Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer

If You Were Injured in a Lyft Accident, Contact a Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

Lyft provides a reliable service for anyone needing a ride in bustling cities likes Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is convenient. It helps you avoid the cost of owning and maintaining your own car. It can also keep you safe when you use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft if you have had a few drinks or are too tired to drive safely.

While Lyft can be convenient and safe, there are risks when we take a ride with Lyft. A recent study conducted by the University of Chicago and Rice University shows that car accident deaths have increased significantly with the increase in the use of the Lyft app and other ridesharing services apps. The study states that the increase may be caused by a Lyft driver operating his vehicle when he is distracted or tired. Lyft drivers usually have other full-time day jobs and they drive for Lyft in the evenings to earn extra income. Because they drive after full days of work at another job, they are driving while fatigued and drowsy. This leads to more car accidents involving Lyft and Uber drivers.

Another reason a Lyft driver may be causing accidents is that they use the Lyft app to find a new passenger who has sent a ride request. Because the first driver to respond to the ride request gets the passenger – and the money for the ride – drivers check the app while they are driving. This causes distracted driving that causes accidents.

What is “Multi-Apping”?

Lyft drivers may work for just Lyft as a part-time gig. But many drivers who rely on ridesharing as their primary income may “multi-app”– they will drive for multiple apps at the same time. For instance, they may be juggling alerts for Uber and other apps. Some Lyft drivers even use a third-party app used for maximizing profit.
Toggling between multiple apps while sharing the road with other drivers can lead to a car accident. This can be a high level of distraction for ANY driver but for rideshare drivers, this coupled with a deadline, driving drowsy, or at night, or in an unfamiliar neighborhood can lead to Lyft driver crashes.

If you or a loved one were injured in a Lyft car accident in Philadelphia, or if a family member was killed, contact the experienced Philadelphia Lyft accident lawyers of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys at (570) 399-0406 or via our online form for a free consultation as soon as possible. We are happy to discuss the circumstances of the car accident and help you understand the legal process.

A Philadelphia Lyft Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Unfortunately, Lyft’s insurance for their drivers is only minimal. Typically, it provides only one million dollars of insurance coverage or its drivers. While this may seem like a lot, if you or a loved one suffered serious or catastrophic injuries as a result of a rideshare accident, your costs for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other expenses may be significantly more than one million dollars.

Most Lyft drivers carry their own auto liability insurance. But often they carry only personal use insurance. This means that they do not have insurance that applies when they are using their vehicles in their business as a Lyft driver.

Lyft does not require its drivers to carry this kind of commercial insurance coverage. If you are involved in an accident involving a rideshare car, and the insurance policy held by your driver doesn’t provide business or commercial liability coverage, you may not be able to recover compensation for your injuries unless you hire a personal injury lawyer to fight for your rights.

In addition to the limits of insurance policies, Lyft’s insurance policy may try to shift the responsibility to pay for your injuries to the driver’s insurance company, and vice versa. This complicates your ability to secure compensation for your medical care and other expenses as a result of the rideshare accident.

These insurance issues make it very hard to get the financial compensation you deserve after an Uber or Lyft accident from the rideshare companies, the rideshare drivers, or their insurance companies.

If you are not offered any payment from the insurers, the rideshare companies, or the rideshare driver, an experienced rideshare accident attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you are offered a settlement payment but it is too low to cover your medical expenses and related costs, call us at (570) 399-0406 to protect your rights.

Insurance Coverage and Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuits: On-Duty vs. Off-Duty

An Uber or Lyft accident case presents unique challenges in showing who is required to pay accident victims for their injuries. The insurance provider for Uber and Lyft are financially responsible only when the Uber or Lyft driver is on-duty.

The company’s insurance policy will cover damages caused by an on-duty driver in most situations. But if the driver is off-duty, you will need to pursue the driver and his insurance for compensation.

Uber and Lyft drivers are “on-duty”

when a passenger is in their rideshare vehicle, or
when they have accepted a ride request and are driving to pick up a passenger.

Rideshare drivers are “off-duty” after they have dropped off a passenger and have not yet accepted a request from a new passenger.

In some scenarios, you might be eligible to receive compensation from both Lyft’s and the driver’s liability insurance. In other cases, it may be difficult to collect from either company. An experienced Lyft accident lawyer can help.

