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. And after such an accident, you’ll need an Allentown Uber accident lawyer at Munley Law to help with your accident claim.
What is Uber’s Liability for an Auto Accident in Allentown?
Uber has frameworks in place to protect itself from liability in the event of an accident. They treat their Uber 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 Uber 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 Uber employees were not adequately screened and an accident ensued, Uber could be held at fault.
- Failure to train or supervise drivers: Besides screening drivers, Uber must train them and ensure they receive adequate support and supervision. If these things are not done and there is a car accident, the company could be at fault.
- 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 Uber 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.
How Does Insurance Work in Allentown Uber Accidents?
Uber’s insurance coverage is divided into four “periods,” depending on where the Uber driver and passenger are in the ride.
No Coverage Period: If an Uber driver is using their vehicle, 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 liability coverage during this period is 50/100/25, meaning if an accident occurs, Uber can cover up to $50,000 per person for personal injury, up to $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
In period two, an Uber driver has accepted a fare and is en route to pick up a passenger, but the passenger has not yet gotten into the Uber vehicle. If an accident occurs during this period, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
In the last period, a passenger or passengers are in the Uber vehicle, 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.
Can You Sue an Uber Driver Who Causes an Accident if You’re Not a Passenger?
Yes, it may be possible to sue the Uber driver if they caused an accident, but you were in another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist at the time of the accident. Additionally, if the driver was in periods 1, 2, or 3, as described above, you may also be able to file a claim against Uber’s insurance policy and receive financial compensation. If the driver were an Uber driver but not logged onto the app, you’d likely file a claim against their insurance company.
Why Do You Need an Allentown Uber Accident Lawyer For Your Claim?
You need an Allentown Uber accident lawyer for your claim because it can be difficult to get compensation for your injuries after the crash. You will need an attorney 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 accident 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 compensation for your suffering.
Your personal injury 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 injuries in an Uber crash, beginning the legal process as soon as possible is best. Contact our law office today to learn how we can help make things right for you.
Our Allentown Uber Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident, notably a crash involving an Uber, you deserve both justice and compensation. Fighting against a large company can be extremely intimidating, especially when you’ve recently been in a car crash and are trying to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. You will need to choose an Allentown Uber accident 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 Allentown 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.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
609 Hamilton St
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424
