A Stroudsburg Lyft accident lawyer at Munley Law can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation after a rideshare crash. Lyft accidents often involve complicated insurance policies, multiple liable parties, and serious injuries. Our attorneys investigate the details of the crash and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Munley Law, we’ve spent almost 70 years representing injury victims across Pennsylvania, including those hurt in Lyft and Uber accidents. Our firm has earned national recognition with organizations such as Lawdragon, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers, while securing millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
If you were hurt in a Lyft accident in Stroudsburg, our attorneys can help you determine who is responsible, navigate complex rideshare insurance coverage, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Are Accidents Involving Lyft Drivers Different Than Other Car Accidents?
Because Lyft drivers are independent contractors and use their personal vehicles, Lyft accident lawsuits in Stroudsburg and across PA differ from those involving commercial vehicles such as buses or taxi services.
A Lyft accident case presents unique challenges in showing who must pay accident victims for their injuries. The insurance providers for Lyft are financially responsible only when the Lyft driver is on duty.
- Lyft drivers are “on-duty” when a passenger is in their rideshare vehicle, or when they have accepted a ride request and are driving to pick up a passenger.
- Rideshare drivers are “off-duty” after they have dropped off a passenger and have not yet accepted a request from a new passenger.
The company’s insurance policy will cover damages caused by an on-duty driver in most situations. But if the driver is off-duty, you will need to pursue the driver and his insurance for compensation.
Rideshare accidents are becoming more common across the United States, and recent research indicates that up to one-third of Lyft drivers have had an on-the-job accident, with distraction, fatigue, and driving in unfamiliar territory cited as contributing factors. With Lyft drivers giving over 1 million trips per day, the chances of being involved in a rideshare accident are ever-present.
Who Is Liable After a Lyft Accident in Pennsylvania?
Even when it is clear who is at fault – for example, if it is clear the Lyft driver caused the accident – it can still be challenging to show who should be financially responsible for compensating you in a personal injury lawsuit.
In some scenarios, you might be eligible to receive compensation from both Lyft’s and the driver’s liability insurance. In other cases, it may be difficult to collect from either company, for example, if Lyft or its insurer denies your injury claim.
An experienced Lyft accident lawyer can help. The Stroudsburg accident lawyers at Munley Law are experienced in investigating accidents, building a case to prove who is at fault, and determining who should be held financially responsible for the injuries suffered in Lyft accidents.
Contact a Munley Law Stroudsburg rideshare accident lawyer for a free consultation to understand the legal process and learn how we can help you.
What to Do After a Lyft Car Accident in Stroudsburg
Navigating through the aftermath of a Lyft accident in Stroudsburg, PA, can be overwhelming. Here is what you can do after a Stroudsburg Lyft car crash:
Ensure Your Immediate Safety
First, your priority should be the safety of yourself and other passengers. If circumstances allow, move out of the way of further harm. Immediately following this, dial 911 to report the incident.
Report the Accident to Local Law Enforcement
Whether the accident seems like a tiny bump or a big deal, it’s essential to get the cops involved. They’ll put together a report on the accident; this official account is gold when dealing with insurance claims later on. Getting the police on the crash scene lays the groundwork to protect you and set you up for any compensation you might seek.
Seek Medical Attention
Accidents can be quite deceptive. You may initially feel fine, but not all injuries are immediately apparent. Some, like whiplash or internal injuries, may reveal themselves hours or even days later. Thus, seeking medical attention post-haste following a Lyft accident is imperative, even if your injuries seem insignificant or non-existent.
Doctors will give you the full once-over, ensuring they catch and treat any injuries you might have. The medical report will provide details about your injuries and the treatment you will need to follow — this is a vital piece of the puzzle if you decide to go for a personal injury claim.
Report the Accident to Lyft
After ensuring your safety and seeking medical treatment, it’s crucial to promptly inform Lyft about the incident. You can utilize the in-app accident reporting feature to provide comprehensive details about what transpired. The data should include the exact location of the incident, the time it occurred, and any additional relevant information.
As every detail can be critical, ensure insurance information on your account is as thorough and accurate as possible. This early reporting allows Lyft to take the necessary actions on its end and to set the compensation claim process in motion.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Stroudsburg Lyft Accident?
The types of damages available to you will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Generally, those injured in an Lyft accident can claim damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medical expenses may include hospital bills, ambulance fees, medication costs, and other related expenses.
Lost wages may include any wages lost due to missed work or inability to work due to your injuries. This can include current and future lost wages.
Lastly, pain and suffering may include compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
If your loved one was killed in an accident involving a Lyft driver, you may be able to file a claim for wrongful death/survival action. Damages available in a wrongful death/survival action claim may include:
- Payment for damage to the vehicle, or to buy another vehicle
- Payment for your and your loved one’s medical expenses
- Payment for past and future lost wages
- Compensation for emotional anguish, mental pain, and suffering
- Reimbursement for funeral expenses
It is important to remember that every case is unique and the damages available to you will depend on the specifics of your case. An experienced accident lawyer can help you determine what types of damages you may be eligible for and how to best pursue a claim for those damages.
