If you have been injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident, you need an experienced Scranton rideshare accident lawyer. Unlike car accidents, these cases can be complicated to resolve and find fault for your rideshare driver injuries. You’ll deal with multiple parties, potentially more than one insurance company, large rideshare companies, and more. It’s not a fight you should have to go alone.
For nearly 70 years, the Scranton personal injury attorneys at Munley Law have represented injured victims in all types of accidents, including car accidents, and have recovered substantial compensation on behalf of their clients. We have won many multi-million-dollar settlements for these clients, including a $4.4 million verdict in a car accident case. Our lawyers are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and J. Christopher Munley is also recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers.
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 experienced Scranton rideshare accident lawyer at Munley Law to help you build your case to get the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How is Fault Determined in Scranton Rideshare Accident Cases?
Litigating rideshare accidents in Scranton can be tricky because these collisions are treated differently from accidents with regular passenger vehicles or traditional commercial vehicles.
Rideshare companies operating in Scranton, such as Uber and Lyft, offer $1 million in liability insurance. However, there are limitations on when this coverage applies and who is covered. Liability may change depending on your unique circumstances.
The company insurance policy will likely cover your injuries. However, even if your ridesharing driver is at fault and on duty during your accident, the company may still fight the claim and try to deny liability. This is why having an experienced Lyft accident lawyer in Scranton can be valuable when navigating complex insurance and liability issues.
It’s also important to note that even if a Scranton Uber or Lyft driver does not have a passenger in the vehicle, they are still considered “on duty” when they accept a ride until they drop their passenger off. This includes when 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 Scranton Uber accident attorney at Munley Law will investigate your Scranton accident and identify available sources of insurance coverage and potential claims.
How Do Uber and Lyft Arbitration Agreements Affect Injury Claims?
Uber and Lyft users are generally required to agree to the terms of service when creating an account. These agreements may contain arbitration provisions that can affect how certain disputes are resolved. Depending on the circumstances, some claims may be subject to arbitration rather than being heard in court.
Arbitration issues can be complex and may depend on the language of the agreement, the type of claim involved, and whether the agreement is enforceable under applicable law. An attorney can review the relevant agreements and explain how they may affect your legal options after a rideshare accident.
What are the Uber and Lyft Driver Standards and Vehicle Requirements in Scranton, PA?
Services like Uber and Lyft require their drivers to meet specific standards. This is intended to promote passenger safety and reduce risks associated with rideshare operations in Scranton. These standards include:
- 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 specific standards. They must generally be four-door vehicles in good condition, less than 10-15 years old.
These standards are designed to keep accident and injury rates as low as possible, with Lyft’s Safety Transparency Report sharing that just 0.000009% of all its trips completed resulted in fatal crashes in 2022, although this rate still came as a significant 14% increase over the accident rates reported between 2017 and 2019. As per Uber’s 2021-2022 US Safety Report, 99.9% of the company’s rideshare journeys were completed without any type of safety incident reported, which, while low, still leaves a margin of risk to consider.
What To Expect in a Scranton Rideshare Accident Case
Despite the complexity of navigating faults in an accident, these collisions are often treated similarly to other car accidents in Scranton. Therefore, you can expect much of the same when pursuing a rideshare accident claim as any other motor vehicle collision in the Electric City.
After an accident, assess yourself, the other passengers, and the driver for severe injuries, and call the authorities. If you are able, you should also begin collecting evidence at the scene. This includes photos, videos, and connecting with witnesses at the scene.
Even if your Uber or Lyft driver was not at fault, you will want to get all the driver’s information, including name, insurance information, car make and model, and license plate number. From there, report the accident on the rideshare app.
The more of this you can accomplish at the accident scene, the smoother your claim process will be.
According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only about 3% to 4% of personal injury cases go to trial. Strong evidence can help support settlement negotiations and strengthen your position if litigation becomes necessary.
Once you are ready, you’ll want to file a claim with the insurance company–depending on the fault, it may be with your insurance, the driver’s insurance, or the rideshare company. But remember, all insurance adjusters will want to place blame elsewhere to avoid paying out for your losses. This is a good time to call a Scranton rideshare accident lawyer.
“Munley Law is far more than just a law firm. We’re a family of attorneys who truly understand the meaning of family and bring deep compassion to every client we serve.”
J. Christopher Munley
How Can a Scranton Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help?
A Munley Law rideshare accident lawyer can help you by:
- Negotiating and communicating with the insurance companies
- Gathering evidence and witness testimony
- Determining fault and liability
- Represent you in court
Our lawyers have been upholding the rights of rideshare accident victims – including injured Uber and Lyft drivers in Scranton – for decades, winning millions in their cases to date. These experts are well-versed in local motor vehicle accident laws and rideshare insurance policy specifics, allowing us to provide you with specialized support after your crash. The National Trial Lawyers Association has named all of our partners some of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, and they have also been awarded AV Preeminent Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell for their unwavering professionalism.
After thorough peer evaluations and independent research, eight of our attorneys have also been selected as Super Lawyers, with senior partner Marion Munley also featured in the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania list. All of our lawyers have received accolades from Best Lawyers and are ready to assist injured Uber and Lyft drivers with their complex claims.
Our lawyers are all members of the American Association for Justice and have won numerous awards through the Association, including the Board of Governors Outstanding Achievement Award for Marion Munley and the Excellence and Above and Beyond Awards for Mackenzie Wilson. We have also been recognized by the Litigation Counsel of America, the Summit Council, and the International Society of Barristers for our outstanding work and achievements in personal injury law.
How Long Does A Rideshare Accident Case Take to Settle?
