Lyft Accident Lawyer

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Our Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Fight For Your Rights

Munley Law’s Lyft accident lawyers provide the level of experience and force needed when an everyday trip ends in a serious collision. Lyft claims may look simple on the surface, but they involve overlapping insurance policies, corporate defense teams, and coverage questions that change by the minute depending on a driver’s status in the app. With more than 250 years of combined experience, our award-winning attorneys know how to break through these complications and pursue the full value of your claim. Munley Law is consistently named among the Best Law Firms in America, and all five of our partners are rated among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, a reflection of the team trusted to handle high-stakes injury cases in the Keystone State and nationwide.

For almost seven decades, our board-certified trial lawyers have been securing multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injured clients, many involving commercial vehicles, professional drivers, and complex liability disputes. We understand how Lyft accident litigation works, and we build each case with the support of accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and financial professionals.

Don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys today to start the claims process.

What is Ridesharing?

Ridesharing is a service that directly connects drivers with passengers who need transportation services. The idea is as old as the 1990s, when small start-ups generated a new way to help people find carpooling partners – literally “ride sharing”. However, ridesharing as we now know it was pioneered in 2009 by Uber. This was followed closely by the introduction of Lyft in 2012.

Rideshare apps have revolutionized how people travel short distances. Ridesharing fills a gap in areas with limited taxi services or public transportation, especially in smaller suburban and rural areas. Ridesharing has created a more direct and convenient method to connect drivers and passengers in larger metropolitan areas. Uber and Lyft are the two largest ridesharing services in the United States.

The popularity of these apps has been steadily growing, with Lyft’s annual revenue for 2024 sitting at $5.78 billion, a 35.68% increase from 2020. Total US rideshare revenue is projected to reach $59.27 billion in 2025, with the number of US rideshare users forecast to rise to 107.52 million by 2030. In 2021, Lyft had 1.4 million active drivers on US roads.

Who is At Fault in a Pennsylvania Lyft Rideshare Accident Case?

A Lyft accident is treated differently from an accident with a normal vehicle or traditional commercial vehicle. Most Pennsylvania rideshare companies, including Lyft, have some type of insurance for their drivers. As a passenger, any injuries you sustain in a ridesharing accident will likely be covered by Lyft’s insurance policy. But often, Lyft still chooses to fight the claim and denies liability. This can occur even if the driver is at fault and on duty when the accident occurs.

Rideshare companies help millions of Pennsylvanians get to work, restaurants, doctors’ appointments, and more. They are a constant presence on our roads, at airports, casinos, and at stadiums. However, when rideshare drivers cause an accident, it can be more difficult for rideshare accident victims to receive compensation than they might think.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has more than six decades of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims. Our experienced rideshare accident attorney handles Lyft accident injury cases of all sizes. We have won hundreds of millions of dollars in Lyft accident compensation for our clients.

Your Munley Law attorney will fight for you to get compensation for lost wages, doctors’ visits and other medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Lyft Accident Lawyer at Munley Law

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What Damages Can You Recover After a Lyft Accident?

Damages in rideshare driver-related cases may be both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are objective, quantifiable damages and can include lost wages from missing work due to injury or doctor visits, and subsequent medical bills. Non-economic damages are more subjective and can be more difficult to prove.

Having a qualified rideshare accident attorney on your side will help you understand what damages you may be entitled to, such as:

• Repairs or replacement – Any expenses to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
• Loss of or damage to property – The costs for recovering lost or damaged personal property.
• Medical bills – Any medical expenses that were a result of the accident can be recovered in a Lyft car accident lawsuit. This includes ER visits, doctor’s appointments, and long-term care.
• Lost wages – Any time that you missed work because of the accident. This includes both vacation time and PTO.
• Emotional distress also known as mental anguish – This is legally defined as “a highly unpleasant emotional reaction (as anguish, humiliation, or fury) which results from another’s conduct and for which damages may be sought.”
• Pain and suffering – This can include physical and mental pain.
• Lost or diminished earning capacity – This can be any decrease in income as a result of an injury that affects your ability to continue doing your current job or robs you of career prospects for the future. If you have sustained an injury, you may experience diminished earning capacity.
• Permanent damages – These are any damages that indefinitely restrict you or your loved one’s employment or other normal activities. In a lawsuit to recover damages caused by the negligence or intentional wrongful act of another, a permanent injury can be a major element in an award of general damages.
• Disabilities – Any damage that substantially reduces your capacity to engage in one or more major life activities.
• Psychological or psychiatric harm – This is defined as a psychological or psychiatric condition that developed as a result of a traumatic event. The condition is severe enough that it impacts your ability to perform routine life or work tasks. This can include loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and loss of companionship.

