Our Philadelphia ridesharing accident lawyers have helped local clients like you recover the full value of their damages. When someone injures you in a rideshare accident that you were innocent of, you should expect the responsible party to reimburse you for your damages.
The resulting injuries from a rideshare accident can be significant and expensive. It can upset the course of your normal life. The responsible parties should be held accountable and cover your medical costs and other damages.
You do not need to fight for compensation alone. A Philadelphia ridesharing accident attorney can help.
5 Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Philadelphia
The moments after an Uber or Lyft accident can be confusing. Taking these steps can protect your health and your legal claim:
- Call 911 immediately: Report the accident to the police and request emergency medical services. An official police report is evidence in your rideshare accident case.
- Get Medical Attention: Allow paramedics to evaluate you and go to the hospital if necessary. Some serious injuries are not immediately apparent.
- Document Everything: Take screenshots of your ride information in the Uber or Lyft app. Take photos and videos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and your injuries.
- Get Witness Information: If anyone saw the crash, get their names and phone numbers. Their statements can be invaluable.
- Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Before Speaking to Insurers: Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company, not the driver's, not Uber's or Lyft's, and not the other vehicle's, until you have spoken with an attorney.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania
The most complex part of a rideshare case is determining which insurance policy applies. Under Pennsylvania law (specifically 53 Pa.C.S.A. Section 57A07), coverage depends entirely on the driver's status in the app at the time of the crash.
The Driver is Offline
If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, they are considered a private citizen. In this case, only their personal auto insurance policy would apply to an accident they cause.
The Driver is Available and Waiting for a Ride Request
Once a driver is logged in and available, a limited insurance policy from Uber or Lyft becomes active. This typically provides liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person for bodily injury, up to $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage if the driver's personal insurance doesn't apply.
The Driver is En Route to a Pickup or on a Trip
From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger is dropped off, Uber and Lyft's full $1 million third-party liability insurance policy is in effect. This policy is designed to cover injuries to passengers, people in other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. It is critical to have an attorney who understands how to access this substantial coverage.
How Our Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Lawyers Build Your Case
Getting into an accident is never convenient and often complicated. Things can get even more complicated when your accident involves a ridesharing company. These accidents have occurred more frequently with the popular rise of rideshare apps. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in an Uber or Lyft accident, some law firms may not understand the unique challenges involved in these complex cases. These wrecks can be significantly more complicated than a standard car accident claim.
At The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia, we understand what you are dealing with. Our Philadelphia ridesharing accident lawyers have assisted numerous clients through many of the same issues you face today. We have helped countless clients receive the legal help and damage awards they deserve. Let our experienced Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers help you find justice and compensation for your damages.
Why Choose Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers?
When looking for the right law firm to represent your ridesharing accident case in Philadelphia, The Cochran Firm is an obvious choice.
The experienced ridesharing lawyers are ready to fight for your rights to ensure you get the necessary representation. Our attorneys have accepted the following awards:
- The Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation — Plaintiffs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2023)
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyer (2022)
- The Best Lawyers in America, Personal Injury Litigation — Plaintiffs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2020)
- Selected to Super Lawyers (2018 – 2019)
Mr. Miller focuses his legal work on personal injury and motor vehicle accident litigation, including complex claims against major rideshare companies. As an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Philadelphia, his thorough preparation helps him successfully represent his injured clients’ interests. As ridesharing apps took off with Uber launching in 2009, our Philadelphia attorneys have steadily increased their focus on this relatively new legal issue.
Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
It’s a common misconception that only the rideshare passenger can file a claim. In reality, any party injured by the negligence of a rideshare driver may be entitled to compensation. Our Philadelphia ridesharing accident lawyers represent all victims of these crashes, including:
- Rideshare Passengers injured while on a trip.
- Drivers and Passengers of Other Vehicles who are hit by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver.
- Pedestrians or Bicyclists who are struck by a rideshare vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rideshare Accidents in Philadelphia
Experiencing a rideshare accident can be frustrating and confusing. Our legal team has gathered commonly asked questions and our answers regarding rideshare accidents in Philadelphia to help you understand the situation.
Does Lyft Compensate Rideshare Accident Victims In Philadelphia?
Yes, although you would first use your Lyft driver’s personal insurance for any damages resulting in the accident. If their insurance is insufficient, then Lyft will provide additional coverage up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How Can A Philadelphia Ridesharing Accident Attorney Help Me?
If you have been injured in a recent accident, your Philadelphia ridesharing accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your losses. The rideshare company may owe you damages for personal injury or property damages.
How Do I Find The Best Ridesharing Accident Lawyer?
It’s impossible to prove that any attorney is the best ridesharing accident lawyer, but you should focus on finding someone with experience working on these cases. A knowledgeable attorney with significant rideshare accident experience can help represent your needs in court.
Does Uber Care About Rideshare Accidents In Philadelphia?
All Uber rides are insured, either through the driver or Uber. Sometimes getting the total amount of compensation for your claim can be challenging. In these cases, rideshare accident lawyers in Philadelphia can help you navigate the issue.
What Happens If Passengers Are Injured In A Rideshare Accident?
If your driver is responsible for the rideshare accident, their insurance should cover your medical care. If your medical needs are extensive and the driver’s insurance is insufficient, the rideshare company’s insurance will compensate you for your remaining medical costs.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Ridesharing Accident Legal Case?
Once you settle with the rideshare company, you should receive their compensation quickly. You can reasonably expect the settlement check within two weeks of your agreement.
Every ridesharing accident case is unique, with individual facts and details. These answers can give you a rough idea of what to expect. However, to get direct, tailored answers to your situation, it’s a good idea to speak directly to a ridesharing accident lawyer.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Rideshare Accident?
There is no "average" settlement amount. The value of a case depends on the severity of your injuries, the total of your medical bills, the amount of lost wages, and which of the rideshare insurance periods applies. Cases involving the $1 million policy are typically valued much higher than those involving a driver's personal insurance.
Can I Sue Both the Driver and the Rideshare Company?
It depends. While you can always file a claim against the negligent driver and their insurance, suing Uber or Lyft directly is more complex. You can hold the company liable if they were negligent in their own right, such as by hiring a driver with a known dangerous driving record. An experienced attorney can determine all liable parties.
What if the At-Fault Driver Was in Another Car?
If another driver causes the accident while you are a passenger in a rideshare, your primary claim would be against that at-fault driver's insurance policy. However, if that driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft's Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply to cover your damages.
Our Philadelphia Rideshare Attorneys Fight for Your Full Recovery
Your ridesharing accident attorney at The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia understands that accidents happen. However, in a ridesharing accident, multiple parties may share the responsibility for the resulting injuries and property damage. Our team is committed to giving you the results that you deserve.
If you or your loved one has been harmed by a ridesharing accident in Philadelphia, our lawyers will walk you through each step until you have received the compensation you are owed. Legal compensation can help you on your path to recovery and ensure you do not suffer needlessly for the negligent mistakes of others.
Contact our law firm today to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. During your consultation, you will have an opportunity to have your questions answered. You will also learn about your available legal options, the strength of your claim, the approximate value of your case, and your next steps to recover compensation.
Your ridesharing accident attorney is ready to help you get the legal help you can count on. Call us at 800-969-4400.
