Scranton Uber Accident Lawyer

The Scranton Uber accident attorneys at Munley Law have been helping ridesharing accident victims get the compensation they deserve throughout Lackawanna County. We understand how difficult these cases tend to be and that’s why we won’t settle for an offer that’s less than you deserve.

If you were involved in an Uber accident in Scranton, it’s in your best interest to contact our Scranton personal injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible.

Who Can Be Held At Fault For an Uber Accident in Scranton?

Accidents involving Uber drivers create some confusing scenarios. It often takes a talented Scranton injury lawyer to define the details. Unlike an accident involving a taxi or bus, where the company may be held responsible for your accident, the financially responsible party and the applicable insurer may not always be prominent.

Often, neither party will step up and take responsibility. In some cases, neither Uber nor the driver’s insurance willingly offers payment, even if the Uber driver is clearly at fault.

Uber’s drivers could be considered negligent if they fail to obey the company’s rules and all traffic laws. Negligence can be used to establish that a driver was at fault for an accident in which negligence contributed.

Once you hire our team of rideshare accident lawyers in Scranton, we will get the evidence needed to prove who is responsible for the crash. In some cases, Uber may be held accountable for hiring an unsuitable driver. In other cases, the fault may lie with the vehicle manufacturer if a defect is involved. This is why getting a team of knowledgeable Uber car accident lawyers is essential to help you with your claim.

How Uber’s Insurance Policy Works in a Scranton Car Accident

The question of whose insurance should cover your injuries in an Uber accident is not as simple as it may seem. If you have auto insurance, your personal injury protection or PIP coverage will help you pay your medical bills. You may also be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver for additional damages.

If the at-fault driver was an Uber driver, things become more complicated. Because Uber drivers are considered independent contractors and not employees, they are not automatically covered by a commercial insurance policy. They must have their auto insurance, but they are not covered by that policy while using their vehicle commercially. Uber provides one million dollars of insurance coverage, which only applies under the right circumstances.

Was the Scranton Uber Driver On Duty?

On duty or off duty – does it matter? Yes, it’s vital. Whether an Uber driver is on or off duty determines whose insurance company is responsible. Uber’s liability insurance should cover the damages if an Uber driver causes an accident while on duty. On duty could mean the following:

• The driver is logged into the app and is waiting for a ride request
• The driver is on route to pick up riders
• The driver is transporting the passengers to their destination

In some circumstances, you might be eligible to receive compensation from both Uber’s insurance and the driver’s insurer. In other cases, you may find collecting benefits from either party’s insurance plan difficult. It will be your attorney’s job to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve following an Uber accident.

If an Uber driver causes an accident while off duty, meaning the driver has not accepted a new ride request or the app is off, you must seek compensation through the driver’s auto insurance policy rather than filing a claim through Uber.

The Circumstances of Your Uber Accident in Scranton

You can file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the ridesharing company if an Uber driver’s negligent actions injure you. This rule applies no matter whether you were injured while you are in the position of:

• A passenger in an Uber driver’s vehicle that was involved in an accident
• An on-duty Uber driver hit a pedestrian
• A fellow motorist whose vehicle is hit by an on-duty Uber driver

Many types of confusing accident scenarios can occur involving Uber. Each is evaluated differently. It is important to have a knowledgeable Scranton Uber accident lawyer on your side to determine who is at fault and ensure you receive payment.

How a Scranton Uber Accident Attorney Can Help You

If you’ve been involved in a car accident involving an Uber driver, getting help from a Scranton auto accident lawyer specializing in these cases can be incredibly beneficial.

Navigating Insurance Claims in Scranton

Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance carriers, which can complicate the claims process. An Uber accident lawyer will identify the appropriate insurance coverage, whether the Uber driver’s insurance, Uber’s commercial policy, or another party’s insurance. They will handle all communications with the insurance companies to ensure you do not say anything that could undermine your claim and negotiate with insurance adjusters to maximize your compensation.

Assessing Damages After a Scranton Uber Crash

Determining the full extent of your damages is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation. Your lawyer will calculate immediate medical expenses, long-term care costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and any other relevant damages. They can also provide access to medical experts who can assess the long-term impacts of your injuries to support your claim.

