When you get into an Uber or Lyft, you’re putting your well-being in the driver’s hands. An accident can happen anytime, so it’s important to know who may be liable if you’re hurt in a crash. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, serving injured people throughout eastern Pennsylvania, our vehicle accident lawyers can help you sort it all out and pursue all sources of compensation for damages such as medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and more.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accident Cases
If you’re considering filing a car accident lawsuit after a rideshare accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. More than one party may be liable for damages and filing multiple insurance claims can be confusing. Who is responsible will depend on the specific circumstances that led to the accident and your injuries.
Both Lyft and Uber carry $1 million liability insurance policies. However, you may need to file a claim with your own car insurance company or the rideshare driver’s personal insurer. If another motorist caused the crash, you may have to file a claim with their insurer.
A personal injury lawyer can investigate your case, determine who was at fault, and find out which sources of compensation may be available to you. If you own a car and have insurance in Pennsylvania, the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should pay a limited amount for your medical expenses and lost wages after an Uber accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Can I File a Car Accident Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft?
Yes. However, most car accident injury claims are settled without filing a lawsuit. Although rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, Uber’s liability coverage is the primary policy if a passenger is injured while the driver is “on the clock.”
This means you likely will file a personal injury claim with Uber’s insurance company. However, if an Uber driver was reckless, careless, or negligent and caused an accident, the rideshare company may deny liability. In this case, you may have to file a claim against the driver’s personal insurer. You’d also have to file a claim with their personal insurer if the driver was not logged in to the Uber app when the accident occurred. Whether the rideshare provider is Uber, Lyft, or another company, an experienced attorney can guide you through the process.
If Another Driver Is at Fault for a Rideshare Accident
If another driver was at fault for the accident, you may need to file a claim with their insurance provider instead. However, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or their insurance does not fully cover the cost of your claim, the rideshare’s uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may kick in to cover the difference, even if the rideshare driver was not at fault. These matters can be complicated, so it’s best to consult an auto accident lawyer who’s experienced in handling Uber and Lyft claims.
Recovering Damages in a Rideshare Accident
While filing one car insurance claim can be stressful, adding multiple parties into the mix can make recovering compensation an even more convoluted process. Your accident lawyer can file claims on your behalf, negotiate with insurers, and handle all aspects of your case. Depending on the scope of your injuries and the specific circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
It’s important to keep in mind that just because a rideshare company has $1 million in insurance coverage for injuries to passengers, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically receive the full amount of compensation you need and deserve. Insurance companies typically try to offer minimal settlement amounts or deny claims. Having an experienced auto accident lawyer who’s well-versed in negotiating with insurers significantly increases your chances of recovering a greater amount of compensation.
Steps to Take If You’re Involved in a Rideshare Accident
After any car crash, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Report the accident to the rideshare company using the app, and get your driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. Take pictures of the scene, damage to vehicles, and your injuries. Make sure to save any correspondence from the rideshare company, driver, and their insurers. There’s no need to accept the first settlement offer that comes along. Before speaking with insurance adjusters, signing anything, or accepting a settlement, contact an experienced accident lawyer.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney
Our team at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices knows that being hurt in a crash can have life-changing consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured while riding in a Lyft or Uber vehicle, contact us online or call our office at 610-867-2900. Our auto accident attorneys offer free case evaluations to clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania.