Determining liability in an Uber accident can be complex, which is why you should contact an experienced Easton Uber accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash. The skilled motor vehicle accident attorneys at Munley Law can assess the facts of your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
More than a million Uber drivers are on the road in the US at any given time. Uber accidents can occur when you are riding in an Uber vehicle as a rideshare customer or are struck by an Uber vehicle while walking or driving your car, motorcycle, or bike. We have handled many such rideshare accident cases over nearly seven decades of legal work. With award-winning motor vehicle litigation specialists and trial attorneys on staff, our team can expertly evaluate your case and fight to secure the compensation you need for a full recovery.
Our rideshare accident lawyers can navigate the legal process on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to protect your rights.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Can More Than One Party Be Responsible For My Easton Uber Accident?
In Easton, as in the rest of Pennsylvania, liability for an Uber accident can extend to several parties, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Some of the possible responsible parties involved can include:
- Uber Driver: Uber drivers can be held responsible for an accident if their negligence or reckless behavior caused or contributed to the collision. This includes distracted driving, speeding, or failure to obey traffic laws. According to the latest edition of Uber’s US Safety Report, 18% of the 127 fatal Uber-related crashes reported during 2021 and 2022 were likely caused by Uber drivers, and a further 25% of these crashes were likely caused by multiple parties, including the driver and other motorists, passengers, or bystanders.
- Actively Driving: When Uber drivers actively transport a passenger or are en route to pick up a passenger, they are considered to be working for Uber. Uber’s commercial insurance policy typically applies during this phase.
- Waiting for a Ride: If the Uber driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request but not actively transporting a passenger, their personal insurance policy may apply. However, if the driver’s policy doesn’t cover commercial activities, Uber’s contingent liability coverage may come into play.
- Uber Technologies, Inc.: Uber Technologies, Inc., the company that operates the rideshare platform, can also be held liable for an accident under certain circumstances. This may include situations where Uber failed to screen its drivers properly, negligently maintained its app, or acted negligently or recklessly.
- Other Motorists: If another motorist’s negligence contributed to the accident, they can also be held responsible for their share of liability. This could include actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Uber notes that around 58% of its recorded crashes were caused by other motorists’ actions, for which these parties received police citations, and the involved Uber drivers were fully cleared of culpability.
- Third Parties: In some cases, third parties, such as government entities or vehicle manufacturers, may share responsibility for an accident. For example, suppose the accident was caused by a defective roadway or a faulty vehicle part, such as brakes or steering components. In that case, the government entity responsible for road maintenance or the manufacturer of the defective part may be liable. According to Uber’s Report, 62% of rider and driver deaths were caused by third parties’ risky behaviors on the road.
“Munley Law is far more than just a law firm. We’re a family of attorneys who truly understand the meaning of family and bring deep compassion to every client we serve.”
J. Christopher Munley
How to File an Uber Car Accident Claim in Easton, PA
Filing an Uber car accident claim in Pennsylvania involves several steps to ensure you protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are the steps to take directly after your accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Keep records of all medical treatment received, including doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police to report the accident and ensure an official report is filed. The police report will document key details of the accident, including statements from drivers and witnesses and the officer’s assessment of who was at fault. Be sure to request copies of the police report for your records.
- Document the Accident Scene: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic signs/signals, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Notify Uber: Contact Uber to report the accident. You can do this through the Uber app or by contacting Uber’s support team by phone. Provide details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and a description. Never admit fault to the Uber driver, Uber representatives, or their insurance company.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance coverage available for Uber accidents in Pennsylvania. Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, including liability coverage, contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Review your insurance policy to determine if you have additional coverage that may apply.
- Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law: Call an experienced personal injury attorney who has experience handling Uber accident claims in Easton. Your Munley Law Uber accident lawyer will assess your case, advise you on your legal rights, and help you with the claims process. All five of our partners have earned the highest possible AV Preeminent Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, and several have won Client Champion Awards for their outstanding service to injured clients in Easton and beyond. We also have four lawyers board-certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy to represent cases like yours in Pennsylvania courts of law.
- File a Claim with Insurance: If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance coverage available, you may need to file a claim with Uber’s insurance company, your own insurance company, or both.
- Negotiate a Settlement: Work with your attorney to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. This may involve providing evidence of the other party’s negligence, documenting your injuries and damages, and calculating the full extent of your losses. Our expert negotiators have been consistently recognized by renowned legal organizations, including Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the American Association for Justice. We have also been invited to the Summit Council, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Litigation Counsel of America for our unwavering dedication to upholding the rights of civilians across the Keystone State.
- Consider Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to pursue compensation through litigation. Your attorney can represent you in court and advocate for your rights at trial.
- With all of our partners named some of the Keystone State’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and J. Christopher Munley ranked one of the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, we have the skill needed to represent your case in court and secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
A car accident can be devastating. If you have been in an accident involving an Uber driver, contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your potential next steps, including filing a claim for financial compensation. Your car accident lawyer at Munley Law will provide a free consultation and tell you how much you may be entitled to in your Uber accident claim.
What Are the Most Common Injuries After an Uber Accident?
Uber car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening injuries. The severity and type of injuries can vary depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, the use of seat belts and airbags, and the overall health and age of the individuals involved.
According to PennDOT’s 2024 Crash Facts and Statistics Report, motor vehicle accidents – including rideshare crashes – led to 66,950 injuries and 1,127 deaths on Pennsylvania roads that year, 4,713 of which were classified as serious in nature. Some potential injuries that can result from an Uber car accident include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked backward and forward, causing strain or sprain to the neck muscles and ligaments. A recent study on whiplash injuries found that the United States is a top-contributing country when it comes to these cases, accounting for roughly 21.64% of all whiplash injuries recorded globally.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as strains, sprains, and contusions, can occur in any part of the body and may result from the impact of the collision or the body being thrown against objects inside the vehicle.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a car accident can cause bones to break or fracture, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Fractures may range from minor hairline fractures to more severe compound fractures that require surgery to repair.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures, can occur if the head strikes an object inside the vehicle or if the brain is jostled within the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration.
- According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of TBIs and associated brain damage.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Back injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord injuries, can result from the impact of the collision or from being thrown against the seat or interior of the vehicle. Severe spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation and function below the site of the injury.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or damage to blood vessels, may occur if the body is subjected to significant force during the accident. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and may require medical attention to diagnose and treat.
- Psychological Injuries: In addition to physical injuries, individuals involved in car accidents may also experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, particularly if the accident was severe or resulted in the loss of a loved one.
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after an Uber accident, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and worsen if left untreated.
Be sure to document all medical visits and expenses, and keep all your medical records for your car accident attorney to review.
Speak With an Easton Uber Accident Lawyer at Munley Law Today
Uber accidents involve many moving parts with many potentially liable parties. Do not try to do this alone. Your experienced car accident attorneys at Munley Law have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured parties in Easton. Call us for your free case evaluation.
Your attorney will assess your Uber accident case, file your claim, negotiate with Uber and their insurance coverage, and be ready to take your case to trial if a fair settlement offer for your injuries and damages cannot be reached.
J. Christopher Munley
James Christopher Munley is an award-winning plaintiffs’ lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for accident victims and their families. As a board-certified civil trial advocate, Chris was named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for Workers’ Compensation by Best Lawyers, and has been listed on Pennsylvania Super Lawyers since 2013.
