Chester County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

The popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft keeps growing, with convenient alternatives to traditional taxis and public transit. With this surge in popularity comes an unfortunate increase in accidents involving these services, though. The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming—medical bills accumulate, wages are lost during recovery, and insurance claims are confusing.

The legal framework surrounding rideshare accidents differs from typical auto collision cases. Multiple insurance policies may apply, including the driver’s personal coverage, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and possibly your own insurance. Determining which policy takes precedence and who bears responsibility requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge. Our Chester County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC have extensive experience with these cases and can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Makes Rideshare Accident Cases Different from Regular Car Accidents?

Rideshare accident claims are more complex than standard vehicle collisions, primarily due to insurance coverage issues. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, creating a multi-layered insurance situation that depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

If the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance typically applies.
When the app is on but no passenger has been accepted, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage.
Once a passenger is accepted or actively transported, the companies offer $1 million in liability coverage.

That can be quite confusing if you are not familiar with this system. Our Chester County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can examine the specific circumstances of your accident, determine which policies apply, and develop an appropriate legal strategy to maximize your recovery.

How Do I Know Who Is Liable For My Rideshare Accident Injuries?

Determining liability in rideshare accidents requires careful investigation of all potential responsible parties. Uber or Lyft drivers may be held responsible if their negligent driving contributed to the accident. However, if another motorist was at fault, their insurance would be the primary source of compensation.

The rideshare company might bear responsibility in certain situations, such as if they failed to conduct proper background checks or permitted a driver with a questionable driving history to use their platform. Road conditions, vehicle defects, or municipal negligence could also contribute to liability. Our comprehensive approach is important because it allows you to pursue compensation from multiple sources, potentially increasing your overall recovery amount.

What Compensation Can I Recover After An Uber Or Lyft Accident?

Rideshare accident survivors may be entitled to various forms of compensation following a rideshare collision. Medical expenses constitute a significant portion of many claims, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and anticipated future medical needs related to your injuries.

Lost income compensation addresses wages lost while recovering, reduced earning capacity, and potential future income impacts. Additionally, you may recover damages for physical pain, emotional suffering, diminished quality of life, and psychological distress. Property damage to personal belongings is also compensable. In cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages might be available, though these are less common.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?

Your actions following a rideshare accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. First, call 911 to report what happened and request medical attention for any injuries, even those that seem minor initially. Some injuries develop symptoms days after the accident, and prompt medical documentation creates an important record connecting your injuries to the collision.

After calling for help, these steps are also vital:

Document the accident scene by taking photographs of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
Collect contact information from all involved parties, including other drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Report the accident through the rideshare app.
Keep copies of the police report, medical records, and all accident-related expenses.

Finally, avoid discussing fault or answering detailed questions to insurance representatives before consulting our Chester County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers, who can protect your interests throughout the claims process.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

Pennsylvania law establishes specific time limits for filing personal injury claims after rideshare accidents. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. This legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, applies to most personal injury claims in the state.

However, exceptions exist that might shorten or extend this timeframe. For example, claims against government entities involve notice requirements as short as six months. If you were a minor at the time of the accident, the statute might be tolled until you reach adulthood. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be otherwise. We recommend contacting our Chester County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers promptly after a crash; we can explain how these deadlines apply to your specific situation and help you take timely legal action.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?

Insurance companies often present quick settlement offers following rideshare accidents. While these offers might seem appealing when facing mounting bills, they frequently undervalue claims. Initial offers rarely account for long-term medical needs, ongoing pain and suffering, or future wage losses.

Additionally, accepting a settlement typically requires signing a release that prevents you from seeking additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen over time. Before accepting any offer, consult with our Chester County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers. We can evaluate whether the proposed amount adequately covers your damages; our team negotiates with insurance companies from a position of knowledge and strength, often fighting for significantly higher settlements than initially offered.