“For more than three generations, our family has been fighting for justice. It’s more than a career choice—it’s written into our DNA. That legacy shapes how I approach every case. The people who walk through our doors aren’t case numbers; they’re families in crisis, looking for someone to fight as hard for them as we would for our own.”
Robert W. Munley, III
What Are The Requirements for Being a Lyft Driver and How Might it Affect My Claim?
In order to drive for Lyft in Stroudsburg, Lyft has a screening process involving background checks, reviews of driving records, and a check to see if the vehicle meets a certain level of standards. Additionally, in Pennsylvania, Lyft drivers are required to have a PennDOT windshield sticker.
Whenever assigning fault in a case, seeking out these documents and records can be crucial. If there was something missed or overlooked which could have led to the accident, such as a DUI conviction before a drunk driving accident – you may be able to pursue further damages against either Lyft or a third-party they used for the screen.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Lyft Accidents?
Lyft accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons. These include:
- Driver negligence
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Other dangerous behavior
The high number of accidents involving Lyft and other rideshare drivers may be caused by a driver who is using the rideshare app while driving. Because the first driver to respond to a ride request gets the passenger – and the money for the ride – drivers check the live app while they are driving. This causes distracted driving, which can lead to accidents.
Who Can File a Claim After a Stroudsburg Rideshare Accident?
Generally, anyone injured in a Lyft accident can file a claim with rideshare accident lawyers. This includes:
- Passengers in the Lyft car or other vehicles
- Drivers in other cars
- Motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- family members of a person killed in a Lyft accident
In an accident involving a Lyft driver, there are several parties that may be held liable and financially responsible for your damages. They include the Lyft driver, Lyft Companies, and/or the other driver involved in the accident.
Why Should You Hire a Stroudsburg Lyft Accident Lawyer?
When you are seeking legal assistance after a Lyft accident, it is important to choose an experienced accident lawyer for your claims who can provide you with the best legal advice and representation. Before you make a decision to file a claim against the rideshare driver, it is important to ask questions to ensure you are choosing the right attorney for your needs. Some of the key questions to ask when choosing a rideshare accident attorney include:
- What experience do you have handling Lyft accident cases?
- How will you handle my case?
- What is your fee structure?
- How often will I be updated on the progress of my case?
- Are there any other costs or fees I should be aware of?
By asking these questions, you can ensure that you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing an accident lawyer after the crash.
The personal injury lawyers at Munley Law are experienced in the laws governing motor vehicle accidents and can help you navigate the legal process. We can also provide you with valuable advice and guidance on how to proceed with your claim. We will fight to protect rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Munley Law as Your Stroudsburg Lyft Accident Lawyer?
Munley Law has a national reputation for excellence in personal injury law. Our attorneys have received numerous professional recognitions, including:
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers Association
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Ratings
- Irish Legal 100
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
At Munley Law, we will review your case and injury claims, determine fault, negotiate with insurance companies, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court, without any upfront cost to you. In some cases, a tort occurs when someone either intentionally or negligently causes injury to another person. If this is the case, we will help determine the fault.
Unlike some other law firms, the Stroudsburg car accident lawyers at Munley Law work on a contingency basis, which means that when we accept your case and establish an attorney-client relationship with you, we don’t get paid until you receive compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accident Claims in Stroudsburg
Does Lyft Provide Insurance Coverage if Its Driver Caused an Accident?
Yes, Lyft provides liability coverage for drivers while they are actively using the app. When a driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, Lyft provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, lower coverage limits may apply. If the driver is not using the app, their personal auto insurance usually applies.
What Types of Injuries Occur Most Often in Rideshare Accidents?
Common Lyft accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. Some injuries may not appear immediately after the crash, especially head or soft-tissue injuries. Medical evaluation is important to protect both your health and your legal claim.
Can I File a Claim if Another Driver Caused the Lyft Accident?
Yes. If another driver caused the crash, you may file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy. In some situations, Lyft’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply. Determining which policy applies often requires a detailed investigation.
Can I Claim Against Both Lyft’s Insurance and My Own?
You generally cannot claim from both Lyft’s insurance and your own after an accident, and this might be considered ‘double dipping’ – which is a type of insurance fraud.
Can Family Members File a Claim After a Fatal Lyft Accident?
Yes. If a loved one is killed in a rideshare accident, certain family members may file a wrongful death claim and/or survival action under Pennsylvania law. Compensation may include funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. These claims can help families seek financial stability and accountability.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lyft Accident Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers, including Munley Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay legal fees up front. The attorney only receives payment if compensation is recovered for your case.
Contact a Lyft Attorney at Munley Law Today
Munley Law’s Stroudsburg Lyft accident lawyers are here to help you. We have the best attorneys Stroudsburg can offer, and our consultations are free. We charge no fees unless we win your case.
Contact us right away if you’ve suffered in a Lyft car accident.
Robert W. Munley, III
Robert W. Munley, III is a seasoned personal injury attorney and award-winning courtroom advocate. While he regularly handles a range of personal injury cases, his focus is on truck accidents and workers’ compensation cases. Bob has served thousands of accident victims and workers, winning them millions with his bold advocacy.