Can You Sue Lyft After an Accident?

In car accidents caused by Lyft drivers across the country, Lyft is usually not an applicable target for a lawsuit. In cases where a taxi driver, bus driver, truck driver, or other commercial driver causes a crash, you can usually sue their employer since the crash occurred during the course of their job duties. With Lyft, the driver is not actually an employee of the rideshare company, which allows the company to avoid liability for their drivers’ errors.

In many cases, however, Lyft’s insurance policy will cover the passengers’ injuries as a result of the crash. Both Uber and Lyft have complex rules that dictate when their insurance policy covers a crash based on whether the driver has picked up or dropped off a rider. If their insurance policy does cover the crash, this can often help you get the compensation that the individual driver might not have been able to afford. However, drivers must also carry their own insurance, so there is usually some sort of insurance policy covering the crash if you do sue the driver.

Who Can I File a Claim With After a Lyft Accident?

In addition to the stress and trauma of a car accident, when you are dealing with the aftermath of a Lyft car accident, you might have additional headaches dealing with extra paperwork and unfamiliar territory.

Injury victims from a Lyft car accident may have to deal with the headache of more paperwork and confusion following a collision. In an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, injury victims will have to make claims with their own insurance company, insurance policies of the drivers in the Lyft car and other vehicles, and separate insurance policies offered through Lyft.

Not only this, but Lyft accident victims may also face medical bills, time off work due to injury or doctor’s visits, loss of personal vehicles, and other stresses.

These added complications make it even more important to have experienced Lyft accident lawyers on your side. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has been fighting for car accident victims for more than 65 years. Our experienced Lyft accident attorney has obtained the maximum compensation for injured victims.

What Causes Most Lyft Accidents?

Rideshare apps like Lyft do background checks on their drivers. However, many people with a clean driving history are still susceptible to the same accident risks on the road.

As with car accidents, there are many reasons Lyft accidents occur. Some of the top reasons include:

• Unexperienced drivers. Lyft drivers receive no formal training, and many have no 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. Pennsylvania Lyft drivers use their phones for directions, tracking time, and arranging pick-ups.
• Driving too fast. Lyft drivers can feel pressured to speed, whether they are 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 make it even riskier.

How Often Do Lyft Accidents Occur?

A recent study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that nearly one-third of all rideshare app drivers have been in an accident while at work.

The study looked at survey responses from 277 ride-share drivers who self-reported on their history of crashes and their driving behaviors.

Rideshare drivers face greater crash risks than typical motorists, researchers found. They must constantly use smartphones for passenger requests and navigation, creating dangerous distractions. Many also drive as a second job, making them more prone to fatigue-related accidents.

National data reinforces how common and serious these incidents have become. Lyft’s 2024 Safety Transparency Report for 2020 to 2022 noted 50 fatalities in 2022, and 111 motor-vehicle deaths from 2020 through 2022, along with a 14% increase in fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 31% rise in overall incident frequency compared with the prior reporting period.

Broader research supports these trends. A study from the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research found that the expansion of rideshare services has contributed to an estimated 3% yearly increase in nationwide traffic fatalities, adding nearly one thousand additional roadway deaths each year linked to Uber and Lyft activity.

These figures show how the growth of ridesharing has come with a measurable impact on crash rates.

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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.

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Call us at (844) 686-5397

How Can a Munley Law Lyft Accident Lawyer Help With Your Claim?

If you were injured in an accident with a Lyft driver, your first step should be to contact a Lyft accident attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. Insurance coverage for these kinds of accidents is complicated. We can make sure you receive compensation for your injuries.

Since 1959, our firm has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims across the United States. That experience matters in Lyft accident claims, where multiple insurance policies, coverage tiers, and corporate defense teams can make the process overwhelming.

