Many factors can contribute to an Uber accident in Wilkes-Barre. Distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, and other unsafe driving behaviors, as well as weather, road conditions, vehicle problems, and impaired driving, all potentially play a role.
Understanding what caused the collision can help establish who may be responsible for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber accident in Wilkes-Barre, Munley Law can review what happened and explain your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Common Causes of Uber Car Accidents in Wilkes-Barre
Uber crashes can happen for many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle accidents. However, rideshare drivers face circumstances that can create additional distractions and pressures. Research shows that ridesharing increases the risk of vehicle accidents, and some studies have also found that it increases the number of fatalities on the roads.
Common causes of Uber accidents include:
Distracted Driving: Uber drivers may use their phones for navigation, receive trip requests, communicate with passengers, or interact with the Uber app while driving. These activities can take a driver’s attention away from traffic. According to Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System, 88 distracted-driving offenses were filed in Luzerne County in 2024. Statewide, more than 10,000 distracted-driving offenses were reported during that five-year period.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Uber drivers may feel pressure to complete trips efficiently, but speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and other aggressive driving behaviors can increase the likelihood of a crash. These risks can be particularly serious on busy Wilkes-Barre streets and around areas with significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Fatigue: Some Uber drivers work long hours or drive for rideshare services alongside other employment. Driving while tired can reduce alertness, slow reaction times, and make it harder to respond to changing traffic conditions.
Adverse Weather and Road Conditions: Snow, ice, heavy rain, and strong winds can make driving more difficult throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Uber drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior to changing weather and road conditions.
Mechanical Problems and Poor Vehicle Maintenance: A crash may result from defective brakes, worn tires, or another mechanical issue. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on the driver, vehicle owner, manufacturer, or another party responsible for maintenance or repairs.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time. An impaired Uber driver can put passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at serious risk.
What are the Most Common Types of Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare companies like Uber have made strides to reduce accidents on roadways by offering safe-ride options to people who may not otherwise make smart driving decisions, especially after drinking. Unfortunately, accidents still occur. Common rideshare accidents include:
- Rear-End Collision: Rear-end collisions are some of the most frequent accidents on roadways. They occur when a driver is following another vehicle too closely or when the driver has been distracted, leading to insufficient reaction time.
- Side-Impact Collisions: T-bone accidents occur when the front or rear of one vehicle hits the side of another. These wrecks often happen at intersections due to failure to yield, running a red light, or misjudging the timing of traffic signals.
- Head-On Collisions: Although less common, head-on collisions are extremely dangerous. These occur when a driver accidentally drives on the wrong side of the road or the wrong way down a one-way road.
- Collisions with Pedestrians or Cyclists: Motor vehicle drivers must share the road responsibly to avoid pedestrian collisions. In a college town like Wilkes-Barre, it’s even more important to watch for students crossing walkways, bicyclists commuting, and other road users who may be difficult to see.
- Dooring Accidents: Dooring accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming traffic, leading to a collision with a vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian. When drivers make stops, passengers may not realize how close they are to other vehicles, or if other motorists and road users are coming in their direction.
While car accidents can happen to anyone, when you’re utilizing a rideshare service to reach your destination quickly, it’s essential to understand the types of collisions that can occur and how a Wilkes-Barre lawyer can protect your rights if an accident happens.
“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. When someone is seriously injured, they’re up against insurance companies with unlimited resources. My job is to level that playing field, and fight until they get the justice they deserve.”
Daniel W. Munley
What Compensation is Available for Uber Accident Victims in Wilkes-Barre?
Recovering compensation following an Uber accident involves working through a unique set of insurance and legal frameworks, making understanding Uber accident liability essential, especially when multiple parties are involved.
The compensation available after an Uber accident depends on the circumstances of the crash, the severity of the injuries, and which insurance coverage applies. Uber’s insurance coverage can also depend on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting or picking up a passenger.
Potential damages may include:
- Medical bills: Covers costs for current and future medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any other care related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: You may be able to recover lost wages from the time of the accident and future wages if you cannot return to your job.
- Pain and Suffering: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle and other personal property are damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for those losses.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases, if the driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or negligent, the court may award you punitive damages to punish the driver.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Wilkes-Barre?
According to the Pennsylvania statute of limitations (42 Pa. C.S. § 5524), individuals have two years to file a suit. When a minor child is involved, the deadline is tolled (42 Pa. C.S. § 5533(b)) until their eighteenth birthday, when the two-year deadline becomes active again. Accidents involving government entities may only have six months.
Contact Munley Law for Expert Legal Guidance After an Uber Accident
Rideshare accidents are not always clear as to who the at-fault driver is, so you need guidance from the experienced rideshare accident attorneys at Munley Law before seeking a personal injury claim.
If you were involved in a car accident with an Uber in Wilkes-Barre, reviewing the steps to take after an Uber accident can help you safeguard your rights effectively.
Contact our Wilkes-Barre Uber accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning auto accident lawyer and advocate for auto accident victims. Widely recognized as a national leader when it comes to truck and rideshare accident cases, Daniel has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, alongside being named to Best Lawyers in America since 2013 and in 2020. Daniel has helped recover millions for injured auto accident victims, such as a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and another $4.4 million settlement reached for car accident case. As well as this, Daniel has advocated for victims through speaking arrangements such as “Pennsylvania Practice Program: Auto and Trucking Cases.”
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on August 5, 2026.