How Do I Know If the Lyft Driver Was At-Fault?

In order to be at fault, the Uber or Lyft driver must have caused the Uber or Lyft accident by acting negligently or recklessly. There are many actions that are deemed negligent or reckless, such as:

Distracted driving
Drowsy driving, or falling asleep at the wheel
Violating traffic laws, like running a red light or stop sign, or speeding
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Proving driver negligence is crucial to obtaining the compensation you deserve, both in court and as part of settlement negotiations.

A Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Prove Who Is At-Fault in a Lyft Accident Case

In accidents involving Lyft drivers in Philadelphia, it can be difficult to prove who caused the accident and which insurance company should be required to compensate you for your losses. Because Lyft drivers are independent contractors and use their personal vehicles, Lyft accident lawsuits differ from those involving commercial vehicles such as buses or taxi services.

Even when it is clear who is at fault – for example, if it is clear the Lyft driver caused the accident – it can still be challenging to show who should be financially responsible for compensating you in a personal injury lawsuit. Sometimes, Lyft or its insurer may deny your injury claim, arguing they are not financially responsible for your losses.

The Philadelphia accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are experienced in investigating the accident, building a case to prove who is at fault, and determining who should be held financially responsible for the injuries suffered in Uber or Lyft accidents. Contact a Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Philadelphia car accident lawyer for a free consultation to understand the legal process and learn how we can help you.

How Can We Close the Liability Insurance Gap for Lyft Accidents

Since Lyft only requires its drivers (as of May 2019) to have the Pennsylvania minimum necessary insurance, many drivers do the minimum to comply with this requirement.

However, if a Lyft driver is involved in an accident while not traveling with a Lyft passenger, the insurance provider can reject their claim since they failed to declare that they were a Lyft driver.
A recent state law mandates that all ride-share drivers inform their primary insurance provider that they are employed by a rideshare service.

This was implemented to prevent the insurance carrier for the Lyft driver from refusing to pay out benefits to an injured person.

Most Common Lyft Accident Types

Lyft and ridesharing cars are vulnerable to the same kinds of collisions as any other cars. However, because of the nature of the type of driving, Lyft drivers do, they are stopping to drop off and pick up passengers far more often than other passenger vehicles, so they are far more likely to cause the following types of accidents:

Rear-end accidents can happen as a Lyft driver drives through an unfamiliar place to search for their passenger or a drop-off address. Normally, the driver in the rear is always at fault for a rear-end collision, but if the driver in the rear was not alerted to the automobile in front halting or slowing down abruptly, the situation may change.

T bone accidents can happen if a Lyft driver attempts to make an illegal U-turn in an unfamiliar location.

Sideswipe accidents can happen when a Lyft driver is distracted while using their app while driving or searching for an address and collides with parked or stopped vehicles.

Dooring accidents occur when a biker cycles past a stopped Lyft vehicle and the driver abruptly opens a car door in the path of the bicycle. These accidents can cause severe injuries to the cyclist.

The Philadelphia Car Accidents Lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Have the Right Experience to Help You

Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys are skilled at negotiating settlements to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. While a settlement without courtroom litigation can be the best outcome in some circumstances, it is not always in the victim’s best interest. In those cases, our board-certified trial lawyers are prepared to go to trial to seek the compensation you deserve.

The personal injury lawyers of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have extensive experience in the courtroom and have built a national reputation on our trial victories. Some lawyers who are not as confident in the courtroom may pressure their clients to settle outside of court. Not the personal injury lawyers of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. Instead, we focus on what is best for our clients.

For more than 60 years, Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has been representing accident victims across Pennsylvania. Our law firm has been listed among the nation’s Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report. Our results speak for themselves: we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients.

Our lawyers have consistently been named among the top trial lawyers in Pennsylvania and have been named to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. We have over 60 years of experience obtaining the maximum compensation possible for victims in personal injury cases. Our experience means we advocate zealously and effectively for you, both in settlement and in litigation.

What is “Ridesharing”?

Ridesharing is a service that links drivers and those who need transportation services on a direct basis. The concept dates back to the 1990s when modest start-ups created a novel method to assist people in finding carpool partners, or “ride sharing.” Uber was the company that pioneered ridesharing as we know it today back in 2009. Just three years later, in 2012 we saw the launch of Lyft. The way people travel for small distances has been transformed by rideshare apps. In smaller suburban and rural communities, where there is a dearth of taxi services or public transit, ridesharing fills the void. Ridesharing has made it easier and more direct for drivers and passengers to connect in bigger urban regions. The two most popular ridesharing services are Uber and Lyft.

