When you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident in Allegheny County, a Pittsburgh Uber accident lawyer can help you seek justice and secure compensation for your medical bills, losses, pain, and suffering.
Experiencing a rideshare accident scene can be extremely scary; not only are you facing the inherently traumatic experience of a car accident, but you may also not know who to turn to for help or how to get the compensation you deserve. Do you use insurance? Does Uber pay for it? Do you have to sue?
Our personal injury attorneys will use our full network of resources to bring justice to your case while you focus on your recovery. Our partners are some of the state’s highest-rated trial attorneys, and we have won millions of dollars for injured Pennsylvanians, totaling more than $1 billion to date.
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our experienced car accident lawyers have decades of experience protecting accident victims’ rights, and we are ready and waiting to fight on your behalf to make things right. Contact our Pittsburgh rideshare accident attorney today for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Common are Uber Accidents?
In 2017 and 2018, there were 97 fatal Uber-related crashes, resulting in 107 fatalities across the nation. Uber notes in the safety report that contains this data that approximately 90% of these fatal rideshare accidents occurred in urban areas.
According to the latest Uber 2021-2022 US Safety Report, the number of people who lost their lives in Uber crashes rose to 153 over the reviewed period, a 40% increase from the previous 2019-2022 period. This equated to a rate of 0.87 incidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. While this is a lower fatality rate than the national average of 1.35 incidents per 100 million miles traveled posted in the same period, the data shows a concerning, growing rate of fatal accidents and deaths overall.
What are the Chances of an Uber Accident in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania and home to more than 300,000 residents; it has a density of 5,540 people per square mile. This defines it squarely as an urban center, as the average population density in the United States is 94 people per square mile. All of this is to say that as a densely populated urban area, Pittsburgh has a higher likelihood of Uber accidents than many other parts of the United States.
Uber also has a particular relationship to Pittsburgh, given that this is one of the cities where Uber tested versions of its self-driving cars. In fact, Pittsburgh was the first city that Uber visited to reinstate testing after a tragic incident in Arizona, where a self-driving Uber killed a pedestrian.
If you or a loved one has experienced a rideshare accident in the city of Pittsburgh, you are not alone. With the help of experienced and dedicated rideshare accident lawyers like those at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, you can be sure you receive the compensation and justice you are owed.
Where are Rideshare Accidents Most Likely to Occur in Pittsburgh?
In 2019, the city of Pittsburgh saw 24 fatalities from car accidents, which involved a total of 39 vehicles. This is a significant increase from the year prior, in which the city saw just 15 fatal accidents involving 24 cars. Later in 2024, the city saw 1,534 car accidents, 21 of which proved to be fatal – a notable decrease of 15% over the previous year, but still a cause for concern.
Accidents can, of course, occur anywhere, particularly in a densely populated city such as Pittsburgh. But research has also shown that some areas and intersections experience far higher accident rates than others. The City’s High Injury Network, which includes just 10% of local roadways, continues to bear the lion’s share of Pittsburgh’s accidents, accounting for 60% of serious car accident injuries and up to 70% of fatal car crashes in 2023 and 2024, according to the City of Pittsburgh.
If you live, drive, or Uber in Allegheny County, where Pittsburgh, PA, is located, it’s wise to be particularly wary of the following intersections and areas:
- West End Bridge at West Carson Street
- McArdle Road at the Liberty Bridge
- Saw Mill Run Boulevard at Whited/Colerain
- West End Bridge at Route 65 off-ramp
- Madison Avenue at East Ohio Street
Remember, while these areas pose a particularly high risk for car accidents, collisions can happen anywhere. If you experience an Uber accident anywhere in Pittsburgh, do not hesitate to contact Munley Law Uber accident attorneys.
What Role Does Insurance Play in Uber Accidents?
Typically, after a car accident, your first course of action is to receive insurance coverage and compensation via your insurance company. The details of how this unfolds depend greatly on where you live; in some states, the at-fault party’s insurance covers the victim’s medical expenses. In Pittsburgh, however, drivers function under Pennsylvania’s no-fault policy when it comes to rideshare accidents. This means that regardless of who is at fault, both parties use their own insurance to cover medical bills.
However, this is complicated when the accident involves an Uber, as the rideshare company has its own insurance policies and coverage. In most cases, if the Uber or Lyft driver is at fault for the accident, the victim will receive coverage under Uber’s insurance plan. This policy will also come into effect if another motorist caused the accident, but is uninsured or underinsured.
The benefits available differ depending on what “period” Uber considers the driver and passenger to be in.
The three periods are:
Period 1: Period 1 begins when an Uber driver is active on the app, but has not yet accepted a specific ride request.
