Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient way to travel throughout Philadelphia, but accidents involving rideshare drivers can be legally complex. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple parties, different insurance policies, and unique liability rules that make filing a claim more challenging.
At Oakes Firm, we help rideshare accident victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, a driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, or a pedestrian injured in a rideshare-related crash, we can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, call (267) 310-0656 today for a free case evaluation with a Philadelphia rideshare accident attorney.
Why Rideshare Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than Regular Car Accidents
Unlike traditional car crashes, rideshare accidents involve corporate insurance policies, independent contractor agreements, and unclear liability rules. Victims often struggle to determine:
- Who is responsible for paying damages?
- Which insurance policy applies? The rideshare driver’s, the company’s, or another driver’s?
- Can you sue Uber or Lyft directly?
- What happens if the rideshare driver was off duty?
These complexities make it critical to have an experienced Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyer who understands how to navigate these claims and maximize compensation.
Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
Rideshare accidents can involve multiple victims, including:
- Passengers in an Uber or Lyft injured in a crash.
- Rideshare drivers injured due to another driver’s negligence.
- Other motorists involved in a crash with an Uber or Lyft.
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle.
Regardless of your role in the accident, you have the right to seek compensation if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Who Is Liable in a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends on whether the Uber or Lyft driver was actively working at the time of the crash.
Rideshare Driver’s Status and Insurance Coverage
- Driver Was Not Logged into the App – The driver’s personal insurance policy applies.
- Driver Was Logged into the App but Had No Passenger – Uber or Lyft provides limited liability coverage of up to:
- $50,000 per person for injuries
- $100,000 per accident for injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
- Driver Was Transporting a Passenger or En Route to Pick One Up – Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance may be responsible, but rideshare insurance may also apply if the driver was on duty.
Because these cases involve multiple insurance companies, it’s important to have a rideshare accident lawyer who can ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s busy streets, heavy traffic, and unpredictable road conditions contribute to frequent rideshare accidents. Many of these crashes result from driver negligence or unsafe rideshare practices.
Frequent Causes of Rideshare Accidents
- Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers constantly check their phones and GPS, leading to inattention.
- Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive late at night, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving – To maximize earnings, some rideshare drivers rush to complete more trips.
- Failure to Yield – Ignoring traffic signals, running stop signs, and sudden lane changes are common among rideshare drivers.
- Inexperienced Drivers – Uber and Lyft do not require professional training, meaning drivers may lack experience handling emergency situations.
Regardless of the cause, rideshare accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries and financial losses.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Philadelphia
If you are involved in a Philadelphia rideshare accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights.
- Call 911 – A police report is crucial evidence in rideshare accident claims.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even minor injuries may worsen over time.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect Information – Get contact details for the rideshare driver, passengers, and witnesses.
- Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft – You can file a report through the app, but avoid providing detailed statements without legal guidance.
- Speak to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer – Before accepting any insurance offer, consult an attorney to ensure you receive full compensation.
Delaying legal action could weaken your claim, so it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Compensation Available for Rideshare Accident Victims
Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may be eligible for compensation for:
- Medical expenses – ER visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.
- Lost wages – If you are unable to work due to injuries.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma.
- Property damage – Costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Wrongful death – If a loved one was fatally injured in a rideshare accident.
Each case is unique, and an attorney can help calculate the full value of your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law sets a two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims, including rideshare accidents. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years of the crash, or you may lose your right to compensation.
However, delays in filing can hurt your case, as evidence may disappear and witnesses may forget details. Speaking with an attorney early ensures your claim is handled properly and within legal deadlines.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Most rideshare accident claims are filed against the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s policy, not Uber or Lyft directly. This is because:
- Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees.
- Uber and Lyft shield themselves from direct liability through legal agreements.
However, in rare cases, Uber or Lyft may be sued if they:
- Hired a driver with a known criminal record or reckless driving history.
- Failed to investigate safety complaints against a driver properly.
An attorney can determine whether Uber or Lyft shares liability in your case.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Insurance Rules for Rideshare Accidents
Pennsylvania has unique insurance laws for rideshare accidents that determine who pays for damages. Because rideshare drivers operate as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft only provide coverage under certain conditions.
How Insurance Works in a Rideshare Accident
The insurance coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- If the driver was not logged into the Uber/Lyft app: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- If the driver was logged in but had no passenger: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage).
- If the driver was carrying a passenger or en route to pick one up: Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage.
