King of Prussia Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
Rideshare accidents happen more often than you might think, with injuries and property damage similar to other kinds of crashes. The dissimilarities start after these incidents and revolve around liability. The drivers are independent contractors, and the companies have complicated insurance coverage that affects the claims process.
If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, pursuing fair compensation for damages can be complicated. That is where the skilled King of Prussia Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can be of service. Through clear guidance and thorough investigation, we help clients make informed decisions at each stage of their claims. Our approach combines careful fact‐gathering with strong negotiation strategies in order to help clients seek fair compensation.
Why Do Rideshare Drivers Cause Accidents?
Rideshare drivers cause accidents because of fatigue from long hours on the road, pressure to meet tight deadlines, and frequent distractions from navigating apps or communicating with passengers. Many are unfamiliar with certain areas, which can lead to abrupt turns or sudden stops. Besides that, the constant demand to pick up and drop off passengers quickly can result in risky driving behavior; some of these drivers lack professional training and may not always follow traffic laws carefully. These conditions create an environment where mistakes are more likely, increasing the risk of collisions and endangering both riders and others on the road.
Our King of Prussia Uber and Lyft accident lawyers also handle cases where liability is shared between rideshare drivers and other parties. Examples of the latter include passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. When another party is found partly responsible for the crash (including the claimant), their compensation can be reduced or denied accordingly. That underscores the importance of establishing clear liability in these cases.
What Steps Should I Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Your first priority after a collision is to obtain medical attention for any injuries. Even if you feel uninjured, symptoms can emerge hours or days later. Call 911 and report the crash; the officers should document the scene and collect statements from all parties and witnesses. Be sure and ask about obtaining a copy of their report. If ambulance transport to an ER is not needed, follow up with a physician as soon as possible.
At the scene, exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare driver without admitting fault. Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Notify Uber or Lyft of the incident through the app’s reporting tools, and safe medical and repair bills as evidence. Talking with our King of Prussia Uber and Lyft accident lawyers early on helps you avoid costly missteps.
How Does Rideshare Insurance Coverage Work?
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to maintain personal insurance at all times, and rideshare companies carry their own liability policies. Uber and Lyft insurance coverage depends on whether the driver was waiting for a request, en route to pick up passengers, or transporting riders.
If the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride request, limited liability coverage may apply from the rideshare company, typically up to:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
If the driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide expanded coverage, generally up to:
- $1 million in third‐party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (up to the vehicle’s actual cash value, minus a deductible)
These coverage levels may vary depending on the circumstances and specific terms of each company’s policy. Our King of Prussia Uber and Lyft accident lawyers review the timing and status of the ride to determine which coverage applies.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, and waiting beyond this period typically bars you from seeking compensation through the courts. Insurance companies may have additional requirements for timely notification, so prompt action is important.
Our King of Prussia Uber and Lyft accident lawyers track all deadlines and ensure that claims and supporting documents are filed correctly with relevant insurers and courts. Early involvement with our legal team helps preserve evidence that can degrade or disappear over time, such as skid marks, damaged signage, or electronic data from the rideshare app. The extra time is also important for potential delays.
What Evidence Is Important in a Rideshare Accident Case?
Key evidence in a rideshare accident case includes:
- The official police report
- Photographs of the collision scene
- Medical records and billing statements
- Witness statements
- Ride‐tracking data from Uber or Lyft, including timestamped logs
- Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses
- Repair estimates from certified mechanics
- Documentation of ongoing treatment, including therapy appointments and medication use
A coordinated collection strategy lays the foundation for constructing a clear narrative of fault and injury.
Can I Handle an Uber or Lyft Claim Without a Lawyer?
It is possible to handle an insurance claim on your own, but rideshare companies and insurers often rely on adjusters whose goal is to minimize payouts. Mistakes in communicating with insurers, such as providing recorded statements without legal guidance, can undermine your position.
Our King of Prussia Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are familiar with rideshare policies and Pennsylvania laws and can anticipate common tactics and negotiate more effectively. Our legal team can demand letters, respond to insurer queries, and, if needed, file a lawsuit. Having legal representation signals to insurers that you are prepared to pursue litigation, which can result in more favorable settlement discussions. We also bring local knowledge about area traffic patterns, common collision hotspots, and jurisdictional nuances in King of Prussia.
King of Prussia Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Hold Responsible Parties Accountable for Damages
The talented King of Prussia Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and guide you through every stage of the claims process for a rideshare crash. For a free consultation, call us at 215-569-8488 or contact us online. With office locations in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.