Uber and Lyft are prominent rideshare companies that have made drastic changes to the transportation industry. However, each company still employs many inexperienced drivers that are prone to commit serious accidents that could injure passengers and other motorists. If you or a family member was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, consult with our experienced Pennsylvania Uber and Lyft accident lawyers.
The Reiff Law Firm could help you pursue compensation if you were injured in a serious accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. We recognize how injuries from a car accident can affect a person’s life, and we are here to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940. You can also contact us online.
Common Causes of Uber + Lyft Accidents in Pennsylvania
As with any other car accident, accidents caused by Uber or Lyft drivers can happen for a variety of reasons. When a rideshare driver causes an accident, it is important to learn the cause of the accident in order to make a claim against their employer or to file a personal injury lawsuit. While it is possible to file a claim against the rideshare driver personally, they may not be able to provide a passenger with adequate compensation if the passenger’s injuries were severe. The following is a list of common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents.
Distracted Driving
In order to perform their jobs, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to use an application on their cellphone to make contact with riders. As a result, many drivers could become engrossed in accepting a fare from a rider and fail to pay attention to the road. When this happens, the risk of a rideshare driver causing an accident will drastically increase.
Inexperienced Drivers
If a person decides to drive individuals to destinations across the state of Pennsylvania, it is important they are familiar with the roads and are capable of navigating them. For example, some of the most dangerous roads in the country are located in Pennsylvania. For example, Roosevelt Blvd., is a road that consists of 12 lanes of traffic that travel north and south throughout Northeast Philadelphia. Driving on this road with an inexperienced driver carries great potential for a serious accident.
Poor Weather
When operating a vehicle in poor weather, it is expected that a driver would adjust their driving to account for the weather. However, some drivers may continue to drive aggressively or even speed in hazardous weather. If an Uber or Lyft driver failed to take precautions for the weather, they could be held liable for an accident.
There are other causes of Uber and Lyft car accidents that are not listed above. To learn more about who can be held liable for an Uber or Lyft accident, you should consult with an experienced car accident attorney.
Liability for Northeast Philly Uber + Lyft Car Accidents
If a driver for Uber or Lyft injured a passenger or another motorist, they could be held personally responsible for the accident. However, as mentioned, it may be unwise to solely pursue the driver if you suffered severe injuries that will require extensive medical attention. Instead, an injured motorist or passenger can pursue a claim against the ridesharing company that employed the driver.
There are multiple factors that determine when Uber or Lyft can be held liable for the actions of one of its drivers. For example, if a driver accepts a fare when they are not signed into Uber or Lyft, and they are not on duty, the insurance coverage provided by either company will not be triggered in the event of an accident. This means that an injured party will have to pursue the driver directly to obtain compensation for their injuries.
When a driver has their Uber or Lyft application open, and they are searching for a passenger, Uber and Lyft will provide a driver with limited insurance coverage. Specifically, the driver will have coverage up to $50,000 per injured person and $100,000 for injuries per accident.
When an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident while they are driving to a passenger or dropping off a passenger, the driver will receive full insurance coverage. Full insurance coverage for Uber or Lyft is a 1 million dollar insurance plan that can even cover accidents that occur with underinsured or uninsured drivers.
It is important to note that Uber and Lyft hire drivers as independent contractors. By employing drivers as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft can avoid some liability for the actions of their drivers. This means that when an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident that is not compensable under each platform’s rules, the injured party may have a difficult time pursuing compensation.
If you are concerned that your injury claim may not be covered under Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy, we can help you determine that issue. Our firm recognizes how a devastating accident can affect the life of a victim, and we are here to present you with options to pursue compensation.
Contact Our Experienced Pennsylvania Uber + Lyft Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a family member was a victim of a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, contact an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney today. The dedicated personal injury attorneys at the Reiff Law Firm possess decades of legal experience, and they are prepared to work with you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
