Call Now 24/7 - Free Consultation! 855-866-5529

Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Get a FREE Consultation

Injured in an Accident While Riding in an Uber or Lyft?

If you were injured in a rideshare accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, contact a ridesharing accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a free discussion of your case. Insurance coverage for these kinds of accidents can be complicated – we can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

You need to ensure your rights are protected after an auto accident. Even if the rideshare company has said it will take care of the claim, you must speak with a Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible. Our rideshare accident lawyers will investigate your claim, negotiate with the insurance companies, and represent you in court. Don’t delay; call, chat, or fill out our contact form. There’s no charge for the consultation, and we never take a fee unless we win your case.

$32 Million Wrongful Death

$26 Million Truck Accident

$17.5 Million Car Accident

$12 Million Product Liability

$9 Million Truck Accident

$8 Million Truck Accident

$8 Million Truck Accident

$7.5 Million Auto Accident

$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident

$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury

$5 Million Medical Malpractice

$5 Million Bus Accidents

Why Do I Need to Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney?

No matter who was driving at the time of the accident, all car accident cases tend to be complex. Insurance companies often try to avoid paying the total amount owed to you for your injuries. You may be eager to get a settlement check to start paying off your bills, but unfortunately, that check will not cover most of your expenses.

It’s always best to speak with a personal injury lawyer after any accident involving an injury. Not only will the personal injury attorney sit down and explain your next steps, but they can also give you a rough estimate of how much your claim is worth.

An Uber accident lawyer can also negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you are adequately compensated. We have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies nationwide and know their tactics to deny a claim.

And finally, a rideshare accident lawyer can represent you in court. Not all cases end with a settlement; sometimes, your case may head to the courtroom. If this happens, you’ll need a trial attorney with the skills and experience to win your case.

Who is Responsible for Paying Your Bills After a Ridesharing Accident?

Rideshare accident lawyerIn many cases, your car insurance may cover the costs of your accident. However, if you do not have enough insurance or you do not have car insurance, you could collect from the at-fault party.

Three parties may be held responsible for paying your bills after a ridesharing accident: the ridesharing company, the rideshare driver, and other drivers involved in the accident. It all depends on what state the accident occurred and who is liable for the crash.

The Rideshare Driver

If the rideshare driver is found at fault for the auto accident, their insurance will be the first source of compensation. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors in many states and must carry their insurance policy. But often, the insurance policy may not provide coverage to passengers while the driver is using the vehicle for commercial purposes. Injured passengers may need to rely on their own personal insurance policy or the rideshare company’s insurance if that is the case.

The Rideshare Company

Depending on the driver’s actions, Uber or Lyft may be held responsible for the accident. For example, if the rideshare driver was driving drunk at the time of the accident and was on the clock, the company may be held accountable, even if they were not directly involved in the accident. In some instances, Uber and Lyft will hire unqualified drivers or refuse to suspend drivers even after passengers have complained about their driving. If this is the case, it’s best to speak with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer at Munley Law to learn your legal options.

The Other Driver

Sometimes, the other driver may be responsible for the accident. For instance, your Uber driver was driving through a traffic light and was t-boned by another driver who ran the red light. In a case like this, you can collect compensation from the other driver’s insurance, the Uber driver’s insurance, and the rideshare company’s liability insurance policy.

What Makes a Rideshare Accident Different Than a Regular Auto Accident?

Rideshare services make it easier for riders to get from point A to point B. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, 36 percent of Americans have used a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber at some point. However, these services also have their dangers, including car accidents. When you’re in a rideshare accident, many potentially liable parties are involved, including rideshare drivers, the rideshare company, and more. For that reason, if you’ve been in a rideshare accident, you’ll want an experienced rideshare accident attorney on your side.

An accident involving a rideshare vehicle and a rideshare driver presents a unique set of circumstances. It’s not the same as an accident with a regular passenger vehicle, but also a bit different from a traditional commercial vehicle accident. Uber and Lyft drivers typically use their vehicles to transport rideshare passengers. Uber and Lyft drivers do not need a commercial driver’s license or purchase commercial auto insurance as opposed to a taxi driver.

However, the rideshare company does provide commercial insurance coverage while the driver is on-duty. This means the passenger was either in the vehicle at the time of the accident or a request for the ride had been accepted. So, who is financially liable for any injuries resulting from the accident will depend on your circumstances.

Regardless of how the accident happened, you should report the incident to Lyft or Uber through their app as soon as possible.

What Caused Your Rideshare Accident?

Woman waiting for a rideshare vehicleAlthough rideshare drivers undergo a thorough background check, many are prone to the same accident risks as anyone else on the road. However, some additional dangers may affect 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.

