Suing Rideshare Companies for an Accident
You generally can’t sue Uber or Lyft directly for your rideshare accident unless these companies’ negligence directly contributed to it, but Pennsylvania state law 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) may still allow you to file a personal injury claim within two years following the crash.
While insurance coverage usually applies, it’s important to understand that these claims can be more complicated than ordinary two-car collision cases. Insurance coverage and potential payouts can depend on who was at fault, how many parties were involved, and your rideshare driver’s app status at the time of the crash.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Here’s what to do following an Uber or Lyft rideshare accident to protect yourself and your future claim:
- Contact emergency services immediately for medical care and report the accident to local police;
- Collect your driver’s contact details and vehicle and insurance information;
- Document the accident scene with photographs and videos, take screenshots of your ride and driver’s details in your rideshare app, and save your trip receipts;
- Report the crash through your Uber or Lyft app.
While notifying the company is essential, avoid signing any releases or accepting offers before speaking with a lawyer. Your lawyer can review the relevant policies and negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage Explained
Rideshare accident coverage and liability can be affected by many key factors, including state motor vehicle insurance laws and specific rideshare insurance policies. Uninsured and underinsured motorist issues could also come into play, and the driver’s app status at the time of the accident plays a role as well:
- If the app was off, the driver’s own auto insurance policy provides coverage
- If the app was on and the driver was waiting for a request, rideshare companies like Uber typically provide limited contingent liability coverage
- If the app was on and the driver was transporting a passenger, full liability coverage applies, along with uninsured or underinsured motorist protections if applicable
An experienced Scranton rideshare accident lawyer can review the specifics of your case, identify the responsible parties involved, and determine the applicable coverage. They can also advise you on whether it’s possible to pursue Uber or Lyft directly, should these companies’ negligence have directly contributed to your accident.