Due to their convenience and affordability, ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft have become popular options for those in need of transportation. The majority of Uber or Lyft customers do not give a second thought to the safety or well-being of others in the event of a car accident, despite the fact that its significantly reduced price has made it a more cost-effective option. It is essential that customers of Uber and Lyft are aware of the differences between a typical car accident and one involving a vehicle from one of these services.

Despite the fact that both Uber and Lyft provide extensive liability insurance for their drivers, it can be challenging to comprehend or even decipher the policies' rules. Consistently, both companies dispute claims or deny liability in accidents, resulting in claim denials or settlement offers that barely cover accident-related expenses. You need legal assistance to protect your rights. The medical expenses associated with your injury should not be your responsibility.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, can assist you in obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled as a Pennsylvania Uber accident attorney with extensive experience in case preparation and a track record of success. We have earned our reputation as one of the best personal injury law firms in Pennsylvania, in part, through our commitment to our clients, our sincere and trustworthy rapport, and our straightforward approach. With us by your side, you can focus on your family and rehabilitation while we strive for the best possible outcome.

As you continue reading, we will provide a concise summary of all the information you need to know about ridesharing accidents, statistics, and more in Pennsylvania.

Why You Should Hire an Uber Accident Attorney

Accidents are exactly what they are—accidents. As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you probably will not even have the slightest idea that you might be in an accident because it is something that nobody ever expects to happen.

Following an accident, it can be extremely exhausting to recuperate from injuries while also attempting to survive financially. Customer service and maintaining open lines of communication are of the utmost importance at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. With us, you will never be in the dark. We are with you every step of the way, and we will never disappoint you.

We Have Experience With Court Proceedings And Negotiations

As previously stated, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft will exploit any available advantage. This may result in a very low settlement offer or a complete refusal to pay, especially if you lack legal counsel.

By hiring Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you will have access to a seasoned professional who can determine the most effective strategy. He will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with the defendant in order to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

You need not communicate with Uber or the other party at all. The Attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick will handle all interactions. In addition, we will not hesitate to go to trial and win if we cannot reach an agreement through negotiations.

Your Losses Should Be Fully Recovered

Serious injuries resulting from auto accidents may need ongoing medical attention. Even being unable to work is a possibility if your injury is severe enough. When the rising cost of medical care is factored in, this becomes especially stressful.

You are entitled to compensation for all of your losses, not just your immediate medical costs, if the injury causes a permanent disability or even just temporary pain that prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities.

The Uber accident lawyers in Pennsylvania at Brandon J. Broderick will fight for the highest settlement possible on your behalf.

Insurance Protection For Uber and Lyft in Pennsylvania

With ridesharing services, there are several steps along the way that vary in coverage. Below, we will share each insurance threshold for various stages.

Stage One:

The driver is not actively searching for ridesharing passengers, leaving all liabilities up to the driver's personal insurance coverage.

Stage Two: 

The driver is actively on the ridesharing app, searching for individuals in need of ridesharing services. While the driver is accessing the app looking for work, it automatically applies the ridesharing company's insurance coverage, as shown below:

  • $25,000 in property damage per accident
  • $50,000 bodily injury per involved 
  • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident

Stage Three: 

The third stage is considered when the driver actively has a passenger with them or is on the way to pick up the passenger. The following insurance coverage is provided:

  • $1 Million for bodily injury and property damage.
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision for actual value of vehicle, with $2,500 deductible; It is required to have collision and comprehensive insurance on your personal policy to qualify
  • Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury or first-party injuries

What Coverage is Available if the Uber Driver is Waiting for a Passenger?

Interestingly, Uber drivers spend between 40 and 60 percent of their shifts waiting for a passenger. When an Uber driver has their app open and is waiting for a trip request, the term "deadheading" is used. It is difficult to determine which insurance coverage is applicable when an accident occurs while a driver is on duty but not actively driving.

After the driver's personal insurance applies, Uber and Lyft each have their own commercial coverage, which meets the minimum legal requirements. Occasionally, Uber requires drivers to carry additional insurance. When an Uber driver is injured in an accident or injures others, the company assumes the driver's insurance will cover the costs. However, many insurance companies may deny claims if the vehicle is being used for business, which is why many drivers purchase additional ridesharing insurance.

When the Uber driver's insurance coverage expires, Uber's policy takes effect. When a driver's app is active but there is no active transportation, Uber's insurance will cover the following: bodily injury coverage of up to $75,000 per injury per accident with a maximum of $150,000 per accident; and property coverage of up to $25,000. Their Uninsured Motorist coverage includes $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability ($50,000 per accident) and $50,000 per person in mortality liability ($100,000 per accident). This coverage applies when an Uber is involved in a hit-and-run accident.

PA Rideshare Act

In 2016, Pennsylvania passed the Rideshare Act to make sure all victims of injuries involving a crash in a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft are fairly compensated. In Pennsylvania, ridesharing services are required to provide personal injury as well as liability insurance for drivers while they are logged onto their service and searching for riders.

Settlements For Accidents Involving Uber

The average settlement for a ridesharing accident may be of interest to Uber accident victims. Damages to a person's economic well-being and damages to their quality of life are the two categories of compensation that can be awarded in personal injury settlements. However, the severity of the injury can have a significant impact on the amount of compensation that is awarded to the victim. 

