Munley Law’s Reading rideshare accident lawyers know that Uber or Lyft accidents can be extremely complicated, especially when determining fault and liability. These cases often involve multiple insurance policies, shifting questions of liability, and large companies that move quickly to protect their interests. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, it’s important to understand your rights and take early steps to protect your claim.
After a crash, the focus should be on your health and recovery. However, many people are left trying to sort through medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about who is responsible. An experienced attorney can step in to investigate the accident, review the available insurance coverage, and ensure that all potential sources of compensation are considered, so that nothing is overlooked.
Our Reading accident lawyers work with clients through each stage of the process. We handle communication with insurance companies, build a clear picture of what happened, and advocate for fair compensation. We charge no fees unless we win your case, so you can move forward with your claim without worrying about upfront legal costs.
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Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Should You Do after a Rideshare Accident?
These are the steps you should take after being involved in a rideshare accident:
- Move to a safe location, if possible, and check on everyone involved before doing anything else.
- Call 911 and seek medical care.
- Report the crash through the rideshare app.
- Gather driver and vehicle information, including the driver’s personal insurance details, as well as the rideshare company’s information (both may apply).
- Take photos and collect witness details.
- Ask the responding officer how to obtain the crash report and note the report number at the scene.
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer.
- Avoid accepting an early settlement or signing any documents from an insurance company before getting legal advice.
- Don’t post about the accident on social media, as insurers may use these posts to dispute your claim.
- Write down your own account of the accident as soon as you can, while the details are still fresh
- Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments, as gaps in treatment can be used as ammunition to challenge your claim.
- Keep a daily log of your symptoms, pain levels, and how your injuries affect your work and routine.
How a Reading Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Our rideshare attorneys will help you file a ridesharing accident claim or take the at-fault parties to court. We do this by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident. This includes accident reconstruction, working with experts, and gathering evidence.
- Determining the value of your claim. Several factors will determine the value of your claim. This includes your physical injuries, lost income, property damage, etc.
- Establishing liability. When you hailed an Uber or Lyft, you expected to reach your destination safely. But when your driver engages in reckless behavior resulting in your injuries, you need to be able to move forward from your losses.
- Handling communications. Be it with the insurance companies, the rideshare company, or your own insurance provider, Munley Law will handle the communication so you can focus on your physical recovery.
- Leading negotiations. The rideshare company and insurance companies are going to want to lowball the value of your claim. Munley Law will handle negotiations so you get the compensation you need to pay for your losses.
- Taking your case to court. Sometimes the claim cannot be settled in negotiations and may require court intervention. Our trial lawyers are ready to put in the time to ensure you get what is yours.
Getting Compensation for a Reading Rideshare Accident
Rideshare claims in Pennsylvania are governed by state law 66 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2601 and insurance regulations that determine when a driver’s personal policy applies and when the rideshare company’s coverage takes over.
Under Pennsylvania’s Transportation Network Company (TNC) framework established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, coverage requirements change depending on whether the driver is logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger.
Both Uber and Lyft require drivers to carry personal insurance, but they also hold some forms of liability coverage if a driver is involved in an accident while in driver mode.
For Lyft drivers, if the app is off, your personal insurance applies. If you are in the app and waiting to receive a ride request, Lyft has third-party liability insurance for covered accidents when the driver’s personal insurance does not apply to at least:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
If the app is on and the driver is on their way to pick up passengers or during rides, Lyft has the following forms of coverage:
- At least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability
- First-party coverages (uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage)
For drivers with comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto policy, Lyft maintains contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible
Uber also provides some forms of liability coverage. If a driver is offline or the driver app is off, the driver’s personal insurance company and coverages apply. If a driver is available or waiting for a ride request, Uber provides the following auto insurance:
- Third-party liability if your auto insurance doesn’t apply
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
If a driver is en route to pick up riders and during trips, Uber provides the following forms of coverage:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured/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
Knowing these insurance policies is important, as the cause of the accident will determine who is at fault and where you can recover compensation. Keep in mind that the rideshare driver may not be at fault for the accident, and it could be another party. This is why you need to contact a Munley Law Reading Uber accident attorney as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance at financial recovery.
“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
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Reading, PA
As Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers, we have seen our fair share of claims for accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers across Pennsylvania. And while you may have opted to utilize a rideshare service after a night on the town or as a more economical means to get from point A to B, as a rider or a driver on the road, there are certain dangers you need to be aware of.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot), 83% of traffic crashes are caused by driver behaviour.
Common causes of rideshare accidents in Reading include:
- Fatigued driving: Though recent trends show that most rideshare drivers are full-time drivers or delivery workers for Uber and/or Lyft, there are still drivers who work multiple jobs, working long hours and increasing the risk of driver fatigue. Driving drowsy can impact reaction time similarly to driving under the influence. Because of this, accidents can occur.
- Distracted driving: Despite laws meant to limit cell phone use while behind the wheel, rideshare drivers must rely on their smartphones to arrange passenger pickups and drop-offs, find directions, etc. Further, some passengers may try to converse with their driver, making it more difficult to focus on the road and any obstacles that may appear.
- Aggressive driving: If a rideshare driver is pressured to make a specific deadline for deliveries or passenger pickups/drop-offs, they may engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding. Unfortunately, these aggressive driving tactics can become dangerous to passengers and other roadway users, especially on unfamiliar roadways.
- Poor weather conditions: Reading weather can lead to multiple seasons in a single day, making roadways challenging to navigate. From rain and snow to sleet and black ice, drivers who fail to exercise safety precautions can find themselves in disastrous situations.
- Driver inexperience: Despite the driving requirements for Lyft and Uber, some drivers may be inexperienced, which can lead to fatalities behind the wheel.
Common Injuries in Reading Uber and Lyft Accidents
Despite rideshare services being intended to prevent accidents and serious injuries, they still occur. Common injuries in rideshare accidents, such as those involving Uber or Lyft, include:
- Neck and back injuries and soreness
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Bruised and broken ribs
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of vision
- Whiplash
Not all of these injuries will be apparent immediately, so it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. As a victim of a rideshare accident, you’ll also want to keep track of any medical treatment, changes in health, and medical bills accumulated as a result of the accident to ensure you get the proper compensation needed to move forward.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Rideshare Accident in Reading, PA?
Choosing the Reading rideshare accident lawyers at Munley Law means working with one of Pennsylvania’s most respected personal injury firms, backed by almost 70 years of courtroom success. All 10 of the firm’s lawyers were recognized on The Best Lawyers in America list for 2026, earning peer-reviewed honors for excellence in practice areas such as personal injury and litigation.
All five partners have been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list, with Marion Munley listed as one of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America.
Our firm has a track record of securing multi-million-dollar results, including a $20 million settlement in a commercial vehicle claim and a $17.5 million settlement in a car accident case. These types of results have led several lawyers to become members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, including Marion Munley, Robert Munley III, and Caroline Munley.
Last, but not least, we care about our clients and the effects the rideshare accident has had on their lives. That’s why we offer a free consultation to discuss your case, and there are no fees due until we recover compensation on your behalf.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Reading Rideshare Accidents
How is Fault Determined in a Rideshare Accident in Pennsylvania?
Fault is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, driver app data, and vehicle damage. In many rideshare cases, more than one party may share liability. This could include the rideshare driver, another motorist, or a third party such as a vehicle manufacturer or road maintenance authority.
Can I File A Claim If I Was a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft?
Yes. Passengers are rarely at fault for a crash, so you typically have the right to pursue compensation through one or more insurance policies involved in the accident. This may include the rideshare company’s policy, the driver’s personal insurance, or another driver’s coverage, depending on what caused the crash.
What if the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault For the Accident?
You may still have a valid claim. If another driver caused the crash, you can pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance policy. In some cases, the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Do I Have To Deal Directly With Uber or Lyft after a Crash?
No. You don’t have to communicate with the rideshare company or its insurers on your own. Many people choose to work with an attorney who can handle all communication, protect their rights, and make sure they are not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
How Long Do I Have To File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under Pennsylvania law. However, it is best to begin the process as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and witnesses can be contacted while details are still fresh.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning ability, property damage, pain and suffering, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.
Will My Case Have to Go to Court?
Many rideshare accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if a fair agreement can’t be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and preparing the case for trial.
Call the Reading Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Munley Law Today
If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident involving a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft, you’ll likely have questions about who is at fault, who is responsible for your losses, and where you can go for help. That’s where Munley Law comes in.
Our rideshare accident lawyers work diligently to determine what went wrong during your ride, figure out what insurance companies will be picking up the tab for your losses, and help you bring your case to court if needed.
Unfortunately, many victims of rideshare accidents worry they cannot afford legal representation. At Munley Law, our attorneys work on a contingent fee basis. This means that there is no fee for our services unless we win your case. The contingency fee protects you from financial risk in pursuing your case while ensuring you get all of the resources necessary to build the strongest case.
For a no-obligation, free consultation, contact our Reading accident lawyers. The insurance companies will work fast to mitigate your losses. But Munley Law works faster and harder.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
