Wilkes-Barre Rideshare Accident Lawyer

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If You or a Loved One has been in a Rideshare Accident, You May Be Entitled to Compensation

Car accidents happen everyday, but they can be more complicated if you are a passenger or other driver that has been in an accident with a Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver. Due to state laws, determining who is at fault with so many parties involved can make the process incredibly complicated. To ensure you’re compensated for your injuries, it’s important you have an expert rideshare accident attorney on your side. We represent rideshare passengers injured by their Uber or Lyft driver, as well as other motorists and pedestrians hit by a rideshare driver.  Reach out to a Wilkes-Barre rideshare accident lawyer.

In the past few years, services like Uber and Lyft have increasingly made it easier for us to get from point A to point B. However, these rideshare mobile apps are also contributing to more accidents on the roads. A recent study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) determined that “Uber and Lyft are behind a sharp rise in US traffic deaths.” These accidents have involved thousands of passengers and other drivers on the road, resulting in injuries, pain, and expenses. 

If you have been in a rideshare accident, immediately report the incident to Lyft or Uber through their app. After the vehicle accident has been reported, you should hire an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer. Regardless of the app, these rideshare companies will have large legal teams, and the driver may be covered by these companies as well. An experienced Wilkes-Barre rideshare accident lawyer will assist you in building your case to guarantee you get the compensation you deserve.

Determining Fault in Wilkes-Barre Uber Rideshare Car Accident Cases

Rideshare accidents in Wilkes-Barre (and most places in the United States) can have added complications. These car accidents are treated differently than an accident with a normal vehicle or traditional commercial vehicle. 

Determining liability and insurance coverage in a rideshare accident can be complicated. Any rideshare mobile app companies that pick up passengers including Uber and Lyft, have $1 million in liability insurance. However, this coverage doesn’t always apply; it depends on the circumstance and who is involved. Drivers are also required to carry their own personal auto insurance coverage, though this coverage is not always sufficient to pay for your damages. The insurer responsible for paying you compensation will depend largely on whether the Uber or Lyft driver at fault was on-duty or off-duty at the time of the accident. While in some cases the answer is quite obvious, in others it can be more ambiguous. For example, if a rideshare driver is waiting for a request to come in and becomes distracted by the app, they may cause an accident as a result. 

In many cases, the ridesharing company chooses to fight the claim and deny liability. This can happen even if your driver is determined to be at fault and on duty when the accident occurs. This is why you need an accident attorney on your side.

Dealing with these complicated issues is why it’s important to have an experienced Wilkes-Barre Uber or Lyft accident attorney. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys has been fighting for Wilkes-Barre car accident victims for more than 60 years. Our team of experienced accident attorneys has obtained the maximum compensation for injured victims. 

Why Do Wilkes-Barre Rideshare Accidents Happen?

While the popular rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft vet their drivers by driving history background checks, these checks aren’t everything. Just because someone has a clean driving history, doesn’t mean they aren’t susceptible to the same accident risks on the road. 

The top reasons Wilkes-Barre rideshare accidents happen include:

• Drowsy driving. Rideshare drivers in Wilkes-Barre are very prone to driver fatigue. Whether they are working multiple jobs, or working nights, many get behind the wheel tired. This impacts alertness and reaction time as much as driving while under the influence of alcohol.
• Distracted driving. Many rideshare drivers rely on smartphones for directions, tracking their time, and arranging pick-ups. Drivers being attached to their phones can cause distractions.
• Speeding. Whether late to pick up a passenger or trying to hustle to meet a passenger’s schedule, drivers can feel pressured to speed. 
• Inclement weather. Driving in poor conditions like snow or rain is already hard enough. Couple that with a driver who has to constantly look at their phone for directions, or navigate unknown roads, and it could lead to disaster.
• Inexperienced Uber driver. As the rideshare economy grows, newer drivers are turning to the apps for extra income. Or some for full-time employment. However, if they haven’t been driving for as long, the distractions can be even more dangerous. Be wary of a new Uber driver.

Rideshare Standards & Requirements in Wilkes-Barre Uber Accidents

Uber and Lyft rideshare drivers have to meet certain standards to drive. Both rideshare services require their drivers:

• Are a minimum age. For Lyft, drivers must be at least 21 years old; for Uber, drivers must meet or exceed the minimum age for the city in which they work/are driving.
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Are licensed drivers for at least one year (or three years for Uber if younger than 23)
• Give proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and valid inspection
• Pass a driving background check and safety screening 

In addition, vehicles must also meet certain standards. In general, they must be four-door vehicles in good condition, less than 10-15 years old. While these are good standards, they cannot alone prevent Wilkes-Barre rideshare accidents. 

Rideshare Accident FAQs

Q: What should I do if I am in an accident with a rideshare driver?

If you are in a car accident as a rideshare passenger, here are the steps you should take to protect yourself. First and foremost, seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get checked by a healthcare professional because unseen injuries are not always immediately apparent. 

At the scene of the accident, call the police and ensure that a report is made. Even if the damage doesn’t seem to warrant police response, reporting the accident at the scene will guarantee that an official record is made. This police accident report will be crucial if you need to seek compensation or pursue legal action in the future. Likewise, be sure to obtain contact and insurance information from the drivers involved if you are safely able to do so. 

Keep track of any costs you incur as a result of the accident, including medical bills, vehicle damage, missed time from work, etc. 

And, contact a Wilkes-Barre Uber accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. Rideshare companies have aggressive legal teams and insurance representatives motivated to minimize your claim and resolve it as quickly as possible. You need someone on your side to protect your interests and make sure you receive full, fair compensation for your injuries. 

Do not give any recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company and do not accept any offer of settlement. Your lawyer will handle these negotiations for you while you focus on recovery. 

Q: How much compensation will I receive in a rideshare lawsuit?

The amount you receive in compensation for your rideshare accident will vary depending on your unique circumstances. It will depend largely on the extent of your injuries, the cost of your ongoing medical care, the wages you have missed from work and your capacity to continue earning in the future, as well as the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident. It will also depend on the available insurance coverage. 

Q: How much does a Wilkes-Barre rideshare lawyer cost?

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Wilkes-Barres Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. This means that we do not charge a fee for our services unless we win your case. The contingency fee protects you from financial risk in pursuing your case; we put forth all of the resources necessary to build your case, and if we don’t win you compensation, you owe us nothing. 

Get a Wilkes-Barre Rideshare accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys on your side

Getting the justice you deserve after a Wilkes-Barre Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated. To ensure you or a loved one is compensated for pain, suffering, and other injuries, you will need an expert car accident lawyer on your side. One who knows the intricacies of fighting big rideshare companies who use contract drivers.

A Wilkes-Barre rideshare lawyer will ensure you get the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. An experienced Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys car accident lawyer will provide a free consultation, including reviewing the details of your accident and answering any questions you may have.

Call Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today for a rideshare accident consultation. 

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406