Understanding these insurance rules is crucial for determining where to file your claim.
Steps to Take If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident as a Passenger
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft and the vehicle crashed, you may not know what to do next.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident as a Passenger
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Take Photos – Document the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Get Driver & Witness Info – Obtain the rideshare driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance details.
- Report the Accident to Uber/Lyft – You can file a report directly in the app.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even minor injuries can worsen over time.
- Speak to an Attorney – Rideshare companies and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.
Having legal representation ensures your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation available.
What If a Rideshare Driver Causes a Crash While Off-Duty?
If an Uber or Lyft driver is off duty and causes an accident, rideshare insurance does not apply. Instead, their personal auto insurance policy is responsible for covering damages.
However, many personal insurance policies exclude coverage when the driver is using their car for commercial purposes. If the driver fails to carry proper insurance, you may need to:
- File a claim against your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
- Sue the driver personally if they have sufficient assets.
A rideshare accident lawyer can help you determine the best way to recover compensation.
What If You’re a Pedestrian Hit by an Uber or Lyft?
If you were a pedestrian struck by a rideshare driver, you may be entitled to compensation from one or more insurance policies.
Who Pays for a Pedestrian’s Injuries?
- If the rideshare driver was off duty – Their personal auto insurance covers damages.
- If the driver was logged into the app – Uber/Lyft provides up to $100,000 in coverage.
- If the driver was transporting a passenger – Uber/Lyft’s $1 million liability policy applies.
Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries, making legal representation critical for obtaining full compensation.
Common Injuries in Philadelphia Rideshare Accidents
Because rideshare vehicles operate in high-traffic areas, crashes often result in serious injuries. Even low-speed collisions can cause long-term physical and emotional damage.
Frequent Rideshare Accident Injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries – Common in rear-end collisions.
- Head trauma and concussions – Even with airbags, head injuries can lead to permanent brain damage.
- Broken bones and fractures – Particularly in pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders.
- Spinal cord injuries – Severe cases may result in paralysis or chronic pain.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage – Often undetected without medical testing.
Seeking medical care immediately is critical for both your health and your legal claim.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rideshare Accident Case?
The timeline for resolving a rideshare accident claim depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries – More serious injuries require extended medical treatment.
- Whether liability is disputed – If Uber/Lyft or an insurance company disputes fault, settlement can take longer.
- Negotiations with insurance companies – Insurers often offer lowball settlements before agreeing to fair compensation.
On average, rideshare accident claims take several months to over a year to resolve. An experienced Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyer can speed up the process and fight for full compensation.
How Much Is My Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
The value of a rideshare accident claim depends on multiple factors, such as:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
- Lost wages – If injuries prevent you from working.
- Pain and suffering – Emotional trauma, PTSD, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage – Costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Permanent disability – Long-term effects of injuries can increase settlement amounts.
A lawyer will calculate your total damages and negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Why You Shouldn’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers to accident victims, hoping they will accept less than they deserve.
Why You Should Wait Before Accepting a Settlement
- You may not know the full extent of your injuries – Some injuries take weeks or months to develop.
- Your medical bills may be higher than expected – Future surgeries or therapy may be needed.
- The insurance company’s first offer is rarely fair – Insurers aim to pay as little as possible.
Speaking with an attorney before accepting a settlement ensures you don’t leave money on the table.
What Happens If a Rideshare Driver Is Assaulted by a Passenger?
Rideshare drivers are also at risk of injuries caused by violent passengers. If a driver is physically attacked or injured, they may be entitled to:
- Workers’ compensation benefits (if applicable).
- Compensation from the passenger’s liability insurance.
- A lawsuit against Uber or Lyft for failing to provide a safe working environment.
If you were a rideshare driver injured on the job, an attorney can help you explore your legal options.
Why Choose Oakes Firm for Your Rideshare Accident Case?
At Oakes Firm, we have extensive experience handling complex rideshare accident claims. Our firm:
- Knows how to deal with Uber and Lyft’s insurance providers.
- Conducts in-depth investigations to prove liability.
- Fights aggressively for full compensation.
- Works on a contingency fee basis – You don’t pay unless we win your case.
We are dedicated to helping rideshare accident victims in Philadelphia, Miami, and Boston recover what they deserve.
Contact a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t navigate the complex insurance process alone. Let Oakes Firm handle your claim while you focus on healing.
Call (267) 310-0656 today for a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.