Being involved in a rideshare accident can leave you bewildered and uncertain about what to do next and about what kind of compensation you can receive for a Lyft accident in Bethlehem, PA. It’s completely understandable to feel this way. However, Pennsylvania has laws that help you seek compensation for injuries or damages resulting from the accident.
Having handled car accident cases in Lehigh County and Northampton County for more than 65 years, Munley Law’s Bethlehem Lyft accident lawyers are well-versed in these laws, and their expertise is evident in the results we achieve on behalf of our clients. We regularly obtain multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, such as a $17.5 million jury verdict in the case of several teenagers who lost their lives in a car accident. The American Association for Justice, The National Trial Lawyers, Lawdragon, Irish Legal 100, Super Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, and Martindale-Hubbell are among the many institutions that continue to recognize our firm and our attorneys.
If you’re unsure about how to seek compensation, don’t worry. The Bethlehem Lyft accident lawyers at Munley Law are here to help. Let’s review the different forms of compensation that may be available to you.
What is Your Right to Compensation?
Living in Bethlehem, knowing your legal rights is essential if you’re involved in a Lyft accident. While the number of Lyft accidents in the Keystone State is unknown, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that 70,343 passenger cars were involved in accidents in 2024. Some of these may have been Lyft vehicles.
Pennsylvania law safeguards accident victims, ensuring you can seek financial recovery for the damages you’ve incurred. This process, known as seeking compensation, allows you to claim for various losses. These could include your medical bills, loss of earnings due to your inability to work, damage to your property, and even the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve undergone. In the aftermath of an accident, you have the right to seek fair compensation for your losses.
However, it’s important that you’re aware of Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa C.S.A. § 7102, which allows you to pursue compensation provided you’re less than 51% at fault for the accident. If you have some responsibility for the incident, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Here’s a closer look at the types of compensation you can pursue in a Lyft accident claim in Bethlehem, PA:
Medical Expenses
The cost of getting medical attention can quickly mount up when you’re in an accident, whether you’re a Lyft passenger or the other driver. Emergency visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation sessions — these costs can swiftly put you under financial strain. However, it’s important to remember that these medical costs are vital to your claim and can be covered.
This is why it’s essential to maintain all your medical receipts and records meticulously. These documents prove your medical expenses due to the accident. This evidence can be pivotal in reinforcing your claim and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Lost Wages
Being sidelined from work due to injuries sustained in a Lyft accident can be a double whammy. Not only are you dealing with physical pain, but you’re also missing out on your regular income. Pennsylvania law, such as 75 Pa. C.S.A. § 1712 allows you to claim lost wages. Additionally, if your ability to work has been compromised long-term, you could also receive compensation for diminished earning capacity. To make sure you’re adequately compensated, keep a record of the days you couldn’t work and any communication with your employer regarding your absence.
While these situations can be stressful and overwhelming, you’re not alone. These claims may be complex, but with careful documentation and the support of an experienced car accident attorney, you can ensure that you’re compensated for the wages you’ve already lost and for potential future earnings impacted by the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident with a Lyft is not just about tackling the financial burden but also coping with the mental and emotional trauma that comes with it. The distress and anguish experienced as a result of the accident are what Pennsylvania law refers to as “pain and suffering.”
Unlike bills for medical treatment or lost wages, pain and suffering from car accidents can’t be quantified in concrete dollars and cents. However, it encompasses more than just physical pain. It considers the emotional distress and the psychological impact the accident has had on your life.
This can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of sleep
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It’s crucial to record all these changes in your life. Consider journaling how the accident has affected your daily routine, relationships, and overall well-being. It can be an excellent tool to help your attorney understand and articulate the emotional toll the accident has taken on you.
The compensation for pain and suffering is meant to acknowledge the turmoil and disruption the accident has caused in your life. Therefore, don’t undermine its importance in your personal injury claim. While it may be challenging to translate your suffering into a dollar amount, a skilled Lyft car accident lawyer can guide you through this process, ensuring your pain and suffering are adequately compensated.
