A Stroudsburg rideshare accident lawyer at Munley Law helps injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians recover compensation after serious Uber and Lyft car accidents. Our firm has represented injury victims across Pennsylvania for almost seven decades, securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by negligence.
When rideshare accidents happen, these cases often involve multiple insurance policies, corporate liability questions, and complex claims processes that can leave injured victims unsure where to turn.
At Munley Law, our attorneys are nationally recognized for their work in personal injury litigation. Our lawyers have been listed in Best Lawyers in America, recognized by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and our firm has earned top rankings from U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms. Our rideshare accident injury attorneys bring this experience to every case we handle.
If you were injured in a Lyft or Uber crash in Stroudsburg, knowing what steps to take and who may be responsible can make a major difference in your recovery and financial future. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Rideshare Accident in Stroudsburg
No one expects to get into a car accident, particularly when riding as a passenger in a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. On average, people don’t take lengthy rideshare trips, and the average Uber ride is about five miles. Although accidents don’t discriminate when it comes to the length of a trip, most people just expect to safely be in and out of their rideshare from Point A to Point B.
In fact, rideshare passengers are less likely to buckle up than when in their own vehicle: 28% of Americans admit they don’t buckle up when riding in the back seat of a rideshare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2021, 51%-61% of teens and adults up to age 54 who died in vehicle crashes were not wearing a safety belt at the time of the crash.
Despite the average rideshare trip being short, an Uber or Lyft is obviously not immune to accidents. Being a passenger involved in a car accident can be confusing and frightening, both at the time of the crash and in the aftermath. At the scene of the crash, if you are safe and able to, the following steps should be taken:
- Call the Police: Even if the accident is minor and appears to involve only property damage, it’s important to report it to the police. They will create an official report that can be useful for insurance purposes.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles involved, the license plates, and any other relevant details. If there are any witnesses, take down their name and their contact information.
- Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company: Report the accident to the rideshare company as soon as possible via their app or call center.
- Exchange Information: Get the name, contact information, and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to make sure you don’t have any hidden injuries. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage are not always immediately evident.
- Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: A lawyer can help you navigate the complicated insurance policies and legal issues involved in a rideshare accident and help you get the compensation you deserve.
“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
Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident in Stroudsburg?
Determining liability for a rideshare accident in Stroudsburg can be more layered than the average auto accident. The two major rideshare services, Uber and Lyft, both require that their drivers either have their own personal auto insurance policy or that they purchase auto insurance through the rideshare company. Fortunately, this means that auto insurance coverage is likely in place, but the dicey part is that the insurance companies will try to deflect responsibility.
Uber and Lyft each carry $1 million insurance policies intended to cover riders for the duration of their trips. However, if an Uber or Lyft rideshare driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident, the company may not be liable since the driver was technically off the clock. Likewise, the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy may cover your damages.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have different levels of coverage depending on the part of the trip the rideshare driver is on, as illustrated in the table below:
Different insurance coverage may apply during each period, with many rideshare companies providing some level of insurance coverage during periods 2 and 3, but not necessarily during period 1. The period delineations can be hazy, and an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can navigate the complex insurance policies and regulations on your behalf.
If you have sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, the last thing you want to be doing is navigating phone calls with insurance companies and filling out paperwork. This is a time for you to rest, heal, and let an experienced attorney advocate for you.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Stroudsburg?
The causes of an Uber or Lyft accident are often similar to typical car accidents, but research has highlighted some common reasons why rideshare drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident:
- Distracted driving – Rideshare drivers are often multitasking. While they’re paying attention to their app to accept or decline their next ride, they may become distracted, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Reckless or aggressive driving – Speeding, tailgating, and sudden lane changes while trying to keep on schedule are examples of reckless driving that can increase the risk of an accident.
- Fatigue – Long hours and tight schedules can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction time. Additionally, a large part of a rideshare driver’s profits comes from late-night trips, transporting people to and from bars, clubs, and homes. Late-night driving may cause drowsiness after extended hours and working late at night.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Rideshare drivers are often responsible for maintaining their own vehicles, and neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical issues that can cause accidents.
- Weather conditions – Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice can make driving more dangerous, particularly for inexperienced or untrained drivers.
- Road conditions – Poor road conditions, such as potholes, construction, or debris, can also increase the risk of an accident.
- Navigation issues – Reliance on navigation devices and apps can sometimes lead to drivers taking unfamiliar or dangerous routes, increasing the risk of an accident.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a very common way to travel throughout Monroe County. However, a study from the University of Chicago and Rice University found that the introduction of ridesharing services has been associated with a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities nationwide, possibly due to increased traffic congestion and distracted or fatigued driving among rideshare drivers.
