West Chester Lyft Accident Lawyer

When you’re involved in a Lyft accident, determining liability and securing fair compensation can be challenging due to the multiple insurance policies and parties involved. The experienced West Chester Lyft accident attorneys at Munley Law understand the unique aspects of rideshare accident cases and have a proven track record of helping victims in West Chester, PA pursue compensation for their losses.

Don’t let the stress of medical bills, lost wages, and insurance negotiations overwhelm you during this difficult time. Contact the Munley Law today for a free consultation. We will tirelessly fight to protect your rights and secure maximum compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in West Chester, PA

Distracted driving puts all drivers at risk and it’s, unfortunately, very common to see accidents caused by negligent distraction. Lyft drivers have a heightened risk of driving distracted. They often split their attention between the road and their app, leading to dangerous situations on West Chester roads. While checking ride requests, following GPS directions, or trying to locate passengers, drivers may miss traffic signals or fail to notice other vehicles.

Driver fatigue is another serious issue in Lyft accidents. Many drivers work long hours to earn more money, sometimes driving for multiple rideshare companies in the same day. A tired driver has slower reaction times and may even fall asleep at the wheel.

Some Lyft accidents happen because drivers rush between rides or take unnecessary risks. This includes speeding to pick up passengers, making sudden lane changes, or following too closely behind other vehicles. Additionally, some drivers fail to properly maintain their vehicles, which can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.

Who Is Liable in a West Chester Lyft Accident?

One of the most important steps in personal injury claims is determining liability. Liability simply means being responsible for something. The West Chester personal injury lawyers, at Munley Law, will identify each liable party and hold them accountable for their negligence. The most common liable parties in an Uber or Lyft accident are:

• The Lyft Driver: The driver bears direct responsibility if they caused the crash through unsafe driving. This includes breaking traffic laws, driving while tired, or not paying attention to the road.
• Rideshare Company: Lyft’s insurance coverage changes based on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. If the driver was actively giving a ride or on the way to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s $1 million policy applies. However, the coverage drops significantly if the driver only had the app while waiting for a request.
• Third Parties: Other drivers on the road might also be responsible for your injuries. If another vehicle hit your Lyft or caused your driver to crash, that driver’s insurance should cover your damages. Sometimes, multiple drivers share blame for an accident.

What Damages Can You Recover in a West Chester Lyft Accident Claim?

Rideshare accident victims may recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are tangible costs and include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial costs in cases of wrongful death

Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate as there is often no actual receipt or exact monetary value attached. Non-economic damages may be:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Post traumatic stress disorder

It’s important to note that Pennsylvania follows comparative negligence rules in personal injury law. Comparative negligence rules allow you to recover damages in a car accident claim as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, if you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages at all.

A Munley Law Lyft accident lawyer knows how to minimize your fault and maximize your compensation. Defense lawyers jump to comparative negligence to try to get their clients off the hook. The Munley Law legal team will protect your rights and make sure the negligent driver pays what they rightfully owe. Call today for a no obligation consultation.

How Lyft’s Insurance Policies Work

As we mentioned, Lyft’s insurance coverage is a little tricky and depends on what the driver was doing when the car accident occurred. Here’s the breakdown:

• Period Zero: This period is when your app is off, you are not waiting for a ride request, and you are covered only by your personal insurance policy.
• Period One: This is when you have turned the app on, but you have yet to receive a ride request. You are covered during this period by Lyft’s liability coverage but nothing more.
• Period Two: When you have accepted a ride request and you are traveling toward the pickup location, you are in period two. In periods two and three, Lyft provides you with full coverage auto insurance.
• Period Three: After you have picked up a passenger and are headed to the drop-off point, you are still covered by Lyft’s full coverage policy.

What Injuries Are Common in West Chester Rideshare Accidents?

Car accidents in West Chester can cause serious physical harm. Some of the most common injuries that accident victims suffer are:

• Back and neck injuries, including whiplash
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis
• Bruising and lacerations
• Burns
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A serious injury from a Lyft accident can have long-lasting effects. A person might need ongoing medical care or physical therapy. Some injuries prevent people from returning to work or doing activities they once enjoyed. Chronic pain can persist long after the initial recovery.

Call Munley Law today for expert legal representation that can help you recover compensation to offset the unexpected costs associated with your accident.

What Should You Do After a Lyft Accident in Chester County?

It’s important to remember that your health and safety are of the utmost importance. The following steps will help ensure you and your passengers are safe, especially if you sustained severe injuries. Additionally, these steps will help bolster your car accident case:

• Call 911. The responding police officer will call in the medical attention you need and start documenting the accident scene.
• Accept medical care, even if you think your injuries are minor. A doctor’s exam creates a record of your injuries and links them to the accident. Follow all treatment plans and keep copies of your medical records and bills.
• Document everything you can about the accident. Take photos and videos of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and all injuries. Save screenshots of your Lyft ride details and any messages from the company.
• Report the accident to Lyft right away.
• Speak guidance from an experienced attorney. Insurance companies often contact victims quickly with settlement offers that may not cover all your expenses. Before you sign anything or give statements to insurance companies, talk to Munley Law.

How Munley Law Stands Out in West Chester Lyft Accident Cases

At Munley Law, our exceptional team brings unparalleled expertise to rideshare accident cases, with the majority of our attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers in America and membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum – an honor shared by less than 1% of lawyers nationwide.

Our collaborative approach means you’ll benefit from our entire team’s combined experience, and we leverage cutting-edge technology to build the strongest possible case for you, while maintaining constant communication throughout your legal journey.

When handling Lyft accident cases, we put our firm’s full resources behind your claim, including access to top national experts in accident reconstruction, medical care, and transportation safety. And we do this at no cost to you. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. Lyft has teams of lawyers protecting their interests. Let Munley Law protect yours.

Contact a West Chester Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

The Munley Law Lyft accident lawyers want to make this experience as easy for you as possible. We have offices throughout Pennsylvania in which we can meet. However, if you are unable to travel, we will happily to meet a place that is convenient for you.

Our initial consultation is always free and you don’t pay us a dime up front. Call Munley Law or fill out our online form today. Let us help you get your life back on track.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747