A Philadelphia Lyft accident lawyer at Munley Law helps injured passengers, drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and families understand their rights after a serious rideshare accident. We know these claims can be more complicated than ordinary car accident cases because they often involve overlapping insurance policies, app-status disputes, and multiple potentially liable parties.
A widely cited University of Chicago and Rice University study found that the introduction of ridesharing services was associated with an increase in traffic fatalities nationwide, underscoring concerns about distraction, congestion, and risk exposure tied to app-based transportation.
When a Lyft accident leaves you with medical bills, lost income, and unanswered questions, we step in quickly to investigate the crash, identify available insurance coverage, and pursue the full compensation the law allows. Munley Law’s Philadelphia personal injury attorneys have represented injury victims for almost 70 years, and our trial lawyers have earned national recognition for results in complex accident litigation.
We do not treat rideshare claims like routine fender-benders. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial, and that approach has helped us recover several multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured clients across Pennsylvania. Munley Law has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Lawdragon, and our attorneys are known for courtroom strength and client-focused advocacy.
Whether the Lyft driver caused the crash, another motorist was at fault, or the insurance companies are already shifting blame, we are ready to build the claim and protect your recovery from day one. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Is Multi-Apping, and How Can It Cause a Lyft Accident?
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 crash. 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 crash and help you understand the legal process.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work in a Philadelphia Lyft Accident Case?
A Lyft accident case presents unique challenges in showing who is required to pay damages to victims for their injuries. The insurance providers for Uber and Lyft are financially responsible only when the 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.
Lyft drivers are “on-duty” when:
- A passenger is in their rideshare vehicle, or
- 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.
How Can a Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer Help You Recover Compensation?
Lyft’s insurance for its drivers is tiered and depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident. The most Lyft will pay out is $1 million, and that is typically if the driver had an accident while driving with a passenger.
Here is how their tiered insurance works:
- App Off: The driver’s personal insurance generally applies.
- App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: Lyft provides at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage for covered accidents if personal insurance does not apply.
- En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride: Lyft provides, in most markets, up to $1 million in third-party auto liability coverage.
While this may seem like a lot, if you or a loved one suffered serious or catastrophic injuries as a result of a rideshare collision, 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, which is typically only personal-use insurance. This means they do not have insurance that applies when they use their personal transportation for business as a rideshare driver.
Lyft does not require its drivers to carry commercial insurance coverage. So, if you are involved in a collision 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 liability to the driver’s insurance company, and vice versa. This complicates your ability to secure compensation for your medical care and other expenses resulting from the rideshare accident.
These insurance issues make it very hard to get the financial compensation you deserve from the rideshare company, 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 attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you are offered a settlement payment that is too low to cover your medical expenses and related costs, we can help protect your rights.
What Is the Insurance Gap in Lyft Accident Claims, and How Can a Lawyer Help?
Since Lyft only requires its drivers (as of May 2019) to have the minimum insurance required in Pennsylvania, many drivers do the minimum to comply.
However, if a driver is involved in an accident while not traveling with a Lyft passenger, the insurance provider may reject their claim because they failed to disclose that they were a Lyft driver.
A recent state law mandates that all rideshare drivers inform their primary insurance provider that they are employed by a rideshare service. This was implemented to prevent the driver’s insurance carrier from refusing to pay benefits to an injured person.
How Do You Prove Fault After a Lyft Accident in Philadelphia?
In order to be at fault, the Uber or Lyft driver must have caused the collision by acting negligently or driving 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 value of compensation, both in court and as part of settlement negotiations.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Philadelphia Lyft Accident Claim?
In car crashes 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 the value of your losses. Because Lyft drivers are independent contractors and use their personal vehicles, lawsuits for damages 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 driver caused the traffic incident – it can still be challenging to show who should be financially responsible for compensating you in a personal injury lawsuit. Sometimes, the rideshare company or its insurer may deny your injury claim, arguing they are not financially responsible for your losses.
An experienced Lyft accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will investigate the crash site, build a case to prove who is at fault, and help you gain clarity on who should be held financially responsible for the injuries suffered in collisions.
What Are the Most Common Types of Lyft Accidents in Philadelphia?
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.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Philadelphia Lyft Accident Case?
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 at Munley Law have extensive courtroom experience and have built a national reputation through our trial victories. Some lawyers who are less confident in the courtroom may pressure their clients to settle out of court, but we prepare every case as though it will go to trial
For nearly 70 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. We have almost seven decades of experience obtaining the maximum possible compensation 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, and Why Do Lyft Accident Claims Differ from Other Car Accident Cases?
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 a Rideshare Accident, 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
- 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 the 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 You Have to File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law requires that you comply with the statute of limitations for filing a Lyft accident lawsuit. The state generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, including claims arising from negligence-based vehicle crashes.
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 as soon as possible after your accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Lyft Accident?
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 Hire a Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer?
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 You Need a Lawyer After a Lyft Accident in Philadelphia?
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 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 Lyft driver caused your injuries through negligence or recklessness. An experienced and skilled lawyer familiar with lawsuits involving 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accident Lawyers in Philadelphia
Can You Sue Lyft After an Accident in Philadelphia?
In some cases, yes, but many Lyft accident claims begin as insurance claims rather than direct lawsuits against the company. Liability often depends on what the driver was doing in the app at the time of the crash and whether another driver, Lyft’s coverage, or a personal insurer is responsible.
Because rideshare claims involve layered insurance rules, a lawyer can help determine whether Lyft, the driver, another motorist, or multiple parties should be named in the claim.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Lyft Accident in Philadelphia?
Immediately after a crash, it’s essential to prioritize your physical wellbeing, so you should get medical care first – whether through a paramedic who responded to a 911 call or emergency services. You should also report the crash to the police to get an official report, and document as much as you can at the scene. Save screenshots from the Lyft app, the trip receipt, photos of vehicle damage, and the names of any witnesses. It is also smart to avoid giving recorded statements to insurers until you understand which policy may apply and how your injuries may develop.
What If You Were a Passenger in the Lyft Vehicle When the Crash Happened?
Passengers are often in a strong position legally because they usually did not cause the collision. Depending on the facts, you may have a claim against the Lyft driver, another driver, or available rideshare insurance coverage. The key issue is identifying all sources of compensation and ensuring that no insurer shifts the blame to another.
Can a Pedestrian or Cyclist File a Lyft Accident Claim?
Yes. A Lyft accident claim is not limited to rideshare passengers. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and occupants of other vehicles may all have the right to pursue compensation if a Lyft driver or another negligent party caused the crash.
What If the Lyft Driver Was Not Carrying a Passenger Yet?
That can change which insurance policy applies, but it does not automatically defeat the claim. Lyft’s coverage differs depending on whether the app was off, the driver was waiting for a request, or the driver was on the way to pick someone up. That timing issue is one reason rideshare cases should be investigated early, before app data and electronic records become harder to obtain.
Can You Still Recover Compensation If Another Driver Caused the Crash?
Yes. A Lyft accident is not always about suing Lyft or the Lyft driver. If another motorist caused the collision, you may have a claim against that driver and possibly additional uninsured or underinsured coverage depending on the circumstances. A full investigation helps prevent important insurance options from being overlooked.
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 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.
Contact Munley Law as soon as possible for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the circumstances of the accident and your rights.
