Rideshare apps are growing in popularity, and Uber is no exception. In 2024, it is estimated that Uber has 131 million monthly users. While rideshare companies boast the safety benefits of utilizing their services, these drivers are still at
risk for motor vehicle accidents. Knowing your legal rights is critical for passengers in an Uber or other drivers involved in the collision. If you were injured in an Uber accident in Harrisburg, call the Harrisburg Uber accident attorneys of Munley Law.
We Represent Victims of Uber Accidents in Harrisburg
According to the 2021-2022 Uber Safety Report, 153 people died in Uber-related crashes and many more were seriously injured.
At Munley Law, we represent Uber accident victims who have suffered injury. Our Harrisburg personal injury lawyers guide victims and their families through the legal process, including handling negotiations with the insurance company.
Our experienced car accident lawyers help auto accident victims seek fair compensation through personal injury claims. We quickly review your insurance coverage while communicating with the insurance adjusters. If there are disputes over liability, We’ll review the facts against the rideshare driver and gather the necessary evidence, including:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Uber accident reports
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Witness testimony
Most auto accident claims are settled outside of court, ending in a reasonable settlement. But Munley Law will step in if the insurance company does not provide a fair settlement to cover your medical bills and related losses.
If you or a loved one were in an Uber accident, call the Harrisburg Uber accident lawyers of Munley Law today for a no-obligation consultation.
How Uber Accidents Differ from Regular Car Accidents
At face value, you may think that a Harrisburg Uber accident is no different than any other car crash. However, Uber drivers’ status is what makes them different. Uber drivers are not considered full-time employees but rather independent contractors. Because of this, the Uber driver must carry their auto insurance policy, at least to their state minimum requirements.
However, Uber also carries liability coverage, up to certain amounts, for drivers involved in collisions.
Because there are potentially two insurance companies involved in the accident, this can complicate a wreck very quickly.
Luckily, Munley Law has extensive experience in complex auto accident claims. Call a Dauphin County personal injury lawyer today to learn how we can help.
Recovering Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in Harrisburg
Following an Uber accident, you’ll want to know who is responsible for your injuries and resulting financial needs and what you can recover. The Harrisburg Uber accident lawyers of Munley Law help rideshare accident victims recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include medical care, loss of income, and property damage.
Non-economic damages include disability, emotional pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver was malicious and grossly negligent in their actions.
With legal representation from Munley Law, you can secure fair compensation for your rideshare accident claim.
Whose insurance pays for my injuries?
Knowing whose insurance company pays for medical bills can be complicated. All Pennsylvania drivers must carry minimum car insurance, but Uber also has policies in place.
Before you can understand Uber’s insurance coverage options, you need to know the types of policies Pennsylvania drivers must carry and have the option to add.
Minimum auto insurance coverage in Pennsylvania includes:
- $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for damage to property of another person
However, drivers can also add uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if they are in a wreck with a driver, including a rideshare driver, who does not have adequate insurance.
Before filing an insurance claim, review your current policy and be sure you understand what you have. Adjusters may try to low-ball your settlement, even if you have the policy to back your claim.
Was the Uber driver working at the time of the accident?
Who is responsible for your physical injuries and losses ultimately depends on whether the rideshare driver was working at the time of the wreck. Uber’s insurance may cover your losses if the driver is working. But if the driver were not on the clock, their personal auto insurance would be responsible.
Further, if the accident is a multi-vehicle wreck and the Uber driver was not at fault, then the actual negligent driver would be responsible.
It is not enough to say the Uber driver was working, as there are different “stages” to an Uber ride.
If the Uber driver was off-duty
If the Uber driver were off-duty and not logged into the app, their auto insurance would be at play.
If the Uber Driver was carrying a passenger
If the Uber driver is carrying a passenger, including picking up or dropping off, the following insurance policies are at play:
- $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident where the Uber driver is at fault.
- Insurance covers the car repair cost up to the actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible, depending on the driver’s personal insurance. This includes comprehensive and collision coverage.
In some states, Uber also offers personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for Uber
drivers and passengers, regardless of fault.
If the Uber driver was on duty awaiting a ride
If the Uber driver was on duty and awaiting a ride, Uber’s third-party liability insurance covers the cost of injuries or damage to a minimum of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
Again, Uber may have PIP and hit-and-run coverage for the driver, depending on the state. An auto accident lawyer from Munley Law can help you determine what Uber insurance policies may come into effect for your claim.
Can I Sue Uber After a Harriburg Rideshare Accident?
You can sue Uber after a rideshare accident. Like a standard car, truck, or motorcycle accident, victims may not get the compensation they need from an insurance settlement. So, victims have the option to file a lawsuit against the negligent parties, including Uber.
To sue Uber for your accident, you must:
- Prove that their negligence led to your injuries. This can be difficult, though, as Uber drivers are independent contractors, so they would not be treated as employees.
- You would need to show that they were directly involved in the crash. For example, suppose a driver was hired by Uber who has a history of traffic accident offenses such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or aggressive driving. In that case, you may be able to argue that Uber’s vetting process was not strong enough.
- You have only two years from the accident date under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations to file a claim. But, if the accident ended in wrongful death, the clock would not begin until the victim’s death date.
Further, Pennsylvania follows the comparative negligence rule for personal injury. So, any compensation you may get will be adjusted by your percentage of fault. However, you must be less than 50 percent responsible for the accident; otherwise, you cannot seek compensation for your losses.
Why Choose Munley Law for your Harrisburg Uber Accident Claim?
The financial losses after a car accident can be a burden on any family, but when you couple that with physical pain and mental anguish, you can feel like there is no end to the suffering.
At Munley Law, we know that cost can hinder getting the legal guidance you need for your case. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no up-front costs for you, and you only pay if we win.
Get a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were involved in a Uber accident, call Munley Law. Our Harrisburg Uber accident lawyers will take on the at-fault parties to ensure you get the compensation you need for your severe accident injuries.
We’ll review your case during an initial consultation, discuss the next steps, and connect you with an experienced lawyer. Call the Munley Law firm for a no-obligation, free case evaluation today.