Property Damage
As in any Bethlehem car accident, your personal belongings, such as your car, smartphone, or other valuables, may be damaged. This can add another layer of stress to an already taxing situation. However, knowing that you also have a right to seek compensation for these property damages is essential.
Documentation is essential. Begin by taking explicit photos of the damage from multiple angles as soon as possible after the incident. These images serve as undeniable visual evidence and can significantly strengthen your claim.
Similarly, keep all related bills and receipts if your property requires repairs or replacements. These documents provide concrete proof of your financial losses from the accident. They will be critical when calculating your rightful compensation.
While dealing with property damage can be frustrating, this damage is part of your overall claim and deserves due attention. You can successfully claim these damages with proper documentation and legal guidance, easing the financial burden of replacing or repairing your belongings.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Does Insurance Play a Part in a Lyft Accident in Bethlehem, PA?
The insurance company may seem helpful initially, but its primary goal is to protect its bottom line. This often leads to tactics to minimize the compensation they pay out or even deny your claim outright. It’s important not to let this discourage you. You have rights, and these rights need to be protected and enforced.
Insurance coverage in this case is more complex. Whose insurance policy is responsible for paying out? After a rideshare accident, it may be your personal insurance or the Lyft driver’s. It may also be the rideshare company’s policy if the driver was en route to or with a passenger. Additionally, the specifics of the insurance policies matter. Does it include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage?
A Bethlehem Lyft accident lawyer can help you understand the car insurance policies and the claims process. Their insight and expertise can be invaluable in helping you deal with insurance companies and ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.
Why Choose Munley Law’s Bethlehem Lyft Accident Lawyers?
Navigating through the aftermath of a Lyft accident can be confusing and stressful, but having a knowledgeable ally by your side is invaluable. Our team of skilled attorneys has experience in Lyft accidents and is equipped with the knowledge and expertise you need. We understand the complexities of Pennsylvania law and how it applies to your unique situation.
Since 1959, we’ve helped personal injury victims in the Keystone State recover more than $1 billion in damages. While rideshare case results are typically not publicized due to non-disclosure agreements, some of our major car crash victories include a $4.4 million car accident settlement, a $1.9 million verdict for a family injured by a 16-year-old driver, and a $1 million settlement/verdict in the case of a retired firefighter who was killed in a car accident.
All our attorneys are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, J. Christopher Munley, and John Mulcahey are board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The National Trial Lawyers named J. Christopher among the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, and Best Lawyers named Marion Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation. All our partners were named to the Irish Legal 100 list, and the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list, and all partners received AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell.
We don’t just focus on the legal jargon and paperwork. We deeply care about your well-being and want to lighten your burden. We’ll meticulously review your insurance coverage, bills, wage loss, and even the emotional trauma you’ve endured, ensuring no aspect of your claim is overlooked. We’ll negotiate on your behalf, fight for your rights, and aim for the highest possible compensation.
Moreover, we’re here to answer your questions and clarify your doubts. We believe in open communication and will keep you informed about the progress of your case. We understand this is a difficult time, but with our team at your side, you’ll not have to face it alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the fair and just compensation you are entitled to.
Entrust Your Case to Munley Law’s Bethlehem Lyft Accident Lawyers
Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Don’t wait.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Lyft car accident lawyers.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been a practicing auto accident lawyer for nearly 40 years. During her career, she has helped clients across auto accident cases, winning multi-million dollar settlements for auto accident victims. Notable verdicts include a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and a $1.9 million settlement for a family hit by a 16-year-old driver. Marion has also advocated for motor vehicle victims through speaking engagements such as “Pennsylvania Practice Program: Auto and Trucking Cases” and “Collision Investigation and Reconstruction in Motor Vehicle Cases”. Marion is also to become triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, alongside this, she is currently serving as Vice President of the American Association for Justice.
