Philadelphia Uber Accident Lawyer

Philadelphia Uber accident lawyers know rideshare accidents involve complex liability issues and insurance challenges. When you’re hurt in an Uber crash in Philadelphia—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver—determining fault and securing compensation requires specific legal expertise.

The Philadelphia Uber accident lawyers at Munley Law have extensive experience handling rideshare cases. Our board-certified trial attorneys have successfully litigated commercial vehicle accidents for decades. We take pride in our proven track record of negotiating fair settlements and winning courtroom verdicts against major companies. If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, our injury attorney has the knowledge to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation. Contact our Uber accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.

Compensation Available to Uber Accident Injury Victims in Philadelphia

After an Uber accident in Philadelphia, the financial impact can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work, creating stress during your recovery. Our lawyer understands the losses you may have experienced and fights to secure compensation for you.

Our Philadelphia Uber accident lawyers pursue comprehensive compensation that covers both immediate and long-term impacts of your injuries, such as:

• Medical Bills: We fight for compensation that covers everything from emergency room treatment and surgeries to ongoing physical therapy and future medical care. Our Philadelphia Uber accident lawyers understand that serious injuries often require long-term treatment, mental health support, and even home modifications to accommodate new limitations.
• Loss of Income: Lost income often extends beyond missed wages during recovery. Your accident might affect your ability to return to your previous position, require career retraining, or impact future earning potential. Our Philadelphia Uber accident attorney carefully calculates these long-term financial impacts to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation addresses the profound personal impact of your accident. Physical pain, emotional trauma, and changes to your quality of life deserve recognition and compensation. Our rideshare accident lawyer help quantify these non-economic damages and fight to ensure they’re properly valued in your settlement.

Uber accidents involve multiple insurance policies and complex coverage scenarios. Our role as your attorneys involves identifying all responsible parties, determining which insurance policies apply, and calculating the full value of your accident claims. We handle all insurance negotiations and fight against common tactics used to minimize your compensation.

With 65 years of experience, Munley Law brings powerful advantages to your accident case. We’ve developed a deep understanding of rideshare insurance policies and built strong relationships with medical professionals who can document your injuries. Our track record of successful negotiations with Uber’s insurance carriers speaks to our effectiveness, and we have the resources to take car accident cases to trial when needed.

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Understanding Liability in Philadelphia Rideshare Accidents

Uber’s drivers use their personal vehicles for commercial purposes. Thus, collisions involving Uber are addressed differently than accidents involving a traditional commercial vehicle or a regular passenger car. This means that the at-fault party (the defendant) may vary, depending upon each accident’s unique circumstances.

Uber and UberEats provide $1 million in liability insurance for their drivers. But there are limits as to when and where this coverage applies.

Uber’s drivers, whose insurance policies prohibit payment for accidents involving the business use of a personal vehicle could create a difficult situation.

Car Accidents Involving Uber Drivers: On-Duty vs. Off-Duty

Uber’s accidents are evaluated differently than accidents involving exclusively business or personal vehicles. The insurer responsible for paying your damages will depend largely on whether the driver was on duty or off duty at the time of the crash.

It should be noted that even if a Philadelphia driver has no passenger in the vehicle, the driver is nevertheless considered “on duty” from the time a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off at their destination.

This means Uber’s drivers are covered when they are on the way to pick up a customer. So, if you are a pedestrian hit by a driver en route to pick up a ride, Uber’s insurance should cover expenses relating to your injuries.

If an off-duty driver hit you, you may need to seek compensation through the driver’s personal insurance policy rather than pursuing an award through Uber.

However, it’s not always easy to determine whether a driver was “on the clock” at the time of an accident. Having a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer on your side to navigate the process of determining who is at fault is important.

How Does Uber Insurance Work?

Uber driver coverage is dependent on what phase or step of the drive the Uber driver is engaged in. There are three primary phases of a driver’s shift:

• The Uber App is Off: The driver is on the road but their app is off and they are not taking passenger requests. When the Uber App is OFF, the driver’s vehicle is NOT covered by Uber’s insurance and instead all activity is covered by the driver’s personal liability insurance. This could be as low as the Pennsylvania state minimum of $15,000 of coverage for bodily injury.
• The Uber App is On but There is No Passenger:  The Uber driver is logged in and waiting for a passenger. Uber at this point offers a contingency basis for its insurance coverage. They may cover any “gaps” in the driver’s personal insurance coverage. This will cover up to $50,000 of a bodily injury claim.
• The App is On, and the Driver is Traveling: Once the driver has accepted a passenger and is en route. Uber’s $1 million of liability coverage now applies. Once the passenger is dropped off, the coverage reverts back to either Uber’s contingent insurance or the driver’s personal insurance based on the status or “step” the app is in.

Insurance companies, including Uber’s carriers, often try to minimize payouts through various tactics. They might question the severity of your injuries, dispute liability, or pressure you to accept a quick settlement that doesn’t reflect the true value of your claim. We’ve spent decades building our reputation as aggressive negotiators and skilled trial attorneys. Insurance companies know we won’t hesitate to take cases to court if they don’t offer fair compensation.

Common Philadelphia Uber Accident Scenarios

Philadelphia’s unique layout, traffic patterns, and events create specific risk situations for Uber accidents. Our extensive experience handling local rideshare cases has shown us clear patterns of when and where accidents are most likely.

Center City, Philadelphia

Center City’s rush hour presents some of the most challenging conditions for Uber drivers. The convergence of commuters, pedestrians, and delivery vehicles around Market and Broad Streets during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) creates particularly hazardous conditions. We frequently handle cases where accidents occur near City Hall and Jefferson Station, where passengers often request sudden stops for pickup or dropoff, leading to rear-end collisions or pedestrian injuries.

South Philadelphia

Center City’s rush hour presents some of the most challenging conditions for Uber drivers. The convergence of commuters, pedestrians, and delivery vehicles around Market and Broad Streets during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) creates particularly hazardous conditions. We frequently handle cases where accidents occur near City Hall and Jefferson Station, where passengers often request sudden stops for pickup or dropoff, leading to rear-end collisions or pedestrian injuries.

University City

University City presents its own unique challenges for Uber operations. The constant flow of students, medical personnel, and visitors around Penn Medicine and Drexel University creates complex traffic patterns. Late-night student pickups, hospital shift changes, and the busy 30th Street Station area generate situations where tired drivers, rushed passengers, and crowded streets frequently lead to accidents.

Old City and Independence Mall

Tourist areas like Old City and Independence Mall combine historic narrow streets with high pedestrian traffic, creating distinctive safety challenges. Out-of-town visitors unfamiliar with Philadelphia’s layout often make unexpected requests or exits, while drivers navigating between horse-drawn carriages and tour buses face increased accident risks.

Special events transform Philadelphia’s traffic patterns dramatically. Whether it’s the Broad Street Run, the Philadelphia Flower Show, or major conventions, these events bring sudden surges in Uber demand and unfamiliar traffic patterns. We’ve handled numerous cases where these temporary changes contributed to serious accidents, often involving out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local road closures and detours.

Critical First Steps After Your Philadelphia Uber Accident

After being injured in an accident, one or more insurers might contact you wanting signed medical authorizations and recorded statements from you. It is often in your best interest to tell them you want to check with your lawyer first, and then call us. While your own automobile insurance may require you to provide a recorded statement, you generally do not need to give the other insurance company a recorded statement. You are under no legal obligation to provide either a statement or a medical authorization to an opposing insurer, and you could hurt your case by doing so. This is important, as opposing insurers will likely try to use your statement or past medical history against you.

No matter how the accident happened, or whether you were a pedestrian or a passenger, report the incident to Uber through their app as soon as possible. Then, hire an uber accident lawyer to help you navigate the process of building a case, enabling you to collect the compensation you deserve. If you or a friend or family member has suffered an accident injury in a Philadelphia accident, contact our Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyer for a free consultation as soon as possible.

There is no fee unless we win your case.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Uber Accidents

Can I Sue Uber for an Auto Accident in Philadelphia?

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, Uber’s insurance may provide coverage for the injuries you suffer in an accident with one of their drivers. However, there are also situations where you may be able to sue Uber for negligence. For example, if they failed to conduct proper background checks and allowed passengers to be picked up by a driver with a history of DUI, they may be held liable for resulting harm. These cases can be complicated, so consult an experienced Uber accident lawyer who can determine and prove liability.

How Much Does it Cost to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Philly?

At Munley Law, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will review your Uber accident claim for free. We work on a contingent fee basis, so we do not get paid unless we win your case. If we obtain a settlement or verdict for you, we collect a standard fee from the amount awarded and any remaining costs. The contingent fee agreement protects you from financial risk so you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we build your case and represent you in the legal process. We take on the financial risk in investigating your accident, hiring experts, and preparing for trial. If we don’t obtain compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for an Uber-Related Accident Case?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for a civil personal injury case is two years from the date an act of negligence triggers an injury-causing accident.

Failure to file within this window of time results in forfeiture of the right to sue the negligent party for damages. Contacting a Philadelphia car accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures your case will be fully investigated and suitable action taken before the deadline.

Is It Worth Filing a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in Philadelphia?

You may believe you are not severely injured. It may seem that returning to work, replacing your vehicle, (if you were hit in your car by an Uber driver, rather than suffering injury as an Uber passenger), should be your priority.

While you may want to move on from the accident as quickly as possible, acting too hastily can harm you in the long run. The insurance company may offer a settlement far below what you need, simply so that they may resolve the issue quickly. It can be difficult to know right away how the accident will impact your health and your ability to work. Be aware that if you accept an offer of settlement, you waive your right to seek additional compensation, even if your injuries become more complicated.

Do not accept a settlement without consulting a skilled Philadelphia car accident attorney. A competent lawyer can help you determine whether the settlement is fair or in your best interest to file a lawsuit.

Is a Philadelphia Uber Accident More Complex Than a Taxi or Bus Crash?

It certainly can be under various scenarios. A designated insurance company provides benefits when a taxi or bus is involved in an accident.

An Uber driver is not required to have a policy specifically covering passengers. So, you may not receive benefits from the driver’s insurance if the policy does not supply coverage for business use of the vehicle. Even the driver’s claim may not be paid in such a case.

The liability insurance Uber provides for drivers covers liability for passengers, pedestrians, and other types of potential victims. Still, it may not be sufficient to cover your entire damages.

A skilled Uber car accident lawyer can sort through this labyrinth of rules and offer you the best chance of receiving payment for damages.

What Types of Driver Behaviors are Classified as Negligent? Why Are They Important?

Common actions that cause accidents and are considered negligent include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Distracted driving.
• Aggressive driving.
• Drowsy driving.
• Traffic law violations.

Distracted driving and drowsy driving are often mentioned in association with Uber drivers. If one of these traits causes an accident, the Uber driver would be considered negligent. Proving driver negligence is key to winning an Uber accident lawsuit. Your experienced personal injury lawyer at Munley Law will know to help you win your case.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect From an Uber Accident Lawsuit?

Every accident is different. A car accident lawyer cannot give you an estimate before conducting an investigation. Factors that will affect the amount of compensation you receive include your past medical bills related to the accident, any future or ongoing treatment and/or therapy, the extent to which the accident affects your ability to earn a living, how the accident impacts your quality of life, and the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident. The amount of insurance coverage available will also play an important role in calculating a settlement.

What Should I Tell Insurance Companies About My Uber Accident?

You should report the accident to your own insurance company. But you are not obligated to speak with the other party’s insurance carrier. Your car accident lawyer can handle that type of communication for you.

It is advised that you avoid speaking with an insurance adjuster without a lawyer present. The adjuster may try to get you on record to find the cracks in your statement. Cracks that would allow the insurance company to take advantage of you – to deny your claim.

Some tactics insurance adjusters may use in attempting to save money by denying your claim might be:

• Asking you to sign a liability waiver in exchange for a quick (usually insufficient) settlement.
• Questioning the severity of your injuries.
• Finding you, the victim, at fault in some way for the accident.

Don’t fall for these attempts to reduce settlement amounts. Let our lawyers handle your case.

Contact Our Philadelphia Uber Accident Lawyer Now

If you experience any type of injury as a result of actions by an Uber driver, call Munley Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We offer free consultations and are available to speak 24/7. There is a difference. Choose carefully.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

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