Furthermore, ridesharing is, of course, based on smartphone apps. Drivers rely on smartphones for directions, to track their time on duty, and to arrange their next pickup. This close tie to their ridesharing apps creates an environment ripe for driver distraction.

Other negligent causes for a rideshare accident include:

  • Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Poor road conditions, either caused by the weather or poor maintenance
  • Defective parts in the vehicle, such as bad tires or faulty airbags
  • Dropping off passengers in unsafe locations

What Are the Requirements for Driving for a Rideshare Company?

To help ensure the safety of the apps’ users, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft require that their drivers meet specific standards. Both Uber and Lyft require that 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 where they work.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and proof of residency in your city and state.
  • Have at least one year of licensed driving experience (Uber requires three years if the driver is younger than 23)
  • Provide proof of vehicle insurance.
  • Pass a safety screening that will review your driving record and criminal history.

In addition, vehicles used for Uber and Lyft must meet specific standards. Generally, they must be four-door vehicles in good condition, less than 10-15 years old. Individual cities may have their specific requirements as well. For example, to drive for Uber in Scranton, the vehicle needs to be 15 years old or newer, a four-door car or minivan, and have no commercial branding on the vehicle. However, to drive for Lyft in Philadelphia, the car must have at least five to eight seats, including the driver’s seat.

Drivers may also be able to rent a car to use. Each rental car has an insurance policy included in the rental fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents

What Do I Do Following a Ridesharing Car Wreck?

Sign for rideshare passengers to wait for ridesSuppose you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle injured in an accident. In that case, your first step is to report the accident to the ridesharing company through their app, preferably at the accident scene.

Then, seek medical treatment immediately. Do this even if you don’t feel like you sustained injuries. You never know what injuries will appear after the adrenaline wears off. You must have these injuries seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Keep all documentation after seeing any medical professionals, including medical expenses and bills, prescriptions, diagnoses, and more.

Once you can, contact our rideshare accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to learn the available legal options.

Be aware that the ridesharing and insurance companies will try to contact you to learn about the accident. You are not under any obligation to speak with them until you first speak with a personal injury attorney from Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys.

I Was Injured as a Rideshare Driver. What Can I Do?

If you were the driver in a rideshare accident and were injured, you may face an uphill battle in getting compensation for your injuries. Although you may work for Uber or Lyft, you are still considered an independent contractor, so workers’ compensation will not be available.

Rideshare drivers may also run into trouble with their own insurance company. Unless you have specifically purchased rideshare insurance coverage with your claim, your claim may be denied under your insurance since you were using the car for commercial purposes.

However, you may be able to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance. For example, Uber and Lyft each offer liability insurance coverage for their drivers. This policy will kick in if your insurance denies your claim. But as you can imagine, dealing with any insurance company can be challenging, so contact our ridesharing accident lawyers for assistance.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Attorney?

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we work on a contingency basis. We will not receive a fee from you until we reach a settlement or verdict on your rideshare accident claim. You do not owe us a fee if we cannot conclude your personal injury claim successfully. As always, the first consultation is always free.

What Type of Compensation Can I Receive Following an Accident With an Uber or Lyft Driver?

You may receive two types of compensation after any car accident – economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include any monetary losses you may have received following an accident. This includes but is not limited to medical bills, property damage, loss of wages, and loss of earning potential.

Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses you have suffered. These damages are a little more subjective since there’s no monetary value attached to them. These include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, and mental anguish.

If you were in a rideshare accident and sustained injuries, Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys is here to help. Contact our rideshare accident attorneys today for a free consultation. Choose carefully.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rideshare Car Accident Claim?

After an accident, you may be left wondering how long it will take Uber or Lyft to settle a rideshare accident. The answer varies.

If an accident does not result in significant damages or injuries, generally, it can be settled sooner than severe ones. Why? In these cases, you usually deal only with property damage, a more straightforward case value to estimate. Suppose bodily harm, especially severe, is involved. In that case, you must also consider long-term medical expenses and care, loss of quality of life, and more factors that are harder to numerate.

If an Uber or Lyft driver hit your car and you were seriously injured, your first phone call is to our rideshare accident attorneys. We can help you get compensation from rideshare companies to get you back on your feet.

Call a Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

Getting proper compensation for your injuries after an Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated. A rideshare accident attorney 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. Call for a free consultation with our rideshare accident lawyers.

    LCA
    PA Bar Association
    top 100
    Super Lawyers
    Best law firms
    best lawyers
    top 1% of trial lawyers
    av
    Irish Legal
    BBB Accreditation Badge Munley Law Review Us
    855-866-5529
    Back to Top