Uber and Lyft drivers operate all across Pottstown and the Philadelphia area. While the ability to call a ride at various hours of the day is beneficial, there is also a risk that your driver could cause a serious accident. When this happens, the victim of the accident is entitled to pursue compensation for their injuries. If you or a family member was injured by an Uber or Lyft driver, you should consult with an experienced Pottstown Uber accident lawyer.
The Reiff Law Firm is prepared to help you fight a case against a negligent rideshare driver and the company that employs them. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940. You may also contact our attorneys online.
4 Common Causes of an Uber or Lyft Car Accident in Pottstown, PA
As Uber and Lyft drivers receive no special training when beginning their employment, they are just as likely to cause an accident as any other person on the road. With this in mind, you should ensure you only book rides with drivers that have a good track record. However, this does not guarantee that a driver will not act negligently in a certain situation. The following is a list of common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents.
Speeding
Uber and Lyft drivers are not provided with a salary. Instead, they earn income by how many fares they accept and complete during their chosen shift. The result is that some negligent rideshare drivers may exceed the speed limit in order to get a passenger to their destination as quickly as possible. This is extremely dangerous for the passenger and other motorists on the road.
If you are in an Uber or Lyft where the driver is speeding, you should either end the ride or request that they slow down.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is responsible for thousands of accidents every year. Unfortunately, a passenger in an Uber or Lyft may have difficulty ascertaining whether their driver is intoxicated during a ride. The passenger would not be familiar with the driver’s tendencies, which could indicate whether the driver is drunk.
Vehicle Defect
Rideshare drivers have the option of using their personal vehicles or renting a vehicle under certain circumstances. Whether they choose to utilize their own vehicle or rent a vehicle, the driver would be responsible for ensuring the vehicle is fit to be on the road. However, if a vehicle defect was the cause of the accident, there is a possibility that a manufacturer could also be responsible.
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers constantly need to use their phones to accept fares. While some drivers may choose to pull over before accepting another fare, there are undoubtedly some that use their cellphones while driving. As a result, a driver could lose track of events on the road and could cause an accident with another motorist.
There are many other causes of Uber and Lyft car accidents that are not discussed above. To learn more about who can be held liable for an Uber or Lyft accident, you should contact one of our experienced Pottstown personal injury lawyers.
Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Pottstown?
Determining liability for an Uber or Lyft accident is important for a victim that suffered a serious injury or whose vehicle was damaged. In some cases, a rideshare driver may end up being solely liable for a crash. Alternatively, there are some accidents where Uber or Lyft’s insurance will cover the damages.
Accidents that Occur When a Driver is Off-Duty
If an accident occurs when a driver is off-duty, neither Uber nor Lyft’s insurance coverage is triggered. As a result, a victim may have to pursue compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance. If that is not enough to deal with the victim’s injuries and other losses, a victim may have to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
Accidents that Happen When a Driver is On-Duty but Has Not Accepted a Fare
When an accident occurs when a rideshare driver has their application on but has not yet accepted a fare, the insurance coverage will be limited. Under these circumstances, Uber and Lyft offer up to $50,000 per injurer person and a maximum of $100,000 for injuries per accident.
Accidents Occurring During Transporting or Picking Up a Passenger
If a rideshare driver causes an accident when they are transporting a passenger or have accepted a fare, Uber and Lyft will offer up to $1,000,000 for insurance coverage. This amount can be used for personal injuries, property damages, and accidents with uninsured or underinsured motorists.
Suing Uber or Lyft directly for an accident can be difficult as they hire drivers as independent contractors. This essentially means that Uber or Lyft do not have control over the actions drivers take when they are behind the wheel.
Contact Our Experienced Pottstown Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys to Discuss Your Potential Case
If you were the victim of an accident caused by a rideshare driver, you should contact an experienced Pottstown Lyft accident attorney. The legal team at the Reiff Law Firm possess decades of legal experience fighting for a client’s rights against negligent companies. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
