An experienced Easton Lyft accident lawyer can help protect your rights if you were injured by a rideshare driver in Easton, PA, or anywhere in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Lyft accidents involve unique legal and insurance issues that make these claims much trickier than standard car accidents, particularly when large rideshare companies and multiple insurance policies are involved.
If you were hurt by a Lyft driver, you may be unsure what steps to take next. Knowing what to do immediately after the crash, how to report the accident, and when to speak with an attorney can directly affect your ability to recover compensation for any damages incurred.
Munley Law has been representing Easton clients with personal injury claims since 1959, including serious motor vehicle accident claims across Pennsylvania. Our Lyft accident attorneys understand how to investigate these cases, deal with Lyft and its insurers, and pursue maximum compensation for injured victims. Call our Easton Lyft accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Should You Do if You Get Hit by a Lyft Driver?
Whether you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle or involved in a pedestrian, bike, or other vehicle accident involving a Lyft driver, you might have questions about what to do next.
Being in any car accident can be a traumatic experience. Keep these few things in mind after an accident involving a Lyft driver:
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
- Call 911 and seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, they may worsen as time passes.
- Report the accident.
- If safe and possible, take photos of the scene and record any injuries or vehicle damage (if your car, motorcycle, or bike was involved).
- If you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, download your trip information or take a screenshot of all your trip details, including your route, the driver’s name, vehicle information, route, pick-up, and expected drop-off times.
- If you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, the Lyft app also records your driver’s speed, location, and braking information. Retrieve and record that data.
- Take down the names and badge numbers of officers who reported to the scene.
- If you are a Lyft passenger, your accident can be and should also be reported in the Lyft app. Be careful what you write; this will become part of the record of your claim. You can also report the accident on Lyft’s website by clicking the “Report an Accident” button.
- You will be prompted to share your phone number when you report your accident through the Lyft app or website. Almost immediately, you will receive a phone call from a Lyft representative. If a representative attempts to speak to you about the accident, do not give them any statements until you have spoken with an experienced Lyft accident lawyer. The Lyft representative will give you a claim or reference number. Keep a record of this number.
- Do not give any statements to Lyft, the driver’s insurance company, or Lyft’s insurance company.
- After an accident, police will be dispatched to write a crash report. You should immediately get a copy of this report by contacting the involved agency.
- Contact an experienced Lyft car accident lawyer at Munley Law immediately. Even if you are still getting medical treatment, an experienced rideshare accident attorney can help you navigate this challenging time and the next steps.
The ridesharing industry has grown in leaps and bounds. 36 % of the U.S. population has used a ridesharing service, and today, Lyft has over 2 million drivers transporting commuters to their daily destinations. Rideshare companies like Lyft are a great way to navigate a new city, get to medical appointments, reach a destination, and safely return home after a night out in the Lehigh Valley. Still, accidents can happen anywhere to anyone, so being prepared is crucial.
How do Rideshare Apps Work?
Rideshare companies like Lyft operate through their mobile app or a website that connects passengers needing rides with drivers who provide transportation services using their vehicles. Here’s how it typically works:
- Requesting a Ride: Passengers use the Lyft app to request a ride from their current location to a desired destination. They can see the estimated fare and the driver’s estimated arrival time before confirming the request.
- Matching with a Driver: Once a ride request is confirmed, the Lyft app matches the passenger with a nearby driver who accepts the ride. The passenger can see the driver’s name, rating, and vehicle details, such as the make, model, and color.
- Ride Experience: The passenger is picked up by the driver and transported to their destination. The Lyft app determines the route and provides the driver with navigation instructions.
- Payment: The ride is paid for through the Lyft app using the passenger’s pre-registered payment method. The fare, any additional fees (such as tolls or airport pickups), and an optional tip for the driver are included.
- Rating and Feedback: After the ride, the passenger and the driver can rate each other and provide feedback. This helps maintain the quality and safety of the Lyft platform.
In the event of an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, determining liability and seeking compensation for damages can be more complex than in other auto accidents. If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Easton, speak to an experienced lawyer today. You may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, and more.
Call Munley Law personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Together, we can seek maximum compensation for your Lyft accident claim.
“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. When someone is seriously injured, they’re up against insurance companies with unlimited resources. My job is to level that playing field, and fight until they get the justice they deserve.”
Daniel W. Munley
What are the Most Common Injuries in Accidents Involving Lyft drivers?
Injuries commonly seen in ridesharing car accidents include:
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Scrapes and cuts
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial trauma
- Arm, hand, knee, and leg injuries
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Whether you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle or a pedestrian, bike rider, or driver or passenger in another vehicle involved in an accident with a Lyft driver, you could be entitled to compensation from the rideshare company, driver’s insurance policy, or other avenues. Call an experienced Easton lawyer at Munley Law today. Our lawyers are known to the state and nationwide for their expertise and record-breaking settlement amounts.
How Do Lyft Accidents Happen?
