Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims of Rideshare Accidents in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, York & Throughout PA

Rideshare accidents occur more often than people think. According to the University of Chicago and Rice University, the arrival of ridesharing is associated with a 2-3% increase in fatal motor vehicle accidents nationwide. In 2010, just before ridesharing services began, traffic fatalities were at an all-time low. As Uber and Lyft grew in popularity, these numbers slowly increased.

According to Bloomberg Second Measure, Uber and Lyft command 76% and 24%, respectively, of the rideshare market as of March 2024.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, our Pennsylvania Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg are ready to fight for you. We have handled tens of thousands of car accident cases and have won tens of millions of dollars for our clients. We are dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they need to pay off medical bills, replenish their savings, and secure their futures. 

Whether your vehicle was struck by an Uber or Lyft driver or you were injured as a rideshare passenger, our Pennsylvania Uber accident attorneys are here to help: (888) 498-3023. 

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Pennsylvania

Uber and Lyft are significant contributors to rideshare accidents. They motivate their drivers to stay on the road as long as possible to have cars available for riders. The more drivers they have, the faster they can pick up passengers. For that reason, both Uber and Lyft allow drivers to work for long hours. Uber’s app won't lock drivers out of the program until they have reached 12 hours of continuous driving. Lyft requires drivers to take a 6-hour break, but only after they have reached 14 hours of consecutive driving. As a result, drivers will be fatigued if they work the maximum number of hours. Additionally, the pressure to quickly respond to ride requests may lead to distracted driving, as drivers might attempt to interact with their phone while in motion. This risk is especially high in urban environments like Harrisburg, where traffic is dense.

Common causes of Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft accidents include:

• Drowsy driving
• Aggressive driving/road rage
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Defective equipment

Determining the cause of an accident is an important part of the work our Pennsylvania rideshare accident lawyers do to help drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists who have been injured in Lyft and Uber collisions. We work with accident reconstruction specialists and investigators to identify the factor or factors that caused the collision and, therefore, who is legally responsible. 

What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Pennsylvania

If you’re involved in an accident as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, or if a rideshare driver hits your vehicle, there are several important steps to take:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it's crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional.
• Call the Police: A police report is key evidence in any accident case, including those involving rideshare services. Make sure to get a copy of the report.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and document the rideshare driver's details, including their insurance information and the status of the rideshare app at the time of the accident.
• Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft: Both companies have processes for reporting accidents that occur during rides. You can do this through the app or online.
• Contact an Attorney: Rideshare accidents often involve complex insurance issues. Contacting an attorney early on can help protect your rights and ensure that all aspects of your claim are properly handled, from dealing with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit if necessary.

Additionally, keep a personal record of all correspondence and documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurance companies. This documentation can play a crucial role in supporting your claim. Our attorneys can guide you through compiling this information effectively, ensuring no detail is overlooked. It's also beneficial to understand what benefits and settlements you can pursue based on Pennsylvania's comparative negligence laws.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After a Rideshare Accident in Harrisburg?

The short answer is yes, you can file a claim against Uber or Lyft in the event of an accident. However, these rideshare giants largely classify their drivers as “independent contractors” rather than employees, which typically shields them from liability. However, there are a few instances, known as covered driving periods, in which Uber and Lyft offer varying levels of insurance coverage to their passengers and others.

Nuanced insurance policies and special rules may apply during covered driving periods, such as:

• The driver has the app on but has not yet accepted a ride request.
• The driver has accepted a ride request but does not have the passenger(s) in the vehicle yet.
• The driver has accepted a ride request and has the passenger(s) in the vehicle.

Understanding these coverage layers is essential for determining the likelihood of a successful claim. For instance, when a driver has their app on and is waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited insurance that may cover damages up to a certain threshold. It is crucial to ascertain the period during which the accident occurred as it directly influences which insurance policy can be invoked and the type of compensation that those involved may expect to receive.

Liability for Pennsylvania Lyft & Uber Accidents

When it comes to liability (legal accountability) for an Uber or Lyft accident in Pennsylvania, the first and most obvious party may be the Uber or Lyft driver, but there are other factors to consider. Our Pennsylvania Lyft accident lawyers look to all potential sources of fault.

The following parties may be held accountable for a rideshare accident:

• The Uber/Lyft driver: If the rideshare driver was negligent, such as driving distracted, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws, they can be held responsible for the accident and any resulting injuries.
• The rideshare company: Companies like Uber or Lyft may be accountable if they failed to vet drivers properly, did not provide adequate training, or if their app encouraged unsafe driving practices.
• A third-party driver: If another driver on the road acted recklessly or negligently, such as driving under the influence or ignoring traffic signals, they could be held liable for causing the accident.

There are also situations where a manufacturer may have released a defective auto part or a municipality failed to maintain roadways or traffic signs and signals properly. We take every possibility into account. Uncovering liability requires diligent investigation and, often, sophisticated accident reconstruction to piece together the elements of the crash. Legal liability can extend beyond surface-level understanding, highlighting the importance of a thorough legal evaluation by a seasoned attorney to uncover all liable parties.

Recovering Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in PA

If you've been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation through the insurance policies that Uber and Lyft have in place. Both companies carry substantial insurance coverage to protect passengers, drivers, and third parties involved in accidents. Uber and Lyft typically provide up to $1 million in liability coverage per accident, which can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

In addition to the primary liability coverage, these rideshare companies also offer underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, which can come into play if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. This additional coverage helps ensure that injured parties can still recover compensation even if the other driver's insurance is inadequate. The types of compensation available to injured parties can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. 

By leveraging these insurance policies, injured parties have a pathway to financial recovery and can focus on healing from their injuries. There may be other sources of compensation as well or other ways to maximize your financial recovery. Our Harrisburg rideshare accident lawyers will consider every option. Navigating these insurance landscapes can be complex, and utilizing professional legal guidance will enable victims to access all eligible compensations, often streamlining the claims process and avoiding common pitfalls that might otherwise delay compensation.

Understanding Pennsylvania's Rideshare Laws

Pennsylvania's rideshare laws are designed to regulate companies like Uber and Lyft and ensure the safety of passengers and other road users. Drivers must adhere to state-specific regulations, which include maintaining a clean driving record, possessing valid insurance, and passing a vehicle inspection. Additionally, Pennsylvania requires that rideshare companies conduct comprehensive background checks for all drivers to enhance passenger safety. Understanding these regulations is crucial, as violations can affect liability and determine who is at fault in the event of an accident. Local policies also cover aspects such as fare disclosures and surge pricing regulations, ensuring that the public is protected against unfair pricing practices.

Another important aspect of Pennsylvania's rideshare regulations is the mandate for insurance coverage. Rideshare drivers must have specific insurance policies that align with state law and the respective rideshare company's requirements. Insurance coverage varies depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up passengers, or transporting passengers. These regulations exist to offer protection and peace of mind for riders and drivers alike, and knowledgeable legal advice can help navigate the complexities these rules introduce. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, our understanding of these laws allows us to provide sound counsel and support to individuals involved in rideshare accidents.

Harrisburg's Infrastructure & Rideshare Implications

Harrisburg's infrastructure plays a significant role in the dynamics of rideshare operations. As Pennsylvania's capital city, it features a web of busy streets and intersections that can become congested during peak hours. These conditions can lead to increased opportunities for rideshare-related accidents. Notably, intersections like the State Street Bridge and Cameron Street can be hotspots for potential collisions. Numerous one-way streets also pose challenges, requiring rideshare drivers to exercise heightened awareness and caution. Additionally, ongoing construction projects throughout the city can result in unexpected detours, impacting rideshare routes.

While the city's layout offers convenience with a range of access points and thoroughfares, it also necessitates that rideshare drivers maintain focus to avoid mishaps. Our attorneys understand these local infrastructure challenges and factor them into building a strong case for our clients. By analyzing accident patterns and leveraging local insights, we can better argue for accountability and fair compensation. Our familiarity with Harrisburg’s roadways allows us to anticipate complications that might arise in rideshare accident claims, ensuring our clients receive the support and advocacy they need after an accident.

Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you were injured by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, it is vital to seek advice from an attorney immediately. This will ensure that your claim is filed within the time limits required by law, and calling quickly allows important evidence to be preserved. Since 1922, our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys have helped thousands of accident survivors secure the compensation they deserve. There is also no risk. Since we work on a contingent fee basis, you don’t have to pay unless we win your case.

Call our Pennsylvania Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 498-3023. We have offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hanover, Carlisle, and Schuylkill County to serve you.