Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? We Can Help.
Rideshare accidents can be more complicated than ordinary motor vehicle collisions. When an accident involves an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, determining who is responsible—and which insurance policy applies—can require a careful investigation of the driver's status at the time of the crash.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident in Philadelphia or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys represent individuals injured in rideshare crashes and work to identify every potentially responsible party and available source of insurance coverage.
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact our Philadelphia rideshare accident attorneys for a consultation.
Rideshare Accidents Can Present Unique Legal Issues
A rideshare collision may involve multiple drivers, passengers, insurance companies, and potentially more than one insurance policy.
Unlike a typical two-car accident, the applicable insurance coverage may depend on what the rideshare driver was doing immediately before the collision.
For example, an Uber or Lyft driver may have been:
Offline and not available to accept rides;
Logged into the rideshare application and waiting for a ride request;
En route to pick up a passenger; or
Transporting a passenger.
These distinctions can affect the insurance coverage available after a crash.
Our attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the driver's rideshare status, available insurance policies, accident reports, electronic evidence, and the nature and extent of your injuries.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include:
The Rideshare Driver
A rideshare driver may be responsible if their negligence caused the collision. Common examples include:
Distracted driving;
Speeding;
Failure to yield;
Following too closely;
Running a red light or stop sign;
Unsafe lane changes;
Driving while fatigued; or
Other violations of Pennsylvania traffic laws.
Another Driver
If another motorist caused the crash, that driver's insurance may be responsible for your injuries—even if you were riding in an Uber or Lyft at the time.
The Rideshare Company
Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, the rideshare company and its insurance coverage may become relevant to your claim.
Other Potentially Responsible Parties
Some crashes involve additional parties, such as vehicle owners, employers, commercial entities, vehicle manufacturers, or other third parties.
Our attorneys examine the facts of each accident to determine who may be legally responsible for your injuries.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage
One of the most important issues in a rideshare accident is determining what insurance coverage was available when the collision occurred.
Rideshare companies maintain insurance policies that may provide coverage in certain circumstances. However, the amount and type of available coverage can depend on the driver's status within the rideshare application and the circumstances of the accident.
Pennsylvania also has specific requirements governing transportation network companies and their insurance coverage.
Because insurance coverage can significantly affect the recovery available to an injured person, our attorneys investigate the applicable policies rather than assuming that the rideshare driver's personal automobile insurance is the only source of compensation.
Injured as an Uber or Lyft Passenger?
Passengers injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft may have a claim for compensation.
Even when you were not driving either vehicle, it is important to determine how the crash occurred and which insurance policies apply.
Our attorneys can investigate:
The rideshare driver's status at the time of the accident;
The other driver's insurance coverage;
The rideshare company's applicable insurance;
Police and accident reports;
Witness statements;
Photographs and video evidence;
App and trip information;
Medical records and bills;
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity; and
The long-term effects of your injuries.
You should not have to determine which insurance company is responsible while you are recovering from an injury.
Injured by an Uber or Lyft Driver?
You do not have to be a rideshare passenger to have a rideshare accident claim.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers in other vehicles, and drivers of other vehicles can all be injured in crashes involving rideshare drivers.
If an Uber or Lyft driver caused your accident, our attorneys can investigate whether the driver's personal insurance, rideshare coverage, or another applicable policy may provide compensation.
Common Injuries From Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare collisions can cause injuries ranging from relatively minor soft-tissue injuries to catastrophic and permanent disabilities.
Common injuries include:
Neck and back injuries;
Herniated and bulging discs;
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions;
Broken bones and fractures;
Shoulder injuries;
Knee injuries;
Rotator cuff injuries;
Spinal cord injuries;
Nerve damage;
Internal injuries;
Facial injuries;
Psychological trauma; and
Permanent disabilities.
Some injuries do not become apparent immediately after a crash. That is one reason it is important to seek appropriate medical attention and preserve evidence following an accident.
Compensation After a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident
If another party's negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, damages may include:
Medical Expenses
Compensation may be available for reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including emergency care, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, injections, surgery, medications, and future medical treatment.
Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and other employment-related losses.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Serious injuries may affect your ability to perform your occupation or earn the same income in the future. In appropriate cases, damages for diminished earning capacity may be available.
Pain and Suffering
Pennsylvania law may permit recovery for physical pain, emotional distress, inconvenience, and the impact an injury has on your daily life.
Permanent Injury and Disfigurement
Serious injuries can permanently affect a person's mobility, appearance, independence, and quality of life. These consequences can be significant components of a personal injury claim.
Other Damages
Depending on the circumstances, additional damages may be available.
What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal claim.
1. Seek medical attention.
Your health comes first. Some serious injuries may not be immediately obvious.
2. Report the accident.
Make sure the collision is properly reported to law enforcement when appropriate.
3. Preserve evidence.
Take photographs of the vehicles, accident scene, road conditions, and visible injuries if you are able to do so safely.
4. Save your rideshare information.
Keep your Uber or Lyft trip information, receipts, driver information, and any communications relating to the ride.
5. Identify witnesses.
Obtain contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident if possible.
6. Be careful when speaking with insurance companies.
Insurance companies may ask for statements or information about your injuries. You are not required to handle the claims process alone.
7. Speak with a personal injury attorney.
An attorney can investigate the accident, identify potentially responsible parties, evaluate available insurance coverage, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Attorney?
Rideshare cases can involve complicated questions concerning liability, insurance coverage, evidence, and damages.
Our firm approaches these cases by looking beyond the initial accident report. We work to understand how the collision occurred, identify all potentially responsible parties, determine what insurance coverage may apply, and document the full impact of our client's injuries.
We understand that an accident can affect far more than your physical health. Serious injuries can interfere with your career, finances, family responsibilities, and everyday life.
Our goal is to handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery
Contact a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, you may be dealing with medical treatment, lost income, insurance companies, and uncertainty about what happens next.
You do not have to navigate the process alone.
Contact our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys today to discuss your rideshare accident and learn about your legal options.
Serving Philadelphia and communities throughout Pennsylvania.
Past results do not guarantee future results. Every case is different and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.
