The Scranton Uber accident attorneys at Munley Law have been helping ridesharing accident victims recover compensation following an Uber accident anywhere in Lackawanna County. We understand how difficult these rideshare collision cases tend to be, and that’s why we won’t settle for an offer that’s less than you are entitled to.
Our board-certified lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in Uber and other car accidents, earning recognition from Martindale-Hubbell, Lawdragon, the Litigation Counsel of America, and many other leading legal directories. Our partners are ranked among the leading trial attorneys in the state, and we have the legal acumen and dedication to ensure that your case is brought to justice.
If you were involved in an Uber accident in Scranton, it’s in your best interest to contact our personal injury attorneys in Scranton for a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Who Can Be Held At Fault For an Uber Accident in Scranton?
Accidents involving Uber drivers create some confusing scenarios. It often takes an experienced Scranton rideshare accident attorney to clearly define these complex details. Unlike an accident involving a taxi or bus, where the transportation company may be held responsible, the financially responsible party and the applicable insurer may not always be readily apparent in an Uber crash. In some cases, neither Uber nor the driver’s insurance willingly offers payment, even if the 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 rideshare crashes. 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 accident claim.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Policy Work in a Scranton Car Accident?
Determining whose insurance covers your injuries after an Uber accident is not straightforward. If you have auto insurance, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will help 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, it becomes 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 auto insurance, but they are not covered under that policy when using their vehicle for commercial purposes. Uber provides $1 million in insurance coverage, which applies only under certain circumstances.
Was the Scranton Uber Driver On Duty?
On duty or off duty – does it matter? Yes, it’s vital. Whether a driver is on or off duty determines whose insurance company is responsible. Uber’s liability insurance typically covers damages when a driver is 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 en 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 are entitled to following an Uber accident.
If a 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 driver strikes a pedestrian
- A fellow motorist whose vehicle is hit by an on-duty driver
According to Uber’s latest US Safety Report, the company provided over 1.8 billion trips from across the US between January 2021 and December 2022. There were 153 motor vehicle fatalities and 36 physical assault deaths that took place during these trips, as well as 2,717 cases of serious sexual assault and misconduct, highlighting the risks that rideshare users face in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
As illustrated by the report, many types of confusing accident scenarios can occur involving Uber. Each is evaluated differently. It is important to have a knowledgeable Scranton rideshare accident attorney on your side to determine who is at fault and ensure you receive payment.
How Scranton Uber Accident Attorneys Can Help You
If you’ve been involved in a car accident involving a rideshare driver, getting help from a Scranton auto accident lawyer in these cases can be incredibly beneficial. Here is what a Scranton Uber accident lawyer can do for you:
Navigating Insurance Claims in Scranton
Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance carriers, which can complicate the claims process. A rideshare accident attorney 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 accident claim and negotiate with insurance adjusters to maximize your compensation.
Assessing Damages After a Scranton Uber Crash
Determining your total damages ensures 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 professionals who can assess the long-term impacts of your injuries to support your rideshare accident claim.
Legal Expertise and Strategy
The legal landscape for Uber-related incidents can be complex due to evolving laws and local regulations. An experienced lawyer will have up-to-date knowledge of state and local regulations affecting rideshare companies, which can significantly influence your accident 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 accident 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.
With nearly 70 years of experience in representing the rights of Pennsylvanians, Munley Law has won millions of dollars in settlements for clients injured in motor vehicle accidents, including rideshare crashes in Scranton. Four of our attorneys are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, offering the skills needed to represent crash victims and secure life-changing compensation for their injuries.
Our team has been consistently recognized by the Summit Council, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the American Association for Justice, where Marion Munley has been sworn in as the acting Vice President. Our lawyers have consistently been recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, through which eight of our attorneys have received awards, and Marion Munley has been named to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania list for the past three years.
All of our partners have been ranked as some of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, and the NTLA has also selected J. Christopher Munley as one of the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers in the state. Our settlements and verdicts won in trial cases have also secured Robert Munley III, Caroline Munley, and Marion Munley membership in the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, showcasing our outstanding results achieved for our clients to date.
“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
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 frequently suffer from fatigue and distracted driving, two prime factors behind today’s rising 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. A Journal of Safety Research study also found that older rideshare drivers, those who regularly took more than ten trips per day, or those who often drive on unfamiliar roads, are also at higher risk of causing – or being involved in – road crashes.
Plus, the research found that 33% of United States drivers have been involved in an accident while on the job. 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 expensive for drivers who only occasionally offer Uber services. And, as mentioned, some insurance companies refuse to provide liability coverage for personal vehicles used for business purposes. Because Uber liability coverage isn’t always reliable, it’s important to document evidence at the scene.
The risk of summoning a rideshare 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 might involve claims such as Uber’s potential oversight in hiring practices (e.g., inadequate background checks), vehicle maintenance oversights, or 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 maintains specific standards to ensure safety, including age limits, vehicle inspections, and background screenings to protect passengers
Prospective Uber drivers:
- Must present a valid driver’s license.
- Must have been driving for 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 If I’ve Been Sexually Assaulted by an Uber Driver??
First, know that what happened is not your fault, and support is available.
Immediate steps: If you’re in danger, call 911. Once safe, consider seeking medical attention even without visible injuries—medical providers can document what happened, offer preventive care, and connect you with resources. If you may report to the police, try to preserve evidence by not showering or changing clothes, though your well-being always comes first. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) offers free, confidential 24/7 support, or chat at RAINN.org. Local rape crisis centers can help with advocacy and counseling. You can report to local law enforcement and to Uber through the app’s Safety section or their Critical Safety Response Line.
You may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the driver and potentially Uber. Our sexual assault attorneys offer free consultations, and there are time limits for filing.
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 your injuries significantly 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 it 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 involves collecting photos, witness contacts, and noting any driver behavior. You will need the police report to get an official record of what happened 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 driver is at fault, Uber or the company’s insurer may fight the rideshare accident claim. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Scranton Uber accident lawyer on your side to stand up for your rights.
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.
You have two years from the accident date 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 immediately ensures your lawsuit will be filed before the statute of limitations passes.
Consult a Scranton Rideshare Accident Attorney
Don’t deal with the insurance company alone after an Uber accident. An experienced Uber accident attorney in Scranton will guide you through the process. Now is the time to call Munley Law to schedule a free consultation.
We’ll investigate your claim, determine how much your case is worth, and fight for your rights. We are available 24/7, so call today. There is no fee unless we win.
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.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on March 16, 2026.
