If you or someone you love was injured in a rideshare accident, it’s important to have a skilled Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyer on your side to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Rideshare accident claims can be difficult to navigate on your own, and you may not be sure who should be paying your medical bills. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced Philadelphia rideshare accident attorney right after your accident. Munley Law’s attorneys have extensive experience in these complex road accidents and can assist you every step of the way, from comprehensively evaluating your case and injuries to helping you build your claim and even representing your case in court if necessary. Our partners have been recognized as some of the state’s leading trial lawyers, and we also have motor vehicle accident litigation specialists on staff to fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact Munley Law today for a free initial case evaluation and ongoing support during your claim. We charge no fees unless we win the compensation you deserve.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Dangerous is a Rideshare?
While these apps help us get from point A to point B more efficiently, they can also contribute to a growing safety issue. When you choose to take an Uber or Lyft, it’s often for either convenience or safety if you plan on drinking. But you are putting trust in that driver, and these rideshare apps are also contributing to a growing danger in the United States.
According to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), “Uber and Lyft are behind a sharp rise in US traffic deaths.” Uber’s latest US Safety Report shares that 153 people lost their lives in Uber rideshare accidents between 2021 and 2022, and Lyft has reported a further 111 tragic deaths between 2020 and 2022. Moreover, a 2024 study published in the Journal of Safety Research has found that as many as one in three (33%) rideshare drivers in the U.S. have been in a road accident while on the job, with the risk of accidents considerably higher among older drivers, those who take numerous trips per day, and those who drive along unfamiliar routes.
These collisions can cause thousands of passengers to suffer serious injuries, tremendous pain, and astronomical expenses. Nevertheless, you must understand how they treat lawsuits against rideshare apps and drivers.
Regardless of how the accident happened, you should report the incident to Lyft or Uber through their app as soon as possible. Then, hire an expert personal injury attorney who can help you navigate building your case so you get the compensation you deserve.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
Why Are Rideshare Accident Cases So Complex?
Litigating rideshare accidents can be tricky because these collisions are treated differently from an accident with a regular passenger vehicle or traditional commercial vehicle.
Rideshare companies that operate in Philadelphia, like Uber and Lyft, offer $1 million in liability insurance. However, there are limitations regarding when this coverage applies and who is covered. Liability may change depending on your unique circumstances.
Your injuries will likely be covered by the company’s insurance policy. However, even if your ridesharing driver is at fault and on duty at the time of your accident, the ridesharing company may still fight the claim and try to deny liability. This is why it’s important to have experienced lawyers who will fight on your behalf.
It’s also important to note that even if an Uber or Lyft driver does not have a passenger in the vehicle, they are still considered “on duty” from the time they accept a ride until they drop their passenger off. This includes the time they are “en route” to pick someone up.
If you were hit by an off-duty Uber or Lyft driver, you may have to seek compensation via the driver’s personal insurance policy, rather than the company policy. Still, an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will investigate the accident and pursue every possibility to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Our attorneys are widely recognized by leading legal publications, including the American Association for Justice, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association for our work in Philadelphia and beyond. With all of our lawyers recognized by Best Lawyers, Marion Munley named Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation, and eight of our lawyers honored by Super Lawyers, we have the skill and dedication needed to pursue justice in your rideshare accident case.
Why Do You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia?
There are no laws saying you need to hire an Uber or Lyft accident attorney if you were involved in a rideshare accident. However, there are benefits to doing so.
By hiring a rideshare attorney, you will have an experienced team on your side to help you through the following elements of your claim:
- Calculating the total value of your claim
- Negotiation of a settlement on your behalf
- Guiding you through the laws, regulations, and procedures specific to Philadelphia car accident cases
- Utilizing their own legal team and professional experience on car accidents and recreation specialists
- Represent you in court if the case cannot be settled
The insurance companies for Lyft and Uber will try to shift the blame to others to avoid paying a dime to the victims. This is why it is so beneficial to have our personal injury law firm on your side before the settlement process begins. Do not accept anything from the insurance company until you have called us, as it may be too late to collect further compensation or negotiate a fair settlement.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling claims and negotiating with insurers, and we understand the tactics they use to lowball you and offer you less than you deserve. If a settlement cannot be reached, several of our lawyers are board-certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and are ready to represent your case in court. Our AV Preeminent-rated partners have also been ranked as some of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and J. Christopher Munley is featured in the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers directory, underscoring our many notable achievements for our clients injured in traffic accidents in Philly.