Period 2: When the Uber driver has matched with a rider and is on their way to pick them up
Period 3: When the passenger has entered the Uber and the trip has begun. This period remains in effect until the passenger exits the vehicle and the trip is over.
If a Pittsburgh Uber accident occurs during periods 2 or 3, Uber’s insurance policy offers up to $1 million in damages to the victim per accident. However, if the Uber driver is in Period 1 (i.e., has not yet accepted a ride), the coverage is different. In this period, drivers only receive limited liability coverage: $50k injury per person/$100k total/$25k property damage.
It’s important to maintain evidence showing during what period of the trip the Pittsburgh Uber accident occurred. For instance, Uber may try to claim that the driver was in Period 1 when, in fact, they were in Period 2 at the time of the accident, which impacts the coverage available to all parties involved. Working with an attorney can help ensure all necessary evidence is maintained and used properly.
Who Has Access to Uber’s Insurance Policy?
It’s important to remember that victims of Uber accidents are not strictly Uber passengers whose driver caused a collision. Anyone who was impacted by an Uber accident may be eligible to receive coverage under Uber’s $1 million liability policy. These groups and individuals include:
- Other drivers who were injured in an accident caused by an Uber driver
- Passengers injured inside the Uber
- Passengers injured inside another vehicle in an accident involving an Uber
- Pedestrians injured by an Uber driver
- Uber drivers who were injured in an accident caused by another driver
Can I Sue Uber for My Rideshare Accident?
Much discussion has taken place around the fact that Uber generally categorizes its drivers not as employees, but as independent contractors. Some argue that this is the rideshare company’s way of skirting the obligation to provide real benefits to drivers, such as health insurance, unemployment insurance, and more. Having their drivers classified as independent contractors also means that if a negligent driver causes or contributes to an accident, Uber is generally protected from being sued. Instead, as discussed above, they have large-scale liability insurance that can pay out to victims who have been injured.
Suing Uber directly is not impossible, but it can be incredibly difficult, and it’s best to work with an attorney to see if this is a path that makes sense for you. Historically, some cases have been brought against Uber for failing to properly screen its drivers. If this played a role in your case — for example, if your Uber driver has an invalid license or a history of DUIs or violence — you may be able to bring a case against Uber.
In many cases, it’s best to seek compensation under their $1 million liability policy. But even this can be challenging without the aid of a lawyer, as powerful companies and entities like Uber will always try to pay out as little as possible. It’s best to begin working with an experienced Uber accident attorney as soon as you can, so that you can ensure you receive compensation according to Pittsburgh law.
It’s also often wise to send Uber and the individual Uber driver a letter of spoliation immediately after the accident; this letter alerts them to potential injury claims and instructs them to maintain all evidence related to your trip and your accident. If they destroy or fail to maintain evidence after receiving this letter, that could potentially be cause for another lawsuit all its own.
What Should I Do If I Was Sexually Assaulted By an Uber Driver?
First, know that what happened is not your fault, and support is available. While the 2,717 sexual assaults reported by Uber users in 2021 and 2022 came as a 22% decrease over the 3,824 assaults reported in 2019 and 2022, the fact remains that sexual assault is still a very real risk when using rideshare services, and can have devastating consequences for victims.
Immediate steps: If you’re in danger, call 911. Once safe, consider seeking medical attention even without visible injuries—medical providers can document what happened, offer preventive care, and connect you with resources. If you may report to the police, try to preserve evidence by not showering or changing clothes, though your wellbeing always comes first. You can report to local law enforcement and to Uber through the app’s Safety section or their Critical Safety Response Line.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) offers free, confidential 24/7 support, or chat at RAINN.org. Local rape crisis centers can help with advocacy and counseling.
You may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the driver and potentially Uber. Our sexual assault attorneys offer free consultations, and there are time limits for filing, so it is important to act quickly.
What Can Rideshare Accident Lawyers Do for You After an Uber Accident?
Uber accident cases are complex, and you have a far better shot of receiving all that you deserve if you work with experienced rideshare accident attorneys, such as those at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. Some of the ways in which a lawyer can assist you through this process include:
Determining Liability
As with all car accidents, there’s a long list of potentially liable parties in an Uber accident. It may very well be the Uber driver’s fault, but full or partial responsibility can also lie with another driver, a pedestrian, or even the vehicle manufacturer. Your Uber accident lawyer will review your case in order to pinpoint who is in fact responsible for your rideshare crash; in some cases, multiple parties may share varying degrees of fault.
Accurately Valuing Your Case
Some of the elements of financial burden in Uber accident cases are very clear-cut. For instance, you are certainly owed the cost of all the medical treatment you require as a result of your injuries. But the average person may not recognize the extremely wide scope of ways in which a rideshare crash can cause financial burden. This includes lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and even the cost of pain and suffering. All of these deserve compensation. Your attorney will review your case and accurately determine just how much it’s worth, in order to receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
It’s no secret that every insurance provider’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. You very likely may start receiving calls from insurance adjusters just days after your accident, and although they may sound friendly, it’s important to remember that they’re waiting for you to say something they can use to undermine your claim. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can rest assured you won’t be pressured into accepting less than you deserve or agreeing to something unfair. As soon as you hire your attorney, all contact with insurance providers and other parties’ lawyers can be funneled through your lawyer.
Court Representation
There is so much more an Uber accident lawyer can do for you, from gathering evidence to even representing you in court if necessary. Our lawyers are skilled at handling cases in trial, and many have won awards for their performance in local courts, with J. Christopher Munley named one of the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, Caroline Munley ranked as one of the Top 25 Women Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, and Mackenzie Wilson listed in the Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Attorneys in Pennsylvania directory.
Our work in litigation is also recognized by Super Lawyers, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Litigation Counsel of America, as well as Best Lawyers, by which Marion Munley has been named Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation. We are with you every step of the way, ready to do whatever it takes to protect your rights. Contact rideshare accident attorneys today to learn more.
Why Choose a Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Uber Accident Lawyer?
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we believe that all Uber accident victims have the right to justice and fair compensation. Our settlements and verdicts won for our clients in Pittsburgh and beyond have been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Marion Munley has also been invited to the Summit Council for her notable compensation secured.
You should not be pressured or kowtowed by a powerful corporation or insurance provider, and with Munley Law’s Pittsburgh car accident lawyers on your side, you can rest assured you won’t. We will fight tirelessly for you, doing the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery.
Munley Law has an incredible personal injury law track record when it comes to winning Uber or Lyft accident cases and achieving justice for our clients. We treat every case with extreme care and compassion, ensuring that you know we’re on your side every step of the way. Our lawyers are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy, and with our partners all AV Preeminent-rated and named some of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, you can rest assured that we have the skill and acumen needed to bring your case to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How Do I Determine if the Uber Driver Was Actually on an Uber Trip at the Time of the Accident?
The Uber driver’s activity status at the time of the accident will determine the insurance coverage you – and they – are eligible for. A skilled Pittsburgh Uber accident lawyer can use Uber app data, time stamps, and trip logs to determine which period the driver was in at the time of the crash, and whether they were waiting for a customer, en route to pick one up, or actively transporting a customer.
Should I Collect Any Evidence After My Uber Accident in Pittsburgh, PA?
If you are able to collect evidence after your crash, take detailed photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to the vehicles involved, as well as the contact details of the at-fault driver, passengers, and any nearby witnesses. You should also take a screenshot of your Uber trip details in the official app. All of this evidence may serve to support and strengthen your personal injury claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident in Pittsburgh?
You are typically given two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim in Pittsburgh under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. Meeting this deadline is essential, as if you miss it, you will likely waive your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Your lawyer can determine the applicable deadlines and help to ensure that you file your claim on time.
What Happens if My Rideshare Accident Involved Multiple Vehicles or Parties?
You may still be eligible to claim compensation if multiple vehicles were involved in the accident. In Pennsylvania, multi-vehicle accidents often involve distributed or shared fault. This means that you can file claims against many drivers’ insurance policies, and potentially against Uber’s insurance policy as well, depending on the specifics of your case.
Can I File a Claim if I Was Hit by an Uber Driver as a Pedestrian?
Yes, you will still be eligible to seek damages if you were hit by an Uber driver as a pedestrian or a cyclist. You may be able to secure compensation through the Uber driver’s insurance policy or through Uber’s liability coverage plan. This will depend on the Uber driver’s app status at the time of the accident. Your Uber accident lawyer can determine the types and value of the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Munley Law’s Pittsburgh Uber Accident Attorneys
At Munley Law, we treat every case with extreme care and compassion, ensuring that you know we’re on your side every step of the way. We are ready to protect you after your Uber accident, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning auto accident lawyer and advocate for auto accident victims. Widely recognized as a national leader when it comes to truck and rideshare accident cases, Daniel has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, alongside being named to Best Lawyers in America since 2013 and in 2020. Daniel has helped recover millions for injured auto accident victims, such as a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and another $4.4 million settlement reached for car accident case. As well as this, Daniel has advocated for victims through speaking arrangements such as “Pennsylvania Practice Program: Auto and Trucking Cases.”