As with other passenger-car and commercial driver accidents, there are many reasons Lyft accidents occur. Some of the top reasons include:
- Unexperienced drivers. Lyft drivers receive no specialized training, and many do not have previous professional driving experience.
- Fatigued driving. Whether working multiple jobs or working nights, many Lyft drivers get behind the wheel tired. This affects both alertness and reaction time, impairing a driver as much as being under the influence of alcohol.
- Distracted driving. Easton Lyft drivers use their phones for directions, tracking time, and arranging pick-ups through the Lyft app.
- Driving too fast. Lyft drivers can feel pressured to speed, whether late to pick up a passenger or fighting traffic to keep a passenger’s schedule.
- Bad weather. Most drivers are more susceptible to accidents when navigating roads in inclement weather. If a driver is already on unfamiliar roads or constantly looking at an app for directions, it can be even riskier.
What Compensation Could I Be Entitled To for a Lyft Accident in Easton?
In Pennsylvania, compensation for injuries sustained in a Lyft vehicle accident may include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills related to injuries caused by the accident, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: This is reimbursement for wages lost due to the accident, including missed work for medical appointments, recovery time, or any long-term disability that affects earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries, which can include anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact the injuries have on the relationship with a spouse, including loss of companionship, affection, and sexual intimacy.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damage to personal property, such as the vehicle, clothing, or other items damaged in the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In extreme negligence or misconduct cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
- Wrongful Death: In the unfortunate event of a fatality, compensation may be available to the deceased person’s estate for funeral and burial expenses and the loss of financial support and companionship suffered by the surviving family members.
It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling Lyft vehicle accident cases in Pennsylvania to understand the specific compensation you may be entitled to based on the circumstances of your case.
What Will a Lyft Accident Lawyer Do for My Case?
A Lyft accident lawyer from Munley Law can support you throughout your case. Your attorney will:
- Provide an Initial Consultation: Review the details of your case, including the accident, injuries, and potential liability issues.
- Investigate the accident: Gather evidence related to the accident, such as witness statements, police reports, and any available video footage or photographs.
- Gather evidence: Obtain medical records and bills to document your injuries, treatment, and documentation of lost wages and other economic losses.
- Prove Liability: Determine and establish the liability of the parties involved, including the Lyft driver, other drivers, or third parties such as the ride-sharing company.
- Negotiation: Negotiate with Lyft’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement that covers your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigation: File a lawsuit and represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation.
- Expert Witnesses: Identify and retain expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts, to provide testimony supporting your case if necessary.
- Provide Legal Guidance: Provide guidance and advice throughout the legal process, including explaining your rights and options at each stage of the case.
- Communication: Act as a liaison between you and the insurance company, Lyft, and other parties involved in the case to ensure your interests are protected.
- Representation: Represent your best interests in all legal proceedings, including court appearances, depositions, and settlement negotiations.
FAQs about Easton Lyft Accident Claims
What Insurance Coverage Applies in a Lyft Accident in Easton, PA?
The insurance coverage depends on whether the Lyft driver was logged into the app and actively transporting a passenger. Coverage may involve the driver’s personal auto policy, Lyft’s liability policy, or both.
Can I Sue Lyft Directly After an Accident in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, claims are pursued through insurance rather than directly against Lyft. However, Lyft’s commercial insurance may apply if the driver was on duty, and legal action may be necessary if liability is disputed.
What If the Lyft Driver Was Not at Fault for the Crash?
If another driver caused the accident, you may be able to file a claim against that driver’s insurance. Lyft’s coverage may still apply in certain situations, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist claims.
Do Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Laws Apply to Lyft Accidents?
Yes. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning your own auto insurance may initially cover medical expenses, even if you were injured in a Lyft-related crash.
What If I Was Injured as a Pedestrian or Cyclist by a Lyft Driver?
Pedestrians and cyclists injured by Lyft drivers may pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance, Lyft’s commercial policy, or other applicable coverage, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From Lyft’s Insurance Company?
It is generally not advisable to accept a settlement before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. Early offers often do not reflect long-term medical costs or other losses.
What Evidence Is Important in a Lyft Accident Claim?
Key evidence may include the police report, medical records, witness statements, photos or video of the scene, and trip data from the Lyft app showing the driver’s status during the ride.
How Long Does a Lyft Accident Case Usually Take to Resolve?
The timeline varies depending on injury severity, insurance cooperation, and whether litigation is required. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer if disputes arise.
How Long Do I Have to File a Ridesharing Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
For most personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident. This means victims of rideshare accidents have two years to seek damages for their injuries, and minors injured in rideshare accidents have two years from when they turn 18 to file. Even though you have two years, you should not wait that long. You should contact a Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible. Proving liability in these cases becomes more difficult as time passes.
Call Munley Law’s Easton Lyft Accident Attorneys Today
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in an accident caused by a Lyft driver. Munley Law will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Give us a call or message us via our online form to get started with your free consultation. You do not pay a penny unless we win your case.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation,including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.
