Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Pennsylvania, offering a convenient, generally safe means of transportation. However, the rise of these services has not been without its downsides, with accidents being the primary one.
Understanding the nuances of rideshare accidents in Pennsylvania is crucial for passengers, drivers, and other road users. This comprehensive guide delves into the statistics, insurance requirements, liability considerations, and post-accident guidance for victims harmed in rideshare accidents in Pennsylvania in 2025.
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Looking at the Rise of Ridesharing in Pennsylvania
Over the past decade-plus, ridesharing has become an integral part of urban and suburban transportation landscapes. In Pennsylvania, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have seen a significant uptick in rideshare usage. While more prominent in major cities, services like Uber and Lyft are available in most communities throughout the state, from Allentown to York.
As services like Uber have steadily expanded their offerings (which now include food delivery), the potential for rideshare accidents has risen further. This surge in rideshare vehicles on the road offers convenience but also raises concerns about road safety and accident rates.
Authorities in Pennsylvania openly advocate for ridesharing, and it has its benefits. However, ridesharing collisions do happen. When they do, the victim’s foremost concern should be to secure the compensation they are entitled to. An attorney will have the very same concern.
Rideshare Accident Statistics in Pennsylvania and Nationwide
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have significantly altered the transportation landscape. As the prevalence of these services has increased, so too have concerns regarding their impact on road safety. Some relevant statistics about rideshare collisions are:
- One study found that “ridesharing increases the incidence of all crashes,” showing a direct correlation between these services and traffic collisions.
- Another study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that “Each additional 100 rideshare trips originating within a taxi zone-hour was associated with 4.6 percent increased odds of observing any injury crash.”
- Authors of studies from Brazil, Chile, South Africa, and the United States all found a link between ride-hailing services and increased traffic deaths.
These statistics underscore the importance of implementing robust safety measures and policies to mitigate the risks associated with rideshare services. Both rideshare companies and policymakers must collaborate to enhance driver training, enforce stringent safety protocols, and raise public awareness to ensure the safety of all road users.
Some Reasons Why Ridesharing Can Endanger the General Public
While Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services provide convenience and accessibility, they also introduce serious safety risks that can endanger passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. Below are some key reasons why ridesharing services can pose dangers to the public:
Heavier Traffic
Rideshare vehicles contribute to higher traffic volumes. More rideshare vehicles can mean more total vehicles on the road, and it’s important to note that:
- Rideshare vehicles spend significant time driving without passengers, increasing road congestion.
- Rideshare vehicles account for a disproportionate amount of vehicle miles traveled in urban settings, meaning these vehicles are likely to be on the road for longer periods of time than others (again, contributing to heavy traffic)
More vehicles on the road lead to increased accident risks and longer emergency response times for first responders.
Rideshare Drivers’ Potential for Distraction
Rideshare drivers frequently use their phones to navigate, accept ride requests, and communicate with passengers. These are forms of distraction that can contribute to:
- The driver’s eyes being off the road
- The driver’s hands being off the wheel
- Delayed reaction times when responding to sudden stops or pedestrians
- Navigation errors that cause abrupt lane changes or illegal maneuvers
- Split attention, as drivers manage both their passengers and driving responsibilities
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, making rideshare vehicles potential hazards on the road.
Fatigued Driving
Many rideshare drivers work long hours, sometimes driving late at night or after working a full-time job elsewhere. This can result in:
- Drowsy driving
- Slowed reaction times
- Poor decision-making
- Increased risk of accidents, especially during overnight shifts
- Less alertness due to repetitive, monotonous driving conditions
Unlike traditional commercial drivers, rideshare drivers aren’t subject to federal regulations limiting work hours, increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related crashes.
Inadequate Training
Unlike taxi and commercial drivers, rideshare drivers typically don’t undergo rigorous training or background checks before hitting the road. This can result in:
- Inexperienced drivers who aren’t equipped to handle high-traffic areas, poor weather conditions, or defensive driving techniques.
- Inconsistent safety standards, as Uber and Lyft do not provide uniform training programs.
- Higher accident risks due to limited driving experience, particularly for new or part-time drivers.
Your rideshare accident lawyer will determine who is responsible for such dangers.
Insurance Coverage Gaps
Insurance coverage for rideshare vehicles can be complicated, creating potential issues when accidents occur. Problems include:
- Limited personal insurance coverage when the driver is not actively transporting a passenger.
- Delayed claim processing, as rideshare companies may try to shift responsibility to the driver’s personal insurance.
- Uninsured and underinsured drivers, particularly if a driver fails to disclose their rideshare activity to their insurer.
These gaps can leave victims with fewer ways to receive compensation after an accident. Even if you were in an accident with an underinsured driver, your lawyer will find a way to seek compensation for you.
Passenger Safety Concerns
Rideshare passengers face unique safety risks, including:
- Assaults and harassment, as some drivers may pass inadequate background checks or engage in predatory behavior
- Kidnapping or route manipulation, where drivers take passengers to incorrect locations or extend routes to inflate fares
- Increased risks for intoxicated riders, who may be more vulnerable to exploitation or injury
Rideshare drivers are increasingly becoming victims of violence, even from the passengers they are serving. Passengers can also be put in dangerous situations.