If you were involved in a rideshare accident with Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company, report the accident as soon as possible using the rideshare app. Then, contact an experienced Philadelphia Lyft accident lawyer.

After rideshare accidents, Pennsylvania law does not require you to speak to:

Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare company,
the driver providing the rideshare services,
the rideshare driver’s insurance company or
the rideshare company’s insurer.

You do not need to share the details of your medical treatment with anyone other than medical professionals who treat you, and your Lyft accident attorney.

In fact, you are better off not speaking to anyone connected to rideshare accidents before contacting a lawyer. Insurance companies often try to obtain information from victims of Lyft accidents to reduce any amount they might be required to pay as a result of auto accidents. This is why it is best to speak with an experienced Lyft accident lawyer first and let your lawyer speak for you.

Who can file a claim for injuries suffered in Uber and Lyft accidents?

Injured parties are eligible to file a claim against Lyft or the driver of the Lyft vehicle, including:

passengers in Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicles,
drivers in other cars,
motorcyclists,
pedestrians, and
family members of a person killed in a Lyft accident.

How long do I have to file an Uber and Lyft accident lawsuit?

Pennsylvania law requires that you comply with the statute of limitations for filing a Lyft accident lawsuit. This means you must file your personal injury case no more than two years from the date the accident occurred. If you do not start the legal process in court within this timeframe, you will not have a right to pursue the at-fault driver or other people who caused the accident. They will not be required to pay you for your injuries or property damage.

Because of this short timeframe, it is important for you to contact the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys as soon as possible after your accident.

What compensation can I get in a Lyft accident lawsuit?

You may be entitled to receive compensation for common car accident injuries, such as:

whiplash
bruising
broken bones
head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and concussions
neck injuries
back injuries
post-traumatic stress
internal bleeding

You may also be able to receive money to compensate you for:

Medical bills
Damage to your vehicle
Rehabilitation costs
Pain and suffering
Lost wages and future lost wages
Other expenses and costs incurred as a result of the accident

If the rideshare driver has comprehensive coverage or if Lyft’s insurance is comprehensive, you are more likely to be able to receive the full compensation to cover all your expenses.

The amount of compensation is different for every accident. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer in our law firm can provide you with an estimate of the compensation you deserve after an investigation and financial analysis.

Questions that affect the compensation you receive include:

How severe are your injuries?
How long-lasting are your injuries?
What was the cause of the accident?
How much insurance coverage is available from the at-fault party’s insurance company?

How much does it cost to pursue a Lyft accident lawsuit?

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we will review your case, determine fault, negotiate with insurance companies, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court without any upfront cost to you. Unlike some other law firms, the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that when we accept your case and establish an attorney-client relationship with you, we don’t get paid until you receive compensation.

Do I need a lawyer and a law firm?

Yes, almost always, especially if your medical bills are high and your injuries are serious or have lifelong consequences. Because of the two-year window for filing Uber and Lyft accident lawsuits, it is crucial to discuss the accident with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

In order to receive compensation from the financially responsible party, you must prove that the Uber or Lyft driver caused your injuries through negligence or recklessness. An experienced and skilled lawyer familiar with lawsuits involving Uber and Lyft accidents can help you do this.

You must also show that the at-fault party or the insurance company is required to pay for your losses under the circumstances of the Lyft car accident. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help.

As Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers, we work to collect evidence to show who caused your injuries. We also handle all discussions with witnesses, other attorneys, and insurance companies. Most importantly, we will negotiate and advocate to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The sooner you hire a skilled local lawyer, the easier and more effectively your case can be resolved

Consult with a Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident and are seeking legal representation, contact the Lyft accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today. We can provide legal advice to help you.

We can help you understand whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and how much you might receive. Obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses after a Lyft or Uber accident can be complicated. The Lyft accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will review the specifics of your accident, answer your questions, and make sure the right people are held responsible.

Call or contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Philadelphia car accident attorneys as soon as possible for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the circumstances of the accident and your rights.

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Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747