Many people rely on others to drive them every day. When you use Uber or Lyft, you expect a smooth ride – but what happens when you’re involved in an accident? The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm are here to explain what happens when you’re in an accident in an Uber or Lyft, and what you should do next. We will also touch on how you can get compensation for an Uber or Lyft accident in Philadelphia, whether you were a rider, pedestrian, or another driver.
How to Handle an Uber/Lyft Accident as a Passenger
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be wondering what you should do next. If you were injured, you may have medical expenses you need covered, might be out of work because of your injuries, or could be suffering from the pain. In any case, you may want to consider taking your case to an experienced car accident attorney in Chester, PA.
Uber and Lyft’s websites are not particularly clear with instructions for riders in case of an accident. They do, however, instruct their drivers to always call 911, always make sure their passengers are okay, and get everyone who needs it medical attention. On top of that, both of these are businesses looking to keep customers safe and loyal. Lyft even has a “Trust and Safety Team,” which reaches out to passengers in the event of an accident with insurance information and attempts to manage the crisis.
Ultimately, Uber and Lyft are concerned with their passengers’ safety, but also have to worry about their drivers and the occupants of other vehicles. Their websites enable riders to reach out to the company in case of an accident, but they are not always open or clear about what happens next. Taking your case to an attorney means having someone on your side who will focus solely on your recovery and compensation.
In any case, whenever you are involved in a car accident make sure you get as much information as you can about the crash. This means taking note of the location, time of day, and road conditions. If you were a passenger, you should get the information for your driver, as well as any other drivers involved in the crash. Make sure to get the following information:
- Your Lyft/Uber driver’s name, address, and phone number (some of which may be available in the app)
- The other driver’s name, address, and phone number
- The personal insurance information for your Lyft/Uber driver
- Any insurance information you can get regarding Lyft/Uber’s own insurance
- The other driver’s insurance information
- Vehicle information (registration number, make, model, and license plate numbers) for any cars involved
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses
- If you are able, take pictures and notes regarding any injuries or vehicle damage
Ultimately, you may be subjected to three different insurance plans (your driver’s plan, the other driver’s plan, and Uber/Lyft’s own plan), so it is important to get as much information as you can to figure out your next steps.
How to Get Compensation After an Uber/Lyft Car Accident
Whether you were the passenger in an Uber/Lyft, a pedestrian hit by an Uber/Lyft, or the driver of another car hit by an Uber/Lyft, you should be able to seek compensation for your injuries.
Uber and Lyft each provide up to $1 million per accident under their insurance plans, with $50,000 per person for personal injury. This insurance plan acts as the primary insurance plan in an Uber or Lyft accident. If this is not enough, or another driver caused the accident, their insurance policy may also be able to pay for your injuries. Since accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from whiplash to traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries, it is important to make sure there is a policy that can cover your injuries.
In Pennsylvania, drivers have a choice of using a no-fault insurance policy. This means that your insurance, if you were injured while driving the other car in an Uber accident, could cover you regardless of who is at fault. The minimum coverage for this “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP) is $5,000, which may help you get on the path to recovery before Uber or Lyft’s insurance plan kicks in.
Philadelphia Ride Share Accident Attorneys
When you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident due to a negligent driver, you have plenty of options to recover compensation. Getting a lawyer on your case can help you understand how much your case is worth, and how to get the maximum compensation. Do not accept any offers to settle until you take your case to a car accident attorney like those of The Reiff Law Firm. Our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling car accident injury cases and offer free consultations on new cases. Call (215) 709-6940 today to set up a free consultation.
