Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Attorney (Uber, Lyft)

Rideshare companies have revolutionized how many Philadelphians travel, but there is still a high risk of being injured in an accident. When an Uber or Lyft accident occurs, it isn’t always clear who is liable. Our team of Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers at Rosenbaum & Associates can help you with your claim and obtain the compensation you’re entitled to. Call (215) 569-0200 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.

Why Choose Our Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

• We have recovered millions in compensation for Pennsylvania residents severely injured in auto accidents.
• Our more than 25 years of experience and successful track record give us a unique advantage when pursuing maximum compensation for your claim.
• We have the resources and professional connections to provide you with the best chance of a favorable outcome.

Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Liability in rideshare accidents can be complicated and may involve multiple liable parties. This can make it tough to figure out exactly what coverage applies in your situation. It also means several insurance companies battling to shift liability elsewhere and limit their payment to you. Companies like Uber and Lyft consider drivers as independent contractors and often refuse to pay valid injury claims based on their viewpoint that they are not responsible for their drivers’ actions because they are not employees.

To ensure fault falls on the appropriate parties will typically require an extensive investigation. An experienced Philadelphia rideshare injury lawyer has the resources necessary to handle collecting the critical evidence needed to recover the compensation you are owed. In addition, they have a thorough understanding of the laws applicable to rideshare accidents and the injury threshold that may need to be met to step outside of Pennsylvania’s no-fault system

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Uber and Lyft drivers in Philadelphia are required to carry personal auto insurance, in addition to the liability coverage the rideshare companies provide. This is because the company’s liability coverage will only apply in certain scenarios. Here’s how it works:

Period 0: The Rideshare Driver Is Liable

If an accident with a rideshare driver occurs when their Uber or Lyft app is off, the driver is considered to not be on the job. Therefore, their personal auto insurance is an option to cover damages. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, you can also file a claim with your insurer regardless of fault.

Period 1: The Rideshare Driver and/or Uber or Lyft Is Liable

When a driver is available for rides and has the rideshare app on but has not accepted one, their personal insurance, as well as Uber or Lyft’s “contingent” liability coverage, can be used when an accident takes place. The Rideshare companies’ contingent policies only kick in if their driver was at fault and their driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply and will cover up to $50,000 per person injured in an accident, $100,000 total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Period 2 and 3: Uber or Lyft Is Liable

When the Uber or Lyft application is on, and the driver has accepted a ride, and until the rider gets out, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy covers an accident. This liability coverage applies to a rider’s injuries if the Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident, as well as injuries and vehicle damage sustained by other drivers hit by an Uber or Lyft car.

As you can see, because of the various factors that play into the different types of coverage, recovering damages can be complex. In some circumstances, accident victims can face a scenario where Uber or Lyft policies do not apply, and the driver’s personal auto insurance company refuses coverage. At that point, if the victim has uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, this coverage may pay for damages but only up to policy limits.

What if Another Driver Hits Your Uber or Lyft Car?

If you were injured in a rideshare accident as a passenger because another driver crashed into your Uber or Lyft vehicle, the at-fault driver’s insurance would apply. You can file a “third-party” claim with their insurer just as you would in any other car accident or a personal injury lawsuit. If the at-fault driver’s insurance does not completely cover your losses, the ridesharing company’s uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance coverage will provide up to $1 million in coverage per accident.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Philadelphia

There are many reasons why rideshare accidents happen in Philadelphia, most of which involve driver error. For example:

• Speeding. Rideshare drivers have an incentive to ignore speed limits since the more trips they complete, the more money they make.
• Traffic law violations. Uber and Lyft drivers may engage in illegal driving practices, such as following too closely, unsafe lane changes, to complete rides quickly.
• Distracted driving. Drivers may be paying attention to GPS instead of focusing on the road, texting, or accepting new rides.
• Fatigue. Uber and Lyft drivers often work multiple jobs or long hours, increasing the risk of driving while fatigued.
• Inexperience. Rideshare drivers may be unfamiliar with road rules laws when traveling to new destinations and do not have to complete additional driving training before picking up passengers.
• Driving under the influence. A driver’s judgment and reaction times can be significantly impacted and lead to an accident if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Lack of vehicle maintenance. Drivers may fail to get their vehicles serviced or perform routine maintenance, which puts themselves and passengers at risk.

Many rideshare drivers spend long hours on the road, increasing their chances of accidents. Without due diligence and closely following traffic laws, each Uber or Lyft passenger is highly likely to suffer injuries.

Get Help From a Skilled Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident, you likely have questions regarding who is liable and how to recover compensation. Our Philadelphia rideshare accident attorneys can help, and we offer free no-obligation consultations. Call (215) 569-0200 or contact us online so we may discuss your legal options today.