Why You Need a Stroudsburg Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you’ll want to consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options and can represent you in negotiations with insurance companies or, if necessary, in court.
As mentioned above, determining liability in rideshare accidents can be tricky. A Stroudsburg personal injury lawyer who has dealt with rideshare accidents will be able to ask the right questions, gather the relevant evidence, and help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you’ve been involved in a Stroudsburg rideshare accident in Monroe County, call Munley Law for a free consultation with one of our experienced accident attorneys. The attorneys at Munley Law have a reputation for excellence, optimal results, and client satisfaction.
What Type of Compensation is Available After a Stroudsburg Rideshare Accident?
When claiming compensation for a rideshare accident, your attorney will explore which economic and non-economic damages you qualify for.
Economic damages are financial losses with a specific monetary value, such as past and future medical expenses, loss of past and future wages, and property damage. Economic damages are typically easier to quantify because they can be proven with receipts, bills, and other documentation.
- Medical expenses: This can include expenses for doctor visits, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, and any other medical treatment related to your accident.
- Lost wages: If you missed work or will miss work because of your accident or injuries, you may be able to recover the wages you lost or will lose.
- Property damage: As another driver involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, you can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any other property that was damaged in the accident.
Non-economic damages are losses that are less likely to be quantified by a specific monetary value due to their subjectivity. Non-economic damages include types of losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress: This type of compensation is meant to compensate you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the accident has affected your ability to engage in activities you previously enjoyed, you may be able to recover compensation for this type of loss.
How Do You Choose the Best Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Stroudsburg?
It’s important to find a rideshare injury lawyer that you feel comfortable with. Look for lawyers with knowledge and experience in rideshare car accident cases who have credible client reviews and testimonials. You’ll want a skilled negotiator, and you’ll also want your lawyer to have experience with taking your case to trial if necessary. Your lawyer’s team is important as well; what kind of resources do they have to build your case? Do they have experienced investigators and experts ready to build your case?
Munley Law has spent almost 70 years representing injury victims across Pennsylvania, building a national reputation for excellence in complex motor vehicle accident litigation. Our attorneys belong to the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – organizations whose membership is limited to lawyers who have won million-dollar and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients.
Our firm’s trial lawyers have also been recognized among the top trial attorneys in the country by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Beyond courtroom success, our attorneys hold leadership roles in the American Association for Justice, where they help shape advocacy on behalf of injury victims nationwide.
Most importantly, our focus remains on the people we represent. We understand that a rideshare accident can disrupt every aspect of your life – from your health and finances to your ability to work and care for your family – and we are committed to fighting for the full compensation you need to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims in Stroudsburg
Can Passengers Sue After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Passengers injured in a rideshare accident can pursue compensation from multiple parties depending on who caused the crash. This may include the rideshare driver, another driver involved in the collision, or potentially the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
Both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage during active trips, which may apply if the driver was transporting a passenger at the time of the crash.
How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this statute of limitations could prevent you from recovering compensation. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible helps ensure critical evidence is preserved.
What Injuries Are Common in Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare crashes can cause a wide variety of injuries, including:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
Even injuries that seem minor at first may worsen over time, which is why medical evaluation is important after any crash.
Can a Pedestrian File a Claim After Being Hit by a Rideshare Driver?
Yes. Pedestrians struck by rideshare vehicles may be able to file claims against the driver and, in some cases, the rideshare company’s insurance policy. Liability depends on whether the driver was logged into the rideshare app and what stage of the trip they were in at the time of the accident.
What Evidence Helps Prove a Rideshare Accident Claim?
Strong rideshare accident cases often rely on multiple forms of evidence, including:
- Police accident reports
- App activity records from Uber or Lyft
- Photographs of the damaged vehicle
- Witness statements
- Medical documentation
An attorney can also request digital trip data that may confirm whether the driver was actively working.
Are Rideshare Drivers Considered Employees or Independent Contractors?
Most rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification often allows companies to limit direct liability in certain situations. However, the companies still maintain significant insurance policies that may apply when drivers are using the platform.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Stroudsburg Now
The Stroudsburg rideshare accident attorneys at Munley Law are ready to provide exceptional legal services to our personal injury clients. Our lawyers can guide you through every step of the claims process, investigate the accident, gather key evidence such as rideshare app records and crash reports, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, take cases to trial to pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Our goal is to maintain the highest standard of excellence for our clients through teamwork and the use of our extensive resources and experience.
Munley Law handles rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. If you were involved in a rideshare accident in Stroudsburg or anywhere in Monroe County, contact Munley Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
J. Christopher Munley
James Christopher Munley is an award-winning plaintiffs’ lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for accident victims and their families. As a board-certified civil trial advocate, Chris was named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for Workers’ Compensation by Best Lawyers, and has been listed on Pennsylvania Super Lawyers since 2013.
