What You Need to Know About Changes in Personal Injury Cases
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Millions of Americans rely on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to get to work, grocery shop, and enjoy a night out without worrying about drinking and driving.
Rideshare accidents are complicated. Unlike other vehicle accidents, they involve a commercial arrangement between the rideshare driver, passenger, and rideshare company. This affects the legal liability and insurance requirements of all the parties and can change who is financially responsible after a rideshare accident. It is important to get the advice of personal injury attorneys who are experienced in rideshare accidents and can get you the compensation you need.
Rideshare accidents are unique because of the involvement of a commercial rideshare company, like Uber or Lyft. While most car accidents involve drivers who own or lease their vehicle, a rideshare accident involves a driver, a paying passenger, and the rideshare company that manages and profits from the rideshare arrangement. The legal relationship between Uber and Lyft drivers and the rideshare companies may be unclear, which can affect their liability for an accident. Some states treat rideshare drivers as independent contractors while others treat them as employees. This means that if an accident occurs, there are at least three different parties who could be liable.
The insurance coverage and claims process with Lyft and Uber accidents can also be more complex than a standard car accident. There are multiple insurance policies at play – the rideshare company policy, the rideshare driver’s own policy, and the auto insurance policies of other drivers and passengers. Many states have specific insurance requirements for rideshare companies, and the companies also often have their own set of rules and regulations for drivers. The claims process after a rideshare accident can be more difficult than that following a more standard car accident, so it is important to make sure you are fully informed before filing any claims.
Rideshare accidents involve a variety of parties, including the driver of the rideshare vehicle, any passengers in the car at the time of the accident, and the company that owns or operates the rideshare service (typically Uber or Lyft). Depending on where the accident occurs, other parties such as pedestrians, cyclists, and third-party drivers may also be involved. Additionally, the insurance carriers that may be responsible for covering any claims in a rideshare accident vary depending on who is at fault and the type of coverage each party has. It is important to understand who is liable in order to ensure you receive all the compensation to which you may be entitled after an accident occurs.
The rideshare driver is responsible for driving safely, as is any driver on Pennsylvania roads. Uber and Lyft drivers usually use their own vehicles, and if an accident occurs, their own insurer or the rideshare company’s insurer could be involved.
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, must now carry accident insurance in Pennsylvania. The laws surrounding rideshare companies are different in each state, and you should get advice from a rideshare accident lawyer in your state if you are injured in a rideshare accident.
Rideshare accidents may be the fault of other drivers in the accident. If a rideshare passenger is injured, there may then be a dispute about whether the rideshare driver or company is liable to the paying passenger, or the at-fault driver. In some situations, multiple parties or insurers might have some responsibility or liability following an accident.
In Pennsylvania, there are minimum insurance requirements for rideshare companies and drivers. The rideshare company’s insurance only covers accidents that happen when the driver is logged on and driving, or waiting for, a passenger. If the rideshare driver is in an accident at any other time, it is likely that their own personal auto insurance policy will provide coverage. Therefore, when a rideshare is involved in an accident, it is important to determine whether the rideshare driver was accepting rides or not when the accident happened.
The top causes of rideshare accidents include driver negligence, inexperience, distracted driving, speeding, and unsafe conditions. When drivers are fatigued, not paying attention to their surroundings, or engaging in unsafe behavior, it can lead to serious collisions that can have devastating consequences for all parties involved. Poor vehicle maintenance and weather conditions can also contribute to the likelihood of an accident occurring. By understanding the most common causes of rideshare accidents, drivers can take steps to ensure their safety and that of their passengers and reduce the risk of being involved in a collision while on the road.
Rideshare accidents can result in severe and even fatal injuries for those involved. Common injuries in rideshare accidents include:
It is important to track the actual and potential medical costs associated with any injuries sustained in an accident so we can ensure you receive all the compensation yo which you are entitled.
Following a rideshare accident, it is important to take certain steps right away in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
First and foremost, it is most important to seek medical attention if you are injured or feel that you may have been injured. Call 911 if you require emergency medical assistance.
Then, gather as much information about the accident as possible, including contact information of any witnesses, photographs, and videos of the scene and damage to the vehicles involved, and details regarding who was at fault.
Finally, contact a rideshare accident attorney like Solnick Lawyers before talking to any insurance company or other parties. An attorney can advise you on how to proceed in order to ensure you receive fair compensation from an insurer or at-fault party.
Taking these steps can help reduce the stress and financial burden caused by a rideshare accident.
Compensation after a rideshare accident should cover your expenses and losses, past and future. This would include:
Some of these losses are covered by insurance but sometimes insurance will not cover all of a victim’s losses in an accident. In this situation, it may be necessary to bring a legal claim to recover all of your losses and enforce your legal rights.
Our rideshare accident team has years of experience pursuing claims for catastrophic injuries. We work hard to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve when you have been injured in a rideshare accident. Sadly, insurance companies often make inadequate compensation offers that are not enough to cover a victim’s costs into the future. We understand how to value your future medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses, and how to fight to ensure these are covered by insurance companies and at-fault parties.
Solnick Lawyers has been representing vehicle accident victims in the Greater Philadelphia area, and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, for more than 20 years. We are not intimidated by the tactics of aggressive corporations, insurance companies, or government agencies. We face them daily in negotiations and courtrooms to secure justice for our clients, and we will do the same for you. Solnick Lawyers is on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a rideshare accident and you would like to know more about your legal rights, please contact us today by calling 215-481-9979 or via our website to schedule a free consultation and case review. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain as we never charge a fee until and unless we obtain a settlement or award for you. Solnick Lawyers is on your side. Let us fight for you.
There are a variety of damages available in a Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident case. The damages to which an accident victim may be entitled vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
Damages may include:
Other types of damages may also be available. Your car accident attorney will pursue all available damages under state law.
Every state has a deadline by which personal injury claims must be filed. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is two years from the date of the accident.
Those who fail to file claims within the statute of limitations may forfeit the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver.
To ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner, you should consult an experienced Pennsylvania motor vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Whether you’ve been injured as a passenger in a rideshare service or as a third-party injured by a rideshare service, you can file a lawsuit against the company. Although the corporate structure of companies like Uber and Lyft makes it difficult to hold the companies liable, it’s likely that you will still be eligible for some type of compensation, either through the driver’s personal insurance or through the company’s insurance.
When you are injured in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, it is critical to document everything you can in the direct aftermath of the accident, which starts by reporting the incident to the police. Be sure to keep any communications between you and the driver, such as taking screenshots of any strange messages and company responses. It is also important to photograph your injuries and the scene of the accident. Finally, collect contact information and testimonials from all involved parties and witnesses.
Some steps to avoid following an accident include not speaking directly to the rideshare driver, representatives at the rideshare company, or any insurance company. These contacts may not have your best interests in mind. Also, it is beneficial to avoid posting anything related to the accident on social media, as this may hurt your case.
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