Scranton Rideshare Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured as a passenger in an Uber accident in Scranton, you need an experienced rideshare accident lawyer on your side. Due to complicated laws, these cases can be complicated to resolve and find fault for your injuries.
While apps like Uber and Lyft help us get from point A to point B more efficiently, they can also contribute to a growing safety issue. According to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), “Uber and Lyft are behind a sharp rise in US traffic deaths.” These collisions can also cause thousands of passengers to suffer serious injuries, tremendous pain, and astronomical expenses.
First, 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 expert Scranton ride share accident lawyer who can help you navigate building your case so you get the compensation you deserve.
Determining Fault in Scranton Uber Accident Cases
Litigating rideshare accidents in Scranton (and across the United States) can be tricky because these collisions are treated differently than an accident with a regular passenger vehicle or traditional commercial vehicle.
Ride share companies that operate in Scranton, like Uber and Lyft, offer $1 million in liability insurance. However, there are limitations to when this coverage applies and who will be covered. Liability may change depending on your unique circumstances.
Your injuries will likely be covered by the company insurance policy. However, even if your ridesharing driver is at fault and on duty at the time of your accident, the ridesharing company may still fight the claim and try to deny liability. This is why it’s so important to have an experienced Scranton Uber or Lyft accident lawyer who will fight on your behalf. For more than 60 years, our firm has obtained the maximum compensation for injured victims in all types of accidents, including car and rideshare accidents, here at home in Scranton
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” from the time they accept a ride until they drop their passenger off. This includes the time 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 attorney at Munley Law will investigate your Scranton rideshare accident and pursue every possibility to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Scranton
Uber and Lyft drivers in Scranton are vetted by driving history background checks. But, they are also prone to the same accident risks as anyone else on the road. However, there are some additional dangers that may affect Scranton ride share accidents and Uber and Lyft drivers specifically. These include:
- Drowsy driving. Scranton rideshare drivers often work multiple jobs, making them especially prone to driver fatigue. Drowsy driving has been shown to affect alertness and reaction time. The impact can be as much as driving while under the influence of alcohol.
- Distracted driving. Ridesharing is, of course, based on smartphone apps. Drivers rely on smartphones for directions, for tracking their time on duty, and for arranging their next pick-up. This close tie to their ridesharing apps creates an environment ripe for driver distraction.
Uber and Lyft driver standards and vehicle requirements
Services like Uber and Lyft require their drivers meet certain standards. This is in order to help ensure the safety of the apps’ users, and avoid ride share accidents 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 valid inspection
- Pass a safety screening and driving history background check
In addition, vehicles used for Uber and Lyft must meet certain standards. In general, they must be four-door vehicles in good condition, less than 10-15 years old.
Call a Scranton Uber accident lawyer at Munley Law for a free case review today
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 ride share lawyer fighting your case will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation. A Scranton ride share accident attorney at Munley Law will review the details of your case, answer your questions, and make sure the appropriate parties are held responsible.