Much like any other car accident case, the time it takes to settle will ultimately come down to the severity of your case. If you suffered severe injury or financial loss, your claim will take longer to settle because the insurance company will continue to lowball you. But if you utilize legal representation from a Scranton car injury lawyer, your case will go much more smoothly.
Attorney representation may help claimants navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers; a Martindale-Nolo study found that 91% of represented respondents received settlements, compared to just 51% of their peers who represented themselves in court.
In general, collision claims can take weeks to months to settle for minor injuries and damages, and upwards of years to settle a significant claim.
Rideshare Accident FAQ
Because of the growing popularity of rideshare apps, collision claims in Scranton are becoming all too common. Learn more about what you need to know if you have been involved in a car accident while in a rideshare vehicle or with a driver in Scranton.
Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer For a Rideshare Accident in Scranton?
Like any other personal injury case, you are never required to hire an attorney to represent you during negotiations or in court. However, it can be highly beneficial to do so.
Our Munley Law rideshare accident attorneys in Scranton can help you calculate the short-term and long-term losses following the accident by reviewing your medical expenses and property damage, handling communications and negotiations with the insurance company, or representing you in court if necessary.
How Much Does a Scranton Rideshare Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we don’t believe your financial state should stop you from seeking justice for an accident you did not cause. With that in mind, we work on a contingency basis, which means we do not receive a fee from you until we reach a settlement or verdict in your case. You do not owe us a fee if we cannot reach a successful conclusion for your claim.
Further, your first consultation is always free.
What Compensation Am I Eligible to Receive in a Rideshare Accident Claim?
After a car accident, you may be entitled to two forms of compensation– economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are monetary losses you may have received following an accident. This may include:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Wrongful death
Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses you have suffered. Because of the subjective nature of these losses, it is difficult to assign a monetary value to them. However, when done successfully, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
Remember that if you accept a settlement before meeting with an attorney, you cannot recover additional compensation.
What if Another Driver Was Responsible for the Auto Accident?
If you were hurt in an accident while a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, but your driver was not responsible, the other driver would be liable. In these cases, your insurance may still pick up the tab for your losses, but in severe cases where legal action is necessary, you may be able to take that other driver to court. For this reason, navigating these cases can be difficult. Insurance companies want accident victims to take their first offer and close the claim quickly.
However, proving fault in these cases can be difficult, so connect with a Scranton lawyer as soon as possible. Do not wait to file your claim. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence and protect your ability to pursue a claim.
Can I Sue for Wrongful Death Against Uber or Lyft?
Yes. If your loved one was a passenger in an Uber that was involved in an accident that resulted in the person’s death, you can sue the company or driver for wrongful death. Uber and Lyft have third-party insurance for their drivers for amounts that the driver’s insurance will not cover. Further, you may be able to collect up to a certain amount for funeral and burial costs.
The statute of limitations begins at the date of death, so act quickly.
What Steps Should I Take After a Ridesharing Accident in Scranton, PA?
If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and were injured in an accident, there are some important steps you should take immediately following. First, call 911 so that any necessary emergency vehicles will come to the scene. You will also want the police to file a report on the accident so it’s on record.
Next, Uber and Lyft accidents should be reported to the ridesharing company through their app, preferably at the scene of the accident.
Seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t believe you are injured enough to see a doctor, you should still get checked out, as serious injuries like spinal cord trauma or traumatic brain injury may not show immediate symptoms. Often, after an accident, adrenaline is rushing, and you may not even feel pain until days after the accident. Also, medical records will be very important to your case. After receiving medical attention, make sure you save everything: medical bills, prescriptions, etc.
Once you are able, contact rideshare accident attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to learn what legal options are available to you. It’s imperative you engage with a lawyer quickly. Do not hesitate. The longer you wait after an accident, the more time it gives details and evidence to go missing or become less impactful. For instance, witness statements are often best given when the accident is still top of mind.
Be aware that the ridesharing company and the insurance company will try to reach out to you to learn about the accident. You are not under any obligation to speak with them until you first speak with a car accident attorney from Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. It’s in their best interest to settle cases with accident victims quickly. If they give you an offer, do not accept anything until you speak to a lawyer.
I Am an Injured Rideshare Driver in Scranton. What Can I Do?
Unfortunately, rideshare drivers may face a tough time getting compensation if they have been injured in an accident. Workers’ compensation does not apply in these cases because drivers are considered independent contractors.
However, Uber and Lyft do offer liability insurance coverage for their drivers. This only kicks in if your personal auto insurance policy denies your claim. If you are using your car for commercial purposes, like driving for a rideshare company, your personal insurance company could refuse to cover the accident or your injuries.
Regardless of your circumstances, navigating insurance and dealing with large insurance companies can be a complicated process. You will want someone on your side who can represent you in negotiations and ensure you get justice for you. An Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer can help.
Call a Scranton Rideshare Accident Lawyer
It can be complicated to get proper compensation for your injuries after a Scranton Uber or Lyft accident. These are complicated issues. Having an experienced Scranton lawyer on your side can help you pursue the compensation available under Pennsylvania law and navigate the complexities of a rideshare accident claim.
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we help Scranton rideshare users protect themselves and their loved ones should they find themselves injured in a car accident. Our team works diligently to compile the facts of your case to ensure the negligent party is held accountable.
We take the pressure off you by handling communications with the insurance companies and, if needed, representing you in court. And, we do all of this without charging you anything until a settlement or verdict has been reached.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
James Christopher Munley
James Christopher Munley is a multi-award winning auto accident lawyer and advocate for auto accident plaintiffs. Chris has been named to Best Lawyers in America since 2012, and was also named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer the following year in 2013. Alongside this, he was named to the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Chris has helped in the recovery of millions in damages for auto accident victims, including notable cases such as a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and a $6.9 Million Settlement when a garbage truck crashed into a car.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on July 21, 2026.