While these concerns do not typically translate to accidents, they can. If the passenger and driver are engaged in contentious interactions, this could cause the driver to be distracted and cause an accident.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Risks
Rideshare vehicles often stop abruptly or make unsafe pickups and drop-offs, creating hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. If you were hit by a rideshare vehicle while acting as a pedestrian or cyclist, hire an attorney to seek fair compensation for your damages.
Surge Pricing Can Encourage Recklessness
Rideshare drivers are typically looking for every extra dollar they can earn. During peak hours, surge pricing incentivizes drivers to:
- Rush to high-demand areas, increasing speeding and reckless driving
- Drive aggressively to complete more rides in a shorter time frame
- Ignore traffic laws, such as running red lights or making illegal U-turns to reach passengers faster
- Engage in other risky or downright reckless behavior
This financial motivation can compromise public safety and lead to increased accident rates.
Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law mandates specific insurance coverages for rideshare drivers, varying based on the driver's status within the app:
While the App Is Off (Personal Use)
In these cases, the driver's personal auto insurance policy generally applies to any accident the rental car driver is involved in.
While the App Is On, But No Ride Has Been Accepted
In these cases, Uber and Lyft generally offer insurance coverage of:
- $50,000 bodily injury per person
- $100,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
Your attorney will confirm whether such coverage is available to you.
While the Ride Has Been Accepted or the Passenger Is Being Dropped Off:
In such cases, rideshare companies generally provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Drivers need to understand these distinctions to ensure adequate coverage during all phases of rideshare operation.
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Steps to Take Following a Rideshare Accident
If you're involved in a rideshare accident, take the following steps:
- Ensure Your Safety: Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
- Call Emergency Services: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
- Document the Scene: Take photos, gather witness information, and note the rideshare driver's status.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a healthcare professional.
- Notify Insurance Companies: Inform your insurer and, if applicable, the rideshare company's insurance provider.
- Consult a Pennsylvania Rideshare Accident Attorney: Engage an attorney experienced in rideshare accidents to understand your rights and options.
Taking these steps can help protect your interests and facilitate any subsequent claims process. Note that your rideshare accident attorney will take over many duties, like documenting the accident, as soon as you hire them. For this reason, you should hire your attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
Options for Seeking Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident In Pennsylvania
Victims of rideshare accidents may pursue various avenues for compensation:
- Insurance Claims: Depending on fault and coverage, claims can be filed with personal insurers, the rideshare company's insurer, or third-party insurers.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: If insurance settlements are inadequate, legal action may be necessary to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Engaging legal counsel can provide clarity on the best course of action based on the specifics of the accident.
What Will a Pennsylvania Rideshare Accident Do for Me?
Your rideshare accident lawyer will handle the many essential responsibilities your case will require, which will likely include:
- Determining liability: They will identify whether the rideshare driver, another motorist, or the company is responsible.
- Handling every aspect of insurance claims: They will negotiate with Uber, Lyft, and third-party insurers to secure fair compensation.
- Collecting evidence of negligence: They will gather accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Calculating damages: They will assess medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- Fighting for a fair settlement or judgment: They will challenge low settlement offers and take the case to court if necessary.
- Protecting you from bad faith: They will counter attempts to deny, delay, or reduce your claim.
- Providing legal counsel: They will ensure you understand your rights and the best course of action for your case.
If your case requires anything else from your attorney, they will perform those duties without hesitation.
Let a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Provide Protection and Support
Your attorney will perform legal services, but that’s far from the extent of their assistance. Your lawyer and their team will also:
- Listen patiently and intently to you
- Answer any questions you have about anything
- Update you regularly, easing your mind about where your case stands
- Keep tabs on your recovery
- Support you in many other ways
This kind of support may not only benefit your case but may also directly impact your recovery for the better.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Rideshare Accident in Pennsylvania
A lawyer will pursue compensation for all damages related to your accident, including:
- Medical expenses such as the cost of ER visits, hospital stays, surgery, therapy, medications
- Lost income and future lost earnings if your work is affected by accident-related injuries or trauma
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
- Long-term care costs if you are disabled or require ongoing treatment
- Property damage costs for any belongings lost or damaged in the accident
If you are disabled or coping with a loved one’s passing, your lawyer will account for these immensely difficult challenges.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Undervalue Your Claim
Rideshare companies and insurers often use tactics to reduce or deny valid claims. They may:
- Blame you for the accident, even if you were a passenger
- Lowball you
- Downplay your injuries to avoid covering long-term medical costs
- Delay processing your claim, hoping you’ll settle for less than you deserve
Sometimes, people might think that their accident case is simple or that they cannot afford a lawyer. Remember, it is never a good idea to try to take on the insurance company yourself. A rideshare accident lawyer knows how to counter these strategies and will ensure you receive fair and full compensation.
Hire Your Pennsylvania Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
Pennsylvania will require your attorney to file your rideshare accident case by a specific deadline. It’s up to you to ensure that the deadline does not pass, and you can do so by hiring your Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.