Rideshare Accidents: Navigating Uber and Lyft Claims in Pennsylvania

Over the past decade, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become part of daily life for many Pennsylvanians. Whether commuting to work or getting home safely after a night out, these services are convenient, but they aren’t without risks. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, things can quickly become complicated for passengers, drivers, and third parties alike.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and a lot of unanswered questions. We’re here to help guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare collisions can happen under a wide range of circumstances. You could be a passenger inside the vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or even another driver hit by an Uber or Lyft. No matter the role you played in the crash, what sets these accidents apart is the complexity of liability.

Unlike taxi drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This allows the companies to distance themselves from responsibility, making it more challenging to file a direct claim.

Pennsylvania’s Rideshare Landscape

Rideshare services are regulated in Pennsylvania under the state’s Transportation Network Companies (TNC) law, which includes specific insurance requirements that vary depending on the driver's status at the time of the crash. These regulations are meant to protect passengers and third parties, but they can also create confusion about who pays what.

If you're involved in a rideshare accident in Philadelphia or anywhere else in the state, it’s crucial to understand how these insurance layers apply to your situation.

Who Is Responsible in a Rideshare Crash?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends largely on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. There are three main scenarios:

1. Driver is off-duty (not logged into the app):
   The driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage in this case.
2. Driver is available but hasn’t accepted a ride:
   The rideshare company provides limited liability coverage:
   • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
   • $100,000 per accident
   • $25,000 for property damage
3. Driver is en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip:
   Uber and Lyft offer $1 million in liability coverage, which also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and contingent collision coverage.

Navigating these tiers can be confusing, especially when multiple parties or insurers are involved. That's why having experienced legal representation can be critical.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident

Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, the actions you take immediately after the crash can impact your case. If you’re able, here’s what we recommend:

• Call 911 and report the accident to the police.
• Seek medical attention, even if you think you’re fine. Some injuries develop slowly.
• Take photos and videos of the scene, including damage, injuries, and traffic signals.
• Get the rideshare driver’s information, and confirm their status at the time of the accident.
• Collect witness statements and contact information.
• Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.

We understand how stressful these moments can be. You shouldn’t have to worry about legal technicalities while you’re focused on recovery.

Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation or therapy costs
• Property damage

In the case of severe injury or permanent disability, your compensation may be significantly higher, especially if your ability to work or live independently has been impacted.

Challenges With Uber and Lyft Claims

Uber and Lyft have extensive insurance coverage, but that doesn’t mean they make it easy to get compensated. Because their drivers are independent contractors, the companies often try to deny liability altogether. Insurance companies also have their own legal teams working to reduce or deny claims.

These tactics can leave injured parties feeling frustrated, intimidated, or simply exhausted. We’re here to even the playing field. With experience handling rideshare cases in Pennsylvania, a rideshare accident attorney is going to know how to build strong claims, negotiate aggressively, and, if necessary, take your case to court.

Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

However, we encourage clients to act quickly. The sooner we can begin gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses, the stronger your claim is likely to be.

How We Can Help

We know that being involved in a rideshare accident can throw your entire life off track. Medical appointments, financial stress, and physical pain are a lot to carry. You don’t have to face this alone.

At Edelstein, Martin & Nelson, we have the experience and skill needed to handle complex rideshare claims. We’ll investigate every detail of your case, identify all possible sources of compensation, and fight for your rights at every step.

We’re proud to represent injury victims across Pennsylvania, and we’re available 24/7 to take your call. There’s no fee unless we win, and your consultation is 100% free, so there’s no risk in reaching out.

Schedule a call today at 888-630-4409. Let’s talk about your case, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.