You should always keep in mind that you are not required to accept the settlement offer made by the insurance company. This is one thing you should never forget. It is not unusual for the insurance company to make a low offer, particularly when the offer is made so soon after the accident occurs. Determine the type of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the date you can resume work before you can determine whether the settlement amount will cover all of your expenses.

Speaking with a knowledgeable Uber accident attorney, like Brandon J. Broderick, will help you understand what to anticipate in your particular Uber accident.

Economic Damages: What Are They?

It is important to remember that punitive damages and emotional distress are not considered to be economic damages. You have the choice to request compensation for both your present medical expenses and future expenses when making an Uber accident claim. After a severe injury, it may take years before you no longer need therapy, rehabilitation, or housing modifications. Examples of medical costs include:

  • Visits to hospitals and doctors
  • Surgery
  • Medical professionals
  • Medical equipment
  • Rehabilitation
  • Residential care

It can be challenging to calculate long-term economic damages. You will require the assistance of medical experts who can judge the severity of your wounds and estimate how long it will take you to recover. An Uber accident attorney is crucial in this situation because they can advise on the best course of action.

Loss of wages from employment is another form of economic harm. If your injury prevents you from working, you must prove how much money you have already lost and will continue to lose in order to be compensated. You might be eligible for reimbursement for other household services, like housekeeping, that you are no longer able to perform on your own, in addition to monetary compensation.

Non-Economic Damages: What Are They?

Non-economic damages are a bit more difficult to put a value on. An injured victim might get non-economic damages for their pain and suffering. Or, survivors may also claim loss of companionship or consortium in the event of the victim's death.

"Pain and suffering" refers to the emotional and physical toll that an accident and the injuries it causes a person. Victims of injuries receive compensation for both their physical and psychological suffering, which can occasionally be a significant amount.

Due to this, Uber and Lyft will both have sizable insurance coverage for incidents of this nature. They are aware of and prepared for the possibility of such claims. However, that does not imply that they will take accountability for their actions.

Because of their prior experience, a skilled Pennsylvania Uber accident attorney like Brandon J. Broderick will be able to defend and explain the estimated amount you are seeking in addition to helping you obtain compensation for non-economic damages.

Uber/Lyft Versus Taxi Services

In order to compete with traditional taxi services, Uber was founded in San Francisco in 2009. The company's success has spawned a completely new type of business. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft differ significantly from conventional taxi services in terms of insurance, accidents, and liability.

Taxi and cab drivers have unique insurance plans with varying levels of coverage, unlike ride-sharing services. Drivers for services like Uber and Lyft use their own vehicles and are not employees of the company but rather independent contractors. Most often, taxi cab drivers do not drive their own vehicles, and they are always protected by business insurance while working.

What Do I Do Following an Uber Accident in Pennsylvania?

Following an incident, you want to ensure your security and safety as soon as possible, regardless of whether it occurred in a taxi or an Uber. Then, you can worry about others and what is next.

Consult a doctor

Even if your injuries appear to be minor, you should usually seek medical attention after a car accident. After a car accident, it may take a while for symptoms of whiplash and other injuries to appear. You want to ensure your wellbeing by visiting a doctor. Your accident claim may benefit from the medical records. 

Collect All Details

Do not forget to record all relevant information about your Uber accident, the trip, and the driver. Snap a screenshot of the app and ride, and gather the names and phone numbers of any other passengers, drivers, or witnesses who may have been there.

Take Pictures

Document as much as possible, including photos of the accident site. It's important to take photos of any road conditions or dangers that may be present, as well as any signs on the vehicle that indicate it's an Uber. Make sure you take photos of all of the damage to your vehicle.

How Do I File an Uber Accident Report in Pennsylvania?

In order to file an accident report with Uber, you will need to fill out a form that can be found on their website. You are required to go to their website in order to obtain additional information about filing a report about the incident. If you have been injured, you should contact a Pennsylvania Uber accident attorney prior to filing a claim with Uber. A Pennsylvania Uber accident attorney can explain your legal rights and the potential compensation to which you are entitled if you have been injured in an accident.

Following an Uber claim, their insurance representatives or legal team may approach you to request a recorded statement or convince you to accept an extremely low settlement offer. If you have legal representation, he or she can represent your interests and negotiate with Uber on your behalf. A qualified Uber accident lawyer is aware of the best ways to present a case, gather proof, and show the severity of your wounds and how they affect your day-to-day activities.

Am I Entitled to File a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft After an Accident?

It is possible to file a lawsuit against Lyft or Uber for compensation for injuries sustained as a passenger or as a result of an accident involving one of their vehicles if you were not at fault for the accident.

Lawsuits are typically filed if parties cannot reach an agreement.

If You are Involved in an Uber Accident, Brandon J. Broderick Can Help You

The success of Brandon J. Broderick's practice is notable for its client-centered approach. As a result, we have earned a reputation as one of the best Uber accident attorneys in Pennsylvania. We have decades of experience fighting and winning for our clients, even in the most challenging cases.

Never take on Uber or Lyft on your own. We are here to assist you in overcoming your difficult situation. You can contact us right away to receive a free consultation.

We have offices in numerous Pennsylvania locations, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.

Still have questions?

Call now and be done