What Caused Your Philadelphia Rideshare Accident?
Although they are vetted by driving history background checks, Uber and Lyft drivers in Philadelphia are prone to the same accident risks as anyone else on the road. However, there are some additional dangers that may affect Philadelphia rideshare accidents and Uber and Lyft drivers specifically.
Because rideshare drivers often work multiple jobs, they may be especially prone to driver fatigue. Drowsy driving has been shown to affect alertness and reaction time as much as driving while under the influence of alcohol. Drowsy drivers caused 2,591 traffic accidents and 15 deaths in 2024, according to PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics Report.
Furthermore, ridesharing is, of course, based on smartphone apps. Drivers rely on smartphones for directions, for tracking their time on duty, and for arranging their next pick-up. This close tie to their ridesharing apps creates an environment ripe for driver distraction.
Other causes of Philadelphia rideshare accidents include:
- Aggressive driving. According to PennDOT, speeding was the number-one killer on local roads in 2024, leading to 23,427 accidents and claiming 357 lives.
- Dropping off and picking up passengers in dangerous areas.
- Failing to yield the right of way. Improper turning was a leading cause of road crashes in Pennsylvania in 2024, leading to 13,313 collisions and 78 fatalities.
- Running red lights and stop signs, which caused 8,971 accidents and 53 deaths across the state.
- Distracted driving. Distracted drivers were responsible for 43 fatalities and 9,687 accidents, with cellphone usage while driving cited as a notable contributor to these cases.
- Drunk driving. Drinking drivers were involved in 6,929 collisions, which took the lives of 128 motorists and passengers in 2024.
- Fatigued driving
- Reckless driving, like tailgating. PennDOT’s report notes that tailgating alone caused 5,456 accidents and claimed 9 lives in 2024.
- Hazardous road conditions from debris
- Poor weather conditions.
Uber and Lyft Driver Standards and Vehicle Requirements
In order to help ensure the safety of the app’s users and avoid rideshare accidents in Philadelphia, services like Uber and Lyft require their drivers to meet certain standards. Both Uber and Lyft require their drivers:
- Meet the minimum age requirement. For Lyft, drivers must be at least 21 years of age; for Uber, drivers must meet or exceed the minimum age for the city in which they work
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have at least one year of licensed driving experience (Uber requires three years if the driver is younger than 23)
- Provide proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a valid inspection
- Pass a safety screening and driving history background check
In addition, vehicles used for Uber and Lyft must meet certain standards. In general, they must be four-door vehicles in good condition, less than 10-15 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Rideshare Accidents
Due to the number of rideshare users in major cities, many passengers have questions about what they can do if they’ve been hurt because of an Uber or Lyft driver.
Learn the answers to these frequently asked questions for Philadelphia rideshare accidents.
What Do I Do After a Rideshare Accident?
Following an accident, whether you are a passenger or the other driver involved in the collision, you may wonder what you need to do to preserve your case.
After an accident, you’ll want to call the cops, just like any other Philadelphia car accident. Then, if you are a passenger of Uber or Lyft, you’ll want to report the accident on the app as soon as possible, preferably while still on the scene.
The company or its insurance will likely contact you to gather information about the accident. You do not have to tell them anything other than the facts of the case presented in the police report.
In many cases, the rideshare company will try to cover as little as possible for the injuries you sustained, so be sure to contact Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers quickly.
You’ll also want to take photos of any evidence, collect witness statements, and be sure to seek medical attention, even if you do not think you were hurt.
Who Is At Fault for the Rideshare Accident and Who Will Cover My Losses?
While Uber and Lyft do provide $1 million in liability insurance, these are often met with limitations. Below are the insurance limitations for Uber and Lyft.
Uber
Uber only provides coverage during certain parts of the driver’s commute. For example, if the driver is not logged into the app, the driver’s own insurance company and coverages apply if they are involved in an accident.
But, if the driver is available or waiting for a ride request, Uber provides some third-party liability insurance for accidents if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
If the driver is en route to pick up riders or has passengers and is in the middle of the trip, Uber provides the following coverage:
- $1,00,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible
Lyft
Lyft follows similar insurance coverage options as Uber for drivers involved in car accidents.
If the driver is not logged into the Lyft app, their own personal insurance applies to collisions. If the driver is in the app and waiting for a ride request, Lyft will provide third-party liability insurance in the event the driver’s personal insurance does not apply. This includes:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
If the driver is in the app, and picking up passengers or is in the middle of a ride when the accident occurs, Lyft provides:
- $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible
- How long does it take to settle a rideshare accident?
There is no set time frame to determine how long it will take Uber or Lyft to settle an accident.
In general, accidents that do not result in significant damages or injuries will be settled much sooner than those that are severe. This is because the estimated value of the case is likely to be the property damage rather than the long-term medical recovery.
In some cases, an accident can be settled in weeks to months or could take a year or more.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
The attorneys at Munley Law handle all rideshare accident cases in Philadelphia on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t be liable for any legal fees unless we secure a claim payment or settlement for you. Our fee is calculated as a percentage of the amount awarded to you, ensuring that you always have access to expert legal advice and representation.
What Can I Recover From an Uber or Lyft Accident with a Lawyer?
If you were a passenger or another rideshare driver involved in a Philadelphia rideshare accident, you are entitled to compensation so long as you were not completely at fault for the collision.
The Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward from a Lyft or Uber accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Long-term care
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Uber or Lyft Accident?
You may think the only parties you can go against for compensation for your injuries and damages following a Philadelphia rideshare accident are the rideshare company and the driver. However, there may be other parties to be held responsible for your accident. This includes:
- The Lyft or Uber driver
- The driver’s personal insurance provider
- The rideshare company’s insurance company
- Drivers of other vehicles involved in the collision
- Bicyclists, pedestrians, etc.
- Negligent third parties
- Government agencies for poorly maintained roadways
- Car manufacturers
Call Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers for a Free Uber or Lyft Accident Case Review Today
With more Philadelphians utilizing rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, it’s important to understand what your rights are should you be involved in a car accident while in a rideshare, or if you are hit in a collision with a rideshare driver. Because of the nuances in Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies for their drivers, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for your losses.
We know that obtaining proper compensation for your injuries after an Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated. A Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will review the details of your accident, answer your questions, and make sure the appropriate parties are held responsible. There is no risk in having personal injury lawyers review your case. At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we only take payment if we win a settlement for you. We have won millions of dollars in motor vehicle accident cases to date and are recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Summit Council for the substantial settlements we have secured.
For a no-obligation, free consultation, contact us today.
Personal Injury Claims We Handle in Philadelphia, PA:
- Philadelphia truck accident lawyer
- Philadelphia car accident attorney
- Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney
- Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyer
- Philadelphia Uber accident lawyer
- Philadelphia Lyft accident lawyer
- Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyer
- Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney
- Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyer
- Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney
- Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer
- Philadelphia premises liability attorney
- Philadelphia product liability attorney
- Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer
- Philadelphia wrongful death lawyer
- Philadelphia birth injury lawyer
- Philadelphia brain injury lawyer
- Philadelphia catastrophic injury lawyer
- Philadelphia bus accident lawyer
- Philadelphia construction accident attorney
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been a practicing auto accident lawyer for nearly 40 years. During her career, she has helped clients across auto accident cases, winning multi-million dollar settlements for auto accident victims. Notable verdicts include a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and a $1.9 million settlement for a family hit by a 16-year-old driver. Marion has also advocated for motor vehicle victims through speaking engagements such as “Pennsylvania Practice Program: Auto and Trucking Cases” and “Collision Investigation and Reconstruction in Motor Vehicle Cases”. Marion is also to become triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, alongside this, she is currently serving as Vice President of the American Association for Justice.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