Legal Expertise and Strategy

The legal landscape for Uber-related incidents can be complex due to evolving laws and local regulations. A specialized lawyer will have up-to-date knowledge of state and local regulations affecting rideshare companies, which can significantly influence your case. Depending on whether the driver, Uber, or another party is liable, your lawyer will develop a tailored legal strategy, including handling any litigation if the insurance settlement is not satisfactory.

Litigation Support For Your Scranton Personal Injury Lawsuit

Litigation may be necessary if a fair settlement cannot be reached through insurance claims. Your lawyer can file a lawsuit and prepare your case for court. They will handle all aspects of the litigation process, including discovery, arguing motions, and representing your interests at trial.

Protecting Your Rights in Scranton

Perhaps most importantly, an Uber accident lawyer is your advocate, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. They ensure compliance with legal deadlines and preserve your legal rights to compensation. Handling the aftermath of an accident can be stressful, and having a dedicated professional who takes care of the legal side can allow you to focus on your recovery.

Do Uber Drivers Contribute to an Increasing Number of  Scranton Accidents?

Uber’s drivers are involved in a significant number of crashes. Due to the nature of the service, the level of risk is greater for an Uber contractor than that of the average driver. According to a recent study from the University of Chicago and Rice University, the increase in Uber drivers contributed to a sharp rise in US traffic deaths. According to the study, ridesharing services have increased traffic deaths by 2% to 3% in the United States since 2011. This equates to approximately 1,100 fatal accidents each year.

Why are Uber’s drivers at greater risk of being involved in an accident than the rest of us? Uber’s drivers often suffer from fatigue and distracted driving – prime causes of today’s traffic accidents – at a higher rate than other commuters. The nature of the job makes these hazards challenging to avoid.

Since driving for Uber is often a side gig, an activity undertaken to earn extra cash, drivers coming on duty after a day in a factory, retail shop, fast food restaurant, or office may suffer from extreme fatigue.

Additionally, Uber operates through a phone app that must be visually monitored. Drivers must take their eyes off the road to manage the app and itineraries. Uber’s contractors must consider whether they can handle newly posted pickup options and, if so, accept them within 15 seconds. Uber drivers also frequently check their phones for directions and use them for time tracking.

The combination of fatigue and the requirements of interacting with an app that creates driver distraction creates situations conducive to accidents. It’s no wonder traffic deaths seem to have increased since Uber was launched.

What is a Commercial Liability Insurance Policy in Scranton?

As mentioned earlier, many drivers lack insurance that covers liability for accidents that happen when using their vehicle as an independent contractor for Uber.

That type of insurance might be too pricey for drivers who only offer Uber services occasionally. And, as mentioned, some insurance companies refuse to provide liability coverage for personal vehicles used for business purposes. These facts and the reality that Uber liability insurance doesn’t always come through for Uber accident victims are cause for concern.

The risk of summoning an Uber driver is worth the convenience for many. Just remember to contact a Scranton Uber accident lawyer to protect your rights if you are involved in an Uber-related accident.

Frequently Asked Questions for Scranton Uber Accident Lawyers

Can I Sue Uber for an Auto Accident in Scranton?

Whether you can sue Uber directly for damages after an accident depends on several factors:

Driver Status: Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification has been central to many legal disputes because it often shields Uber from being held directly liable for drivers’ actions under traditional employment law. However, this is an evolving area of law, and the specifics can vary by jurisdiction.

Insurance Coverage: Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers that applies to different phases of a ride:

• When the App is Off: The driver’s personal insurance coverage applies.
• When the App is On and Waiting for a Ride Request: Uber provides limited liability coverage.
• From the Time a Ride Request is Accepted to Passenger Drop-off: Uber provides a $1 million liability coverage policy, which includes third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

Typically, claims for damages due to an Uber accident are filed against this insurance policy rather than suing Uber directly. However, there are situations when you may be able to sue Uber directly.

Negligence or Wrongdoing by Uber: These could include situations where it is alleged that Uber failed in its duty of care in hiring practices (e.g., inadequate background checks), vehicle maintenance oversights, or if there are specific violations of local regulations that directly contributed to the accident.

What Are the Requirements to Drive for Uber in Scranton?

