Uber and Lyft are prominent rideshare companies that operate in Pennsylvania and across the United States. Despite the prominence of these companies, there is still a reasonable risk that a driver employed by a rideshare company can cause a car accident. If you were injured due to the actions of a negligent rideshare driver, consult with an experienced Doylestown Uber accident lawyer.
At the Reiff Law Firm, we are committed to providing you with the legal representation that you need to pursue compensation in your car accident case. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940. You can also fill out our short submission form online.
Uber or Lyft Car Accident Insurance Coverage
Many residents of Doylestown utilize Uber and Lyft for the convenience it provides them when traveling in the area. It allows passengers options for commuting to work or to avoid dangerous and illegal scenarios like operating a vehicle while intoxicated. However, when an Uber or Lyft driver causes a serious accident, there is a question of who can be held liable for the accident.
When an Uber or Lyft driver is responsible for causing an accident in Doylestown, the victim can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. However, if the injuries of the victim are severe, the insurance carried by the negligent driver may not be enough to compensate the victim for their injuries. This could lead to a victim having to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
However, there are circumstances where Uber or Lyft will compensate a victim for an injury caused by one of their drivers. Uber or Lyft will provide insurance coverage for a person under the following circumstances:
- When an accident occurs when a rideshare driver has turned on their rideshare application but has not accepted a fare
- When a rideshare driver causes an accident while on their way to pick up a passenger or when transporting a passenger to their destination
If an accident occurs under the first scenario, Uber or Lyft will cover up to $50,000 per injured person and $100,000 total for injuries per accident. However, this insurance coverage will only be triggered if the rideshare driver’s personal insurance will not cover the cost of the accident.
In the second scenario, Uber or Lyft will provide up to $1,000,000 of insurance coverage for personal injuries, property damage, and even uninsured/underinsured car accidents.
Note, however, that some circumstances can lead to a scenario where Uber or Lyft will not provide insurance coverage to an injured party. Specifically, if a rideshare driver causes an accident while they are not logged into their Uber application, the accident will not be covered by Uber. The same rules apply to drivers that work for Lyft and cause an accident while logged out of their application. In this scenario, the victim would have to pursue compensation directly from the driver.
To learn more about liability for an Uber or Lyft car accident, continue reading and speak with an experienced Doylestown personal injury lawyer today.
Liable Parties for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Doylestown, PA
When an Uber or Lyft accident occurs, it is natural to assume that the rideshare company in question would be liable for your injuries. While it is true that Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for accidents that occur under specific circumstances, these companies also try to limit their liability by hiring drivers as independent contractors.
Hiring a driver as an independent contractor allows Uber and Lyft to limit their liability for an accident. Specifically, either company can allege that they do not have complete control over the actions of a driver, so they should not be held vicariously liable for an accident they caused. As a result, if a victim’s accident is not covered under Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy requirements, a victim may have to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
Even if you believe that Uber or Lyft will not cover your accident, you should discuss the claim with an experienced attorney. Our firm can assist you in reporting the accident to a rideshare company and help determine an appropriate course of action depending on the circumstances of the case.
If a victim decides to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent rideshare driver, the victim should first ensure whether the driver’s insurance carrier can compensate them for their losses. If the policy purchased by the negligent driver cannot cover their injuries, the victim should consider a personal injury lawsuit.
It is important to note that a personal injury lawsuit will be subject to the statute of limitations. This means that a victim would only have a limited time to file their claim against a negligent driver in court. Waiting too long can mean that a victim could be barred from recovery.
Work with Our Doylestown Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you should contact an experienced Doylestown Uber + Lyft accident attorney today. With a decade of legal experience fighting cases for residents of Pennsylvania, the diligent injury attorneys at the Reiff Law Firm are prepared to use their knowledge to fight for you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal situation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
