Individuals and families in Philadelphia have many transportation options at their fingertips. One of the most popular options is using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Users don’t have to worry about using their own car, calling a taxi service, or trying to navigate the city on foot; however, rideshare drivers can make dangerous or poor driving decisions that cause car accidents. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, a Philadelphia Uber and Lyft accident lawyer from Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco can help you.
Missing work and piling medical expenses are two major stressors for people who have been hurt in a car wreck. We understand how these worries can cause anxiety and may prompt you to try to settle your claim as soon as possible. Settling early rarely benefits you because you may not know the extent of your injuries and what you will need to recover. With our lawyers at your side, you will have people willing to fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
The Complexities of Rideshare Accident Claims
We understand how confusing a car accident can be when a rideshare company is involved. You may not know who is liable for the wreck. A common occurrence in companies like Uber and Lyft is to hire workers as independent contractors instead of employees. While a company can be held liable for a negligent employee, that may not hold when the issue is with an independent contractor. If they were responsible for your accident, the company may be able to deny your injury claim.
You need legal aid who won’t be lost in all the different insurance policies and can figure out who is liable for your injuries. Our lawyers are well-versed in rideshare companies and policies, and the ways they may try to give you less than you deserve or try to deny your claim outright. We will represent your best interests to make sure your settlement is fair.
What Are the Kinds of Rideshare Accidents?
Any rideshare driver can get in an accident when they act negligently. But there are different situations where you’re affected. The following are ways you can be involved in a rideshare accident:
- Your Driver Gets in an Accident. You may be a passenger using Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service. They could either be responsible for the accident, or another driver could have been the reason why the wreck happened.
- A Rideshare Car Hits Your Vehicle. There are instances where you may be driving, and another rideshare driver collides with you.
- A Rideshare Car Hits You as a Cyclist or Pedestrian. There’s a possibility you may not even be in a car at all. A rideshare driver may crash into you when you’re riding your bike or simply walking. These accidents can cause severe injuries because you lack the protection that a car usually provides.
Regardless of your accident, you weren’t at fault and you deserve representation that will fight for your rights. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Philadelphia will carefully investigate your case and do everything to help you recover financially.
What Are Uber and Lyft’s Rideshare Policies?
It’s important to understand how Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies work so you have an idea of where you stand. Overall, the rideshare companies have insurance policies that work with specific parts of the ride, including when the driver has the app turned on, to the moment they drop off their passenger and conclude the ride.
Uber
Uber’s coverage for different stages of when the driver would operate their vehicle are as follows:
- Waiting for Request. This is when the driver has the app turned on and is currently waiting for people to request a ride. The coverage is meant to cover the third party’s medical bills and property damage when the driver is at fault. Coverage is at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- Transporting the Passenger. This applies when the Uber driver is at fault for an accident where they collide with another driver, pedestrian, or property. Each accident has $1,000,000 of coverage. There are situations where another driver is at fault and they may be underinsured or uninsured. This kind of accident also has coverage of $1,000,000. There is also a contingent collision and comprehensive coverage that applies whether the Uber driver was liable or not, and for their vehicle even if they weren’t using it for Uber. The coverage is equal to their vehicle’s cash value and a $1,000 deductible.
- App Is Turned Off. When the driver doesn’t have the app turned on, their personal coverage applies to any accidents.
Lyft
Lyft has its own policies for how insurance applies to different stages of a ride.
- App Off. When the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance policy is in effect.
- Driver Mode On. When the app is on but before there’s a ride match, the accident coverage is $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride Match. When a passenger accepts a ride, another stage of coverage applies to the point where they arrive at their destination. There is $1,000,000 per occurrence. The underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage isn’t set because the limits vary from state to state. Lyft also has a contingent collision and comprehensive coverage that is equal to the cash value or repair cost of the vehicle and has a $2,500 deductible.
Getting the Right Legal Representation
If you’re filing a claim against a rideshare company, you can give yourself peace of mind knowing that a skilled lawyer is at your side. Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco will stand up to these big companies for you and will do everything possible to win you a favorable settlement. For a free consultation, get in touch with us today.
