Erie Uber Accident Lawyer

Residents and visitors enjoy the waterfront activities and attractions that Erie, PA, offers, and many frequently utilize rideshare services like Uber. Unfortunately, that increase in use has also led to more Uber accidents. If you or a loved one were injured in a rideshare car accident, an Erie Uber accident lawyer from Munley Law can guide you through the legal process.

Why Do You Need an Uber Accident Lawyer in Erie, PA?

You never have to hire an attorney for a car accident; however, when it comes to wrecks with rideshare vehicles, it can be beneficial to work with an attorney.

The most complicated part of an Uber accident is knowing what insurance coverage applies to you. Further, there is the question of who was involved during the crash and why it occurred. Of course, there are also general car accident concerns such as injury severity, property damage, etc.

With an Erie Uber accident lawyer, you do not have to navigate this alone. Our Munley Law Uber accident attorneys can take on the insurance company and win fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Our attorneys will:

• Investigate if the Uber driver was offline, online, en route, or in the middle of a trip when the accident occurred
• Calculate the value of your claim so you get appropriate compensation
• Negotiate a fair settlement
• Represent you in court if necessary

What Are the Common Causes for Uber Accidents in Erie, PA?

Common causes of Uber accidents in Erie, PA, are similar to other motor vehicle collisions. They include the following.

Distracted Driving

Though Uber has made strives to make roadways safer by encouraging users to log into the app to hail a ride after consuming alcohol, many drivers find themselves guilty of driving distracted.

From working with the app to find new clients to speaking with passengers, many potential avenues exist for distraction.

Unfamiliarity with Roadways

Not all drivers will know the back roads and shortcuts around Erie. When this happens, drivers can find themselves in unfamiliar sections, leading to driving on the wrong roads, making quick turns, or maneuvering illegal turn-arounds.

Driver Fatigue

Studies have suggested that as many as 69 percent of Uber drivers hold an additional part or full-time job in addition to their employment with the rideshare service. For many drivers, this can result in fatigue working long hours.

Unfortunately, driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk, resulting in severe and sometimes fatal collisions.

Speeding

If you want to make a set amount of money in a rideshare “shift,” you may stop speeding to reach as many passengers as possible. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for disaster in an area as busy as Erie.

Uber has made strives to minimize speeding by their drivers by installing a feature on the app that visually or audibly notifies the driver if they’re going too fast.

Unsafe Pickup/Drop Off Location

With all of Erie’s tourism and hustle and bustle, it’s unsurprising that some city sections are safer than others. Despite knowing this, drivers may make pickups and drop-offs in unsafe locations.

This does not only include crime, however. Busy intersections, one-way streets, and poor visibility make unsafe locations for passengers and drivers alike.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance

Uber drivers have to maintain their vehicles. But accidents can occur when they fail, and the car becomes unsafe. For example, if a driver knows that their tires are bald yet continues to drive with them and is involved in an accident, improper vehicle maintenance can be the source.

Can I Hold Uber Responsible for an Accident Involving an Uber Driver?

In some cases, you may be able to hold Uber responsible for your car accident. However, there are several other liable parties from which you could seek compensation.

Uber Driver or Uber

Sometimes, Uber drivers are at fault for accidents. Whether you hold the driver personally responsible or utilize Uber’s collision insurance will ultimately depend on whether the driver was on or offline during the collision.

The Munley Law Erie Uber accident attorneys will review the driver’s status to conclude who’s insurance applies to your wreck.

Third-Party

Sometimes, a wreck will not be the driver’s or Uber’s fault but can result from third-party negligence. This includes an auto manufacturer for a faulty part on a vehicle, such as brakes or tires, which leads to a car accident. Or it may be the entity responsible for road maintenance.

Another Driver

In other cases, the accident could result from negligence by another driver on the road.

If there are multi-vehicle collisions, Munley Law will review all available evidence, speak with witnesses, and determine who is responsible for your injuries and damages.

Why Are Uber Accidents Complex?

Uber accidents are complex for various reasons, primarily regarding insurance coverage during the wreck. Under Uber’s accident policies and insurance, guidelines apply depending on the driver’s status at the time of the wreck.

Uber Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for a rideshare driver can be expensive, so companies like Uber shoulder that burden for their independent contractors. However, drivers are still required to maintain their insurance. Uber’s insurance coverage is as follows.

Driver is Offline

If the driver is involved in an accident and is offline, their auto insurance covers them. You would file a car accident claim as if it were not a rideshare service. However, you still should report the accident to Uber if the driver is trying to say that they were

Driver is Online and Available

Suppose a driver is in an accident and is online and available for a ride but not engaged in one. In that case, Uber’s third-party liability insurance covers the costs of injuries and damages up to the following amounts:

• $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

The driver is en route or on a trip.

If a driver is en route or on a trip, Uber offers the following comprehensive coverage:

• Covers a minimum of $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident if the driver is at fault.
• Repairs to the driver’s car up to the cash value with a $2,500 deductible dependent on the driver’s personal auto insurance and collision coverage.

In Pennsylvania, Uber has also offered drivers extra coverage for the driver and their rides involved in a hit-and-run or an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver. This coverage includes personal injury protection to cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault. This applies whether the driver is online and available or already en route or on a trip.

What Damages Can You Recover Following an Erie Uber Crash?

If you or a loved one were injured in an Erie Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life

How Is Fair Compensation Calculated?

To protect your best interests, we look at all the currently held and potential expenses you may have following a rideshare accident. This means we consider your medical expenses as they currently stand and any related future costs you may incur, such as treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation.

Further, if your injuries keep you out of work temporarily or permanently, we’ll ensure you get the proper compensation to keep your family financially secure. We can also guide you through disability filings.

And finally, we’ll consider your mental health, as it’s just as important as your physical well-being. If you suffered mental anguish, have lost enjoyment in life, or your injuries have caused a strain on your marriage or interpersonal relationships, we believe you should be compensated for those losses, too.

There is no average settlement amount for rideshare claims, but we do our best to consider your financial needs now and in the future.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Most personal injury claims are settled without going to court. However, if you file a lawsuit, you must file a claim within two years from the accident date or discovery of injuries.

Munley Law can guide you through the process to ensure you complete all filing deadlines, preserving your right to compensation.

How Can Our Erie Uber Accident Lawyers Help?

Getting involved in an accident can be complicated, but rideshare accident cases have unique challenges. At Munley Law, we work with you from start to finish to determine liability, calculate the value of your claim, handle negotiations with the insurance companies, or represent you in court if necessary.

We know that a crash can leave you with financial hardships. That’s why we work on a contingency basis. This means there are no upfront costs to you, and we only collect payment if your case is won and compensation is secured.

Our rideshare lawyers know these drivers are at a higher risk for collisions, so we take these claims seriously. We never leave you in the dark and ensure you feel heard every step of the way.

Injured in an Uber Accident in Erie? Call Munley Law.

If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber accident in Erie, PA, call Munley Law. We’ll handle communications with your insurance and the driver’s insurance to secure maximum compensation in the claims process. If your case goes to court, we’ll stand by your side.

For a no-obligation, free consultation, call the Erie Uber accident lawyers of Munley Law.