Uber and Lyft accidents can be confusing and complicated to resolve. While they start off like any other accident, their differences lie in how losses are recovered. Driver status, type of insurance, and more can impact how the claim process is handled. A Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft Accident attorney can provide clarity after one of these accidents and guide you through the claim process so you do not lose valuable compensation.
Munley Law has extensive experience handling these intricate cases and securing maximum results for our clients. You and your family are our top priority, and we devote our time and attention to providing unwavering representation and support. When you hire a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer, you are backed by the full strength of our team.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
Munley Law Has Helped Clients for More Than 65 Years
When you choose Munley Law to represent you in an Uber or Lyft accident, you can be confident you will receive exceptional service from attorneys who have more than 65 years of experience. We provide creative solutions tailored to your needs so you can receive a better outcome. We protect your right to recover compensation, be treated fairly, and hold the applicable party accountable for their actions. Our team’s connections in the community and the Pennsylvania court system help us serve you better.
When you are unsure how to proceed, our team takes the lead and handles all the logistics of your case. We help you identify the correct venue to file your claim with, gather evidence, establish the at-fault party’s liability, and negotiate maximum compensation. We are also equipped to handle pushback and challenges that come up during your case, and we are prepared to go to court if necessary to get the results you deserve.
Munley Law Works on Contingency to Better Serve Our Clients
Car accident expenses add up quickly, and before you know it, hiring a lawyer seems next to impossible. However, Munley Law uses contingency fees so you can get the legal services you need without financial stress. Our team only gets paid if we win your case, at which time we deduct our fees from your settlement or verdict. This gives you the opportunity to secure representation at no risk to you. It also eliminates doubts about whether or not your lawyer has your best interests in mind.
Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident Case
Determining who is financially responsible after an Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated. Unlike a typical car accident, multiple parties and insurance policies may be involved. Liability often depends on the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the crash.
Driver Status Makes a Difference in Uber and Lyft Accidents
One of the primary reasons why Uber and Lyft claims are so complicated is that the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident impacts your options. The driver’s status dictates who you file your claim against, as well as what and how much you can recover. This could mean a claim is filed against the driver, the rideshare company, or a third party. Both Uber and Lyft have similar processes for handling accident claims according to driver status. Below is a closer look at how this works.
Offline
The period when a driver is offline and they are not actively accepting or conducting rides. During this time of inactivity, drivers are covered by their own insurance. This means that in the event of an accident, their personal insurance policy applies. As stated above, drivers must meet the minimum insurance requirements.
Online and Available
The period when drivers are online and available to accept ride requests. If an accident occurs during this time, Uber and Lyft each provide third-party insurance coverage to pay for injuries or property damage for applicable accidents. Both companies will pay $50,000/person and $100,000/accident for bodily injury, and cover $25,000 in property damage. To determine if other coverage is provided, speak to your insurance company and Uber accident attorneys or Lyft accident attorneys, as applicable.
En Route or On a Trip
The period when a driver has accepted a request and is on the way to pick up the passenger, or is actively transporting them. Accidents that occur during this stage may be covered by Uber and Lyft’s $1,000,000 coverage for injuries and property damage. Drivers who carry comprehensive and collision coverage may also benefit from the rideshare company’s coverage to repair their vehicle with a $2,500 deductible. First-party coverage or add-on protections may also be used and impact what is covered.
Other factors that impact how liability is handled when suing Uber and Lyft for accident injuries are state laws and driver classification. Accident claims are handled according to state regulations and the established jurisdiction of the area. There is no one-size-fits-all process for Uber and Lyft accident claims. Also, drivers are classified as independent contractors, which means that the rideshare giants are insulated from liability in many cases. This means liability falls on drivers more often than not.
Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Pennsylvania
While recovering compensation after a rideshare accident is far less straightforward than a regular accident, you still have the right to recover compensation for what you have lost. What you recover will depend on who you are filing your claim with and what type of insurance coverage is involved. As a choice no-fault state, Pennsylvania residents have the option between at-fault and no-fault insurance.
At-fault coverage allows victims to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Victims must demonstrate the other party’s negligence and can recover more of their losses, including suing for emotional distress. No-fault coverage allows victims to file a claim with their own insurance without having to demonstrate fault. However, they are limited to recovering monetary losses only. Depending on your options, you may be able to recover the following:
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Medical expense
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Lost wages or earning capacity
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Cost to repair or replace damage to property or personal belongings
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Funeral and burial expenses for fatal collisions
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional and psychological distress
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Reduced enjoyment and quality of life
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Loss of companionship and consortium
Whether you are a passenger or driver, a Pennsylvania rideshare accident lawyer can help you determine your options for recovering compensation. They will also thoroughly inventory your losses to determine the value of your case and prepare you for what factors may impact the final sum of your settlement or verdict. Your lawyer is a skilled and experienced negotiator, and they will fight to recover the maximum amount in your case.
Even if you are filing a claim with your own insurance company, your lawyer can still advocate for you. They know that insurance companies generally utilize tactics such as intentional delays, technicalities, blame, and so on to lowball you or avoid paying you altogether. However, with a lawyer on your side, you can limit these actions and demand fair treatment and compensation. Individuals who work with an Uber crash lawyer recover more compensation to cover their losses.
Common Factors that Contribute to Uber and Lyft Collisions in Pennsylvania
Like any other type of vehicle accident, collisions involving Uber and Lyft are caused by negligence. These events are often preventable and arise because of carelessness, failure to exercise caution, or an intentional disregard for safety. These accidents can occur from the front, back, or side and impact the outcome of the collision. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
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Distracted driving
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Speeding
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Reckless or aggressive driving
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Exhaustion
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Alcohol or drug impairment
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Tailgating
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Failing to compensate for road or weather conditions
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Lack of experience
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Poor vehicle maintenance
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Mechanical issues and defective parts
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Failure to follow the rules of the road
A rideshare accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the collision to accurately identify the cause of the accident. They will gather and review evidence such as photos, surveillance footage, police reports, and more to discover how the accident occurred and what negligent actions were involved. This information will be used when establishing liability in your case.
Dangerous Roads Throughout Pennsylvania Can Increase the Likelihood of an Uber or Lyft Accident
Location matters when it comes to accidents. Accidents are more likely to occur at intersections and areas where traffic is congested and flows irregularly. Construction zones and roads with curves and limited visibility also increase the risk for collisions. Extra caution is essential in these areas to avoid an accident. Given the varied terrain throughout the state, it is important to be aware of what PennDOT considers to be Pennsylvania’s most hazardous roads and intersections, which include:
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Interstate 76
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Interstate 95
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Route 322
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Roosevelt Boulevard and Red Lion Road (Philadelphia)
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West Liberty Avenue and Pioneer Avenue (Pittsburgh)
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7th Street and Linden Street (Allentown)
Whether your accident has occurred in one of these areas or not, you can be confident that Munley Law has the experience and knowledge to handle your case regardless of your circumstances. We are familiar with the unique challenges of many of the hazardous roads throughout the state and know what evidence is needed to successfully resolve your claim.
Uber and Lyft Crashes Can Cause Serious Injuries
Uber and Lyft accidents cause a variety of injuries that can range from minor to severe. These injuries can take time to recover from and impact your life in unexpected ways. Recovery may take a few weeks, months, or leave permanent effects. Injuries most likely to occur in an Uber or Lyft accident include:
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Broken bones
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Soft tissue damage
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Lacerations and contusions
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Whiplash
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Neck, back, and spine injuries
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Internal injuries
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Paralysis, disability, and disfigurement
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Wrongful death
After sustaining an injury in an Uber or Lyft accident, medical attention is essential. Failing to see a doctor can be harmful to your health and your claim. A doctor should run the appropriate tests to accurately diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan. It is also important to maintain detailed records of all your medical care, as this provides valuable evidence in your case. It reduces pushback from the insurance company and helps secure compensation that reflects the extent of your need.
How to Protect Yourself After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Pennsylvania
Uber and Lyft accidents in Pennsylvania can be confusing and leave you wondering how to proceed, especially when you are in shock immediately after an accident. Sadly, insurance companies will pounce on the opportunity to blame you and try various tactics to avoid paying you. To make sure that you are treated fairly and your case is successful, it is important to take the following actions to protect yourself after an accident:
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Call 911
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Get medical attention right away
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File a police report and obtain a completed copy
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Get photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries, if possible
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Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
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Hire rideshare accident lawyers in Pennsylvania to represent you
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Report the accident to the rideshare company
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File the appropriate type of claim
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Avoid openly discussing your accident in person or on social media
Taking these steps after a collision can increase your peace of mind during the claim process. The more evidence you have, the easier your case will be to resolve. Insurance companies will also have fewer options at their fingertips to avoid paying you. Your Lyft accident lawyer will review all the evidence and gather more as needed so you have a strong case that gets favorable results.
