your demands, first report the incident to Uber through the app. Document your injuries, take photos of vehicle damage, particularly if it was a rear-end accident, and gather witness information. Promptly notify all involved insurers. Pennsylvania’s rideshare laws and Uber’s comprehensive liability coverage typically protect injured customers, but insurers often challenge claims. To prevent delays or claim failure, consult a local law firm specializing in uber collision claims.
Why You Need an Accident Attorney for Your Rideshare Case
You need an experienced lawyer for your legal action because it can be difficult to get compensation for your injuries after the crash. You will need a lawyer to determine Uber’s liability in the crash, get the evidence needed to prove your case, negotiate with the insurance companies, and represent you at trial if necessary.
Your attorney will start by gathering all crucial evidence in your case. This may include police reports, witness interviews, photographs of the scene, and more. They’ll also compile all records of your losses, such as lost wages and medical expenses, to show how much your case is worth and ensure you receive adequate restitution for your suffering.
Your Munley Law attorney will liaise with the relevant insurance companies to negotiate with the defendant and their legal team to reach a satisfactory settlement, never accepting a penny less than you deserve. If a settlement agreement can’t be reached, your lawyer will advocate for you in a trial and fight tirelessly.
If you’ve sustained bodily harm in an Uber crash, beginning the legal process promptly is essential due to the statute of limitations for a car accident in Pennsylvania. Contact our law office today to learn how we can help make things right for you.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Allentown
If you’ve been injured in an collision, notably a collision involving an Uber, you deserve both justice and financial relief. Fighting against a large company can be extremely intimidating, especially when you’ve recently been in a collision and are trying to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. You will need to choose an experienced attorney to stand up for your rights. Our attorneys have the skills, resources, and experience to do all the legal heavy lifting so that you can focus on recovery and rest assured your case is in good hands. We have a stellar track record and a history of meaningful client wins.
Contact an car accident attorney today for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for you. We’re ready and waiting to hear from you.
Common Questions Passengers Ask About Uber Accidents
How Do Customers Sue Uber After Being Injured in a Crash?
Passengers usually file an lawsuit against the at-fault driver, typically the Uber driver, not Uber directly. Uber’s $1 million insurance policy covers most rideshare lawsuits. If Uber’s negligence (e.g., failing to screen drivers) contributed to your medical problems, you may also sue Uber directly in court.
What Compensation Can an Uber Passenger Injured in an Accident Claim?
An uber passenger injured can claim medical bills, lost wages, ride damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Significant claims often result in substantial verdicts or settlements, especially when wounds cause lasting harm or trauma.
Who Pays for Injuries and Vehicle Damages in Uber Accidents?
Uber’s $1 million insurance coverage usually covers passenger wounds and damage if your uber driver caused the collision. If another driver is at fault but lacks sufficient insurance, Uber’s insurance policy provides additional coverage, protecting victims of these incidents.
How Does Liability Coverage Work in Uber Accident Lawsuits?
Uber’s liability depends on driver status. During active rides, Uber carries a $1 million liability insurance policy covering customers. Between rides, lower coverage applies. Understanding Uber’s coverage helps customers know who pays for their wounds and damage to the automobile.
Can I Sue the Uber Driver if They Are at Fault for My Injuries?
Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault uber driver. Uber’s insurance coverage typically pays for your damages, even though your lawsuit targets the driver. Most claims settle through insurance without needing a court trial.
What Are Recent Verdicts for Uber Accident Claims in Allentown?
Recent Pennsylvania verdicts show victims frequently receive significant compensation. Local attorneys in Allentown report settlements and jury awards ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on injury severity.
How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim After an Uber Car Accident?
After an uber collision, report to police and Uber immediately. Gather evidence, seek medical care, and notify relevant insurance companies. Consider contacting Munley Law to assist with filing your lawsuit promptly and correctly.
Does the Uber Insurance Policy Cover Passengers?
Yes, Uber’s insurance policy covers passengers during all official rides, regardless of fault. It includes liability and uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring financial relief for medical bills, lost wages, and damages in nearly every incident.
What Steps Should I Follow After an Uber Rideshare Crash?
After an Uber rideshare crash, call police, seek medical help, document the incident, report to Uber, and avoid discussing details publicly. Promptly contact Munley Law to guide you through insurance claims or a lawsuit.