To help prevent accidents in Scranton and other cities, Uber has put in place some minimal requirements for drivers applying to become independent contractors.

Prospective Uber drivers:

• Must present a valid driver’s license.
• Must have been driving at least a year after obtaining their license. (Three years are required if the driver is less than 23 years old.)
• Must meet the age requirement required to drive for Uber in the city where they offer services.
• Must provide proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and proof of valid vehicle inspection.
• Must complete safety screening and a driving history background check.

Vehicles operated by Uber drivers:

• They are required to be four-door models.
• Must be in good condition.
• It cannot be more than 10-15 years old.

What Should I Do Following an Accident in Scranton, PA Involving Uber?

Obtain a medical assessment if you are even slightly injured. Then, report the accident to Uber through their app as soon as possible. Always report what happened, whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driving a vehicle hit by an Uber driver’s vehicle.

If it seems like a good idea, contact your insurance company. But do not speak with a representative of Uber or the driver’s insurance carrier without a Scranton Uber accident attorney present.

Don’t hesitate to contact a Scranton Uber accident lawyer for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee, meaning you do not owe us a fee until we win your case.

How Much Money Will I Receive in a Scranton Uber Accident Lawsuit?

Determining how much money you might receive from a lawsuit following an Uber accident in Scranton—or anywhere—can be quite complex and depends on numerous factors.

Damages for personal injury lawsuits commonly include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• And other related losses

The severity of the injuries sustained heavily influences the amount of compensation. More severe injuries typically result in higher medical costs, potentially long-term care requirements, and possibly permanent disability, all of which can increase the compensation amount. If the injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. The amount of compensation you receive is based on your salary. If your ability to earn money in the future is compromised, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the accident. The calculation for pain and suffering varies and is highly subjective but is an important component of the damages awarded in personal injury cases.

How Can I Prove an Uber Driver in Scranton Caused an Accident?

While at the accident scene, try to collect as much information as possible about the accident. This means getting photos and contact information from any witnesses involved. You will also want a copy of the police report to get an official record of what occurred before and after the accident.

Finally, call Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. We can obtain the evidence needed to prove fault and compensate you for your injuries.

What If My Driver Admits Fault, But the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay?

Uber accident cases can be complicated because it’s not always clear whose insurance should cover the damages. Even if your Uber driver is at fault and was on duty during the accident, Uber or the company’s insurer may fight the claim. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Scranton Uber accident lawyer on your side to stand up for your rights. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys offers more than 60 years of experience in obtaining the maximum compensation possible for injured victims in all types of car accidents and personal injury claims.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Scranton?

The statute of limitations for a civil personal injury case in Pennsylvania is two years.

That means you have two years from the date your accident occurred to file a claim. You will give up your right to sue the negligent party for damages if you postpone filing past the two-year deadline. Contacting a Scranton Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible following the accident ensures the details will be thoroughly investigated, and a lawsuit filed, if needed, before the statute of limitations passes.

Consult a Scranton Uber Accident Lawyer

We at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys suggest you proceed with caution if you are injured or suffer loss in a Scranton Uber accident. Some insurance adjusters may use specially planned tactics in an attempt to save money by finding a way to deny your claim.

These tactics might include asking you to sign a liability waiver while offering you a quick but insufficient settlement. They might question the severity of your injuries and many adjusters try to find a way to blame the victim in some way, for causing the accident.

Don’t fall for these attempts to reduce settlement amounts. Let a Scranton Uber accident lawyer determine the status of your case as soon as possible. It’s easy to reach us for a free consultation by phone, email, or online chat.  Don’t hesitate. We will be happy to help.

Other Personal Injury Claims We Handle in Scranton, PA:

• Scranton truck accident lawyers
• Scranton workers compensation lawyers
• Scranton rideshare accident lawyers
• Scranton Lyft accident lawyers
• Scranton bicycle accident lawyers
• Scranton motorcycle accident lawyers
• Scranton medical malpractice lawyers
• Scranton birth injury lawyers
• Scranton premises liability lawyers
• Scranton product liability lawyers
• Scranton brain injury lawyers
• Scranton catastrophic injury lawyers
• Scranton wrongful death lawyers

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570)865-4699