Current State of Rideshare Laws in Pennsylvania
Drivers for Uber or Lyft must adhere to the Pennsylvania Ride Share Law Chapter 57A when working for either company. These laws dictate driver eligibility and credentials, state insurance requirements, fare rates, penalties, reporting, and more. Uber and Lyft are structured so that state laws take precedence in operations, accident claims, and legal actions.
Pennsylvania is also pursuing other legislation that rideshare drivers would have to follow if adopted. Proposed changes include requiring rideshare passengers to scan a bar code or QR code before entering the vehicle, more restrictions on cell phone usage while driving or momentarily stopped, and a 6% excise fee on rideshare companies.
Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft Drivers Must Adhere to State Insurance Requirements
Rideshare drivers must follow all basic Pennsylvania car insurance requirements. This means that all minimum coverage limits must be met in order to operate a vehicle within the state. In Pennsylvania, minimum insurance limits must cover $5,000 in medical benefits, $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury liability, and $5,000 property damage liability. It is also recommended to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages, as well as collision and comprehensive coverage, among other add-ons.
Drivers should also have a rideshare insurance policy as part of their coverage to make sure they are fully protected while carrying out their rideshare duties. It is important to acquire rideshare insurance because Uber or Lyft may not cover you in every situation. It may even be required for you to drive for either company. Failing to communicate your rideshare activities with your insurance company could risk your policy getting cancelled. With this type of policy, you do not need commercial auto coverage.
Reporting Steps for Uber and Lyft Accidents
After an Uber or Lyft accident, you will need to take the initial steps mentioned above to gather the necessary information and evidence that you will need for the claim. You then need to notify your insurance company about the accident and report the accident to the appropriate rideshare company. This makes sure there is a record of the collision in their system and initiates the claim process.
When reporting an Uber accident, drivers should use the app to submit the police report, photos, and any other applicable evidence. Uber’s claims team will follow up to process your claim. Riders and third parties can also report an accident, and Uber will reach out to discuss the accident, gather information, and process the claim. It is important to hire Uber accident lawyers to represent you so you are treated fairly.
Drivers, riders, and other parties can report a Lyft accident by going online and filling out a detailed claim. The report will gather general information, details about the accident, information about the vehicle, driver, and riders, and details about any other parties involved. Once the report is complete, your claim can be processed. You should seek legal representation for this process as well.
A Lyft and Uber Car Accident Attorney Prepares You for What to Expect When Filing Your Claim
A Lyft and Uber accident attorney will prepare you for what to expect during the claim process so you know what to do and are protected. They know how overwhelming and confusing these cases are. As such, they take the lead on your case and determine who you should file your claim with after reviewing all the relevant factors. They will work with you to make sure your claim is filled out properly and accurately.
Your lawyer will also protect you from rideshare and insurance companies that will try to find reasons not to pay you, so the less you say to these companies, the better. If they try to contact you, you should direct them to your lawyer, who can speak on your behalf. Your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement for your case, but will also be prepared to go to court if necessary to get the results you deserve.
Answers To Your Most Commonly Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident?
According to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure §5524.0, Pennsylvania has a 2-year statute of limitations on injuries arising from negligence. While you do not have to file your claim right away, every moment delayed risks the outcome of your case. Claims take time to resolve, so you will want to hire a lawyer as soon as possible so you have sufficient time for your claim.
What if I am partially to blame for causing the accident?
Pennsylvania is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if you are partially at fault for an accident, then your compensation will be reduced by your level of fault as long as it is below 50%. Fault percentages over 50% are barred from recovery despite injury. An Uber accident lawyer can optimize your case so you hold as little liability as possible.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly after an accident?
Generally, you cannot sue the company directly because their drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. However, their insurance policies are designed to cover injured passengers, drivers, and third parties under specific conditions.
Does Uber or Lyft’s insurance cover me as a passenger?
Yes. If you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during a ride, both companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. However, getting compensated is not always straightforward, which is why legal representation is often necessary.
Let Munley Law Advocate for You
Munley Law works diligently to simplify the claim process and help you recover compensation faster. Our team knows the various intricacies involved in these cases, and we find creative and tailored solutions to obtain favorable results. We protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly throughout your case. To hire a Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft accident lawyer and get started with your case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team of experienced attorneys.
