Any type of car accident can cause devastating injuries, leaving you with heavy financial losses and ongoing challenges. Rideshare accidents, however, can prove even more complicated, in part because of the challenges related to Uber and Lyft insurance coverage.
After a rideshare accident in Scranton, Piazza Law Group can help you navigate the challenges ahead. Our family-owned firm includes attorneys who were born in the community and fight for the community, making sure you understand your options and rights at every stage of the claim process.
Navigating Rideshare Accidents in Scranton
Protecting your rights after an accident with a rideshare driver in Scranton starts the moment the accident occurs. Whether you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, a pedestrian injured in a collision with a rideshare vehicle, or a driver or passenger in another vehicle, the actions you take can have a huge impact on your ability to recover compensation.
Start by reporting the accident and waiting for the police to arrive. You should not leave the scene of the accident unless you need to seek immediate medical care. Take photos of the accident scene, any injuries, and all relevant documentation, including the driver’s license and insurance information.
When the police arrive, give an accurate report of what occurred without speculating. If you did not see what happened, do not guess. Finally, seek medical care for any injuries, even if you do not think they are serious, and keep copies of all medical records.
Once you are ready to file a claim, work with an attorney to ensure that communications with the insurance company fairly represent your losses and needs. A Scranton rideshare accident lawyer can help protect your right to compensation while navigating the complexities of a rideshare accident.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare drivers face unique distractions and pressures that can increase the likelihood of a crash. Unlike traditional drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers must frequently interact with mobile apps, GPS systems, and passenger requests while operating a vehicle.
Common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving caused by rideshare apps
- GPS and navigation distractions
- Driver fatigue from extended driving hours
- Speeding to complete rides quickly
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Inexperienced rideshare drivers
- Unsafe passenger pickups and drop-offs
- Driving in unfamiliar areas
Determining the cause of a rideshare accident is an important part of establishing liability and identifying available insurance coverage. Our firm conducts thorough investigations to uncover the evidence needed to support your claim.
Common Injuries After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Uber and Lyft accidents can result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, another motorist, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, the forces involved in a crash can cause life-changing harm.
Piazza Law Group represents victims suffering from:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Neck Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Herniated Discs
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Organ Damage
- Severe Lacerations and Scarring
- Permanent Disabilities
- Wrongful Death
Our legal team works with medical professionals and experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and pursue compensation that reflects both your current and future needs.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
Victims injured in Uber and Lyft accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The value of a rideshare accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and the long-term impact the accident has on your life.
Compensation may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Hospital bills and emergency treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medication expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Our attorneys calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
How Does Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Work After an Accident?
Rideshare platforms have insurance systems that change based on the driver’s status. Getting into an accident with a rideshare driver does not always mean that you have access to the full policy created by those providers.
- App off: The rideshare platform’s insurance policy does not apply, requiring injured parties to claim through the driver’s personal insurance.
- App on, but waiting: Rideshare companies offer limited coverage, though personal insurance may provide additional coverage with a specific policy rider or endorsement.
- Active ride or enroute to pick up: Uber and Lyft provide higher coverage limits after a ride is accepted, offering substantial potential compensation to victims.
An attorney understands the different coverage available, how it can impact your claim, and how to navigate interactions with the insurance company to best increase your odds of recovering fair compensation.
Preserving Digital Evidence and Securing Compensation After a Crash
Digital evidence yields vital crash details. Real-time GPS logs location, timestamps document key trip events, and Event Data Recorders (EDRs), or dash camera footage, capture braking, acceleration, and steering input to show how the driver operated the vehicle before the crash. Additional Evidence that has been used to secure compensation after a crash include, witness statements, police reports and cell phone records.
As a passenger involved in a crash, you may not have access to the full data from the crash, but you can collect several pieces of it. Before closing the app, screenshot the active trip screen to capture details about the ride, location, driver, and vehicle. Save the emailed receipt, and screenshot all crash-related texts, emails, and notifications.
An attorney can also request the other information collected by the rideshare company after the crash, providing deeper insight into all the factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Experience Where It Counts: Why Choose Piazza Law Group for Your Claim
Throughout the Scranton and Northeastern PA area, many people are highly reliant on rideshare services. Unfortunately, many of them are left unsure of their next steps when an accident occurs.
Piazza Law Group represents rideshare accident victims throughout Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City, Pittston, Dunmore, Clarks Summit, and communities across Lackawanna County and Luzerne County.
Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of rideshare accident cases, including determining driver status, identifying available insurance coverage, preserving app-based evidence, and negotiating with multiple insurance companies.
If you've suffered injuries in an accident, Piazza Law Group has the experience you need where it counts. Start your claim and consultation today with our experienced local attorneys.
What should I do after an Uber or Lyft accident?
After an Uber or Lyft accident, seek medical attention immediately, report the collision to law enforcement, take photos of the accident scene, gather contact information from all involved parties, and preserve any trip information from the Uber or Lyft app. Before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting a settlement offer, consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can protect your rights and evaluate your claim.
Who pays for injuries after a rideshare accident?
The party responsible for paying for injuries after a rideshare accident depends on the rideshare driver's status at the time of the crash. Coverage may come from the driver's personal insurance policy, Uber or Lyft's insurance coverage, or another at-fault driver's insurer. Determining which policy applies often requires a detailed investigation of the driver's app activity and the circumstances of the collision.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident?
In most cases, Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which can make direct claims against the companies more complex. However, injured victims may still be entitled to compensation through Uber or Lyft's insurance policies. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can determine all available sources of recovery and identify whether additional parties may be liable.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a rideshare accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. Because every case is unique, it is important to have an attorney review your situation and calculate the full extent of your damages before accepting a settlement offer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law generally limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a rideshare accident. Missing important deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation. Because exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of the case, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
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