Our attorneys are consistently recognized across Pennsylvania and the nation for their skill in complex personal injury litigation:

• Munley Law is rated among the Best Law Firms in America by Best Lawyers
• All five partners appear on the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America list
• Marion Munley has been named to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania since 2022
• Daniel Munley is ranked among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania
• Every partner has been selected to the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania
• Marion Munley and Daniel Munley are named to the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
• Caroline Munley is listed among the Top 25 Women Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania
• J. Christopher Munley is named to the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers
• Mackenzie Wilson is recognized among the Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Attorneys in Pennsylvania

We handle anyone who was injured by a Lyft vehicle, including:

• The passenger in a Lyft vehicle
• A pedestrian who was hit by a Lyft vehicle
• A bicyclist who was hit by a Lyft vehicle
• A motorcyclist who was hit by a Lyft vehicle
• A driver involved in a two-or-more vehicle accident with a Lyft vehicle

Call, chat live, or fill out our contact form. There’s no charge for the consultation, and we never take a fee unless we win your accident case.

Talk To a Lyft Accident Attorney Now

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Call Us At 844-686-5397

What Steps Should I Take After Being Hit by a Lyft Driver?

Being in any car accident can be an overwhelming experience. Keep these few things in mind after a rideshare driver accident:

• First, call 911 and seek medical attention for yourself. Even if your injuries seem minor, they may become worse as time passes.
• If you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, download your trip information or take a screenshot of all of your trip details including your route, the driver’s name, their vehicle information, your route, your 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 and location and braking information. Retrieve and record that data.
• Take down the names and badge numbers of any officers who reported to the scene.
• Lyft will have a representative attempt to speak to you about the accident; do not give any statements to Lyft representatives until you have spoken with an experienced lawyer.
• Do not give any statements to Lyft or their insurance company.
• If possible, take photos of the scene and record any injuries or vehicle damage (if your car, motorcycle, or bike were involved).
• 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 on the site.
• As soon as you report your accident through the app or website, you will be prompted to share your phone number. Almost immediately, you will receive a phone call from a Lyft representative. Again, be careful what you say to Lyft. Once your accident claim is set up, Lyft will give you a claim/reference number. Keep a record of this number.
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you are still in the process of getting medical treatment, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate this challenging time and guide you through the next steps.

How Much Does an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer Cost?

Our rideshare accident lawyer only takes a fee if we win you a settlement. You do not owe anything before your case is settled, and it costs nothing to talk to one of our attorneys.

At Munley Law, we believe that all people should have equal access to the justice system, regardless of income. That’s why our Lyft accident lawyers do not charge a fee for our services unless we win your case. We cover all the upfront costs so that you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Our contingency fee (a percentage of the accident settlement or verdict we obtain for you) will never exceed the total amount paid to you.

We want to make this hard time easier for you, not harder. That is why we do not have any fees unless your personal injury claim is won.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents

How long do I have to file a Lyft accident claim in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania gives you two years to file a Lyft accident claim under Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5524. This statute of limitations applies to most personal injury cases, so acting quickly is important. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, protect your claim, and ensure you do not risk missing the deadline.

Can I file a claim if a Lyft driver hit me while I was walking or biking?

Yes, you can file a claim if you were hit by a Lyft driver while walking or biking. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists struck by Lyft drivers can file claims for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The same insurance rules apply, and Lyft’s liability coverage may be available if the driver was logged in to the app.

Can I sue Lyft for my accident?

Yes, you can sue Lyft for your accident, but Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors. This makes direct claims against Lyft more complex, although Lyft’s insurance policies may still cover your injuries depending on the driver’s status.

Do I need a lawyer for a Lyft accident claim?

You do need a lawyer for your Lyft accident case, as Lyft claims involve multiple insurers, shifting coverage rules, and corporate policies that can reduce payouts. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can manage the process, identify every liable party, and work to secure maximum compensation.

Get a Pennsylvania Lyft Accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys on Your Side

If you have been in an accident as a Lyft passenger or driver, you need to immediately report the incident through their app. After you report the accident, the next step is hiring an experienced Lyft rideshare accident lawyer. The company will have large legal teams, and the driver may also be covered by these policies. An experienced Lyft rideshare lawyer will assist you in building your case to guarantee you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in
compensation for our clients.”

Daniel W. Munley

Free case consultation
Call us at